{"id":1559,"date":"2020-10-12T19:58:38","date_gmt":"2020-10-12T23:58:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/?p=1559"},"modified":"2025-01-02T07:01:54","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T12:01:54","slug":"reduce-packaging-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/blog\/reduce-packaging-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Ways to Reduce Packaging Costs: Thinking Outside the Box"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for ways to <\/span>reduce packaging costs while increasing profits<\/b>, you’re in luck. There are several ways to help trim the costs of packaging <\/span>without sacrificing quality<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Millions and millions of packages are shipped each year and wasteful packaging puts an extra burden on our already strained waste management and recycling systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s take a closer look at ways that you can reduce packaging costs <\/span>while still staying true to your brand<\/span><\/i>, providing a unique experience to your customers, and increasing your profit margins. <\/span><\/p>\n

Which Factors Cause Higher Packaging Costs?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The cost of materials isn’t the only thing that adds to packaging expenses. Most notably, the things that contribute to high packaging costs include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Inadequate material storage and poor design of packaging lines:<\/b> When packing materials are poorly stored, they can cause a domino effect that gums up the processing, shipping, fulfillment and much more.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Long packaging processing times:<\/b> The longer it takes to process the packaging, <\/span>the more the costs add up<\/span><\/i>. Even automating some of the packaging process by sourcing your packaging fulfillment to an experienced company can help you save money by putting your <\/span>packaging design<\/span><\/a> in the hands of experts who know how to create packages that take these points into consideration. Check out our top <\/span>packaging design tips<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>inspiration<\/span><\/a> to get a better idea of what to consider during the design process.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Paying extra for box dimensions rather than product dimensions: <\/b>Why pay for packaging when you don’t maximize the use of the space you’re given? Oftentimes, in a rush to get a product shipped, <\/span>brands will pay for the box dimensions instead of the package dimensions<\/span><\/i>, adding considerable costs to their order fulfillment. Instead, pay only for exactly what your products need. Compared to standardized packaging options, <\/span>custom boxes<\/span><\/a> save you money<\/span> by eliminating the waste and cost of unnecessary space.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Packaging materials that provide inefficient support and allow the product to be damaged: <\/b>For example, if your product will be transported through harsh weather conditions, is the packaging designed to stand the onslaught of rain, snow, heat or even pests?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Increasing Efficiency by Improving the Storage of Packaging Materials\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    \"packaging<\/p>\n

    Of course, as your business and product line grow, so too will the amount of packaging materials you need. Fortunately, there are a variety of materials available and countless variations within each type of material. The organization of this material and proper grouping of like items together can help trim costs and speed up efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    In addition, packaging materials that are not used as frequently can be grouped together on the chance that those items are needed from time to time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    By streamlining similar products together in your inventory, you will naturally create a ripple effect across the entire business — <\/span>reducing the administrative workload and improving (re)order fulfillment as well<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Read our <\/span>definitive guide to custom boxes and branded packaging<\/span><\/a> to learn more about what types of materials to choose for your specific needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ask Yourself These Key Questions as You Work to Optimize Your Packaging<\/b><\/h2>\n

    As you streamline your inventory and processes, this is also a great time to look at your current product packaging and consider ways in which it could be further optimized. For example:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n