Packaging is an essential part of the process of distributing products in the supply chain from the producer to the consumer. The vital role this process plays can determine the profitability and value chain that an organization intends to achieve. This value is because whether transporting perishable or non-perishable, fragile or compact goods, it is paramount to maintain caution so that the product reaches the final consumer safely. In this respect, different shipping methods like paper-based, wooden-based, and plastic-based containers are vital to maintaining safety of goods in transit. In the distribution channel, the methods mentioned are more common due to their various attributes concerning the product in transit. This essay aims at comparing and contrasting the advantages and disadvantages of paper- based shipping container, a wood-based shipping container and a plastic-based shipping container for use as a distribution package that is non-retail shipping package.
Paper-Based Shipping Containers
Paper-based packaging is essential in the economy through different employment opportunities that it provides. In the United States, this industry employs over 400,000 people, with sales of up to $115 billion annually (paper-based packaging, 2017). In the distribution channel, it is vital for companies to consider various components as prices of transportation, the weight of the product among other issues in determining which type of shipping container to use. Examples of paper-based containers are; paperboard (boxboard), corrugated boxes, paper bags and multiwall packaging sacks. Products like fruits, carton juices, cement, cereals among other use paper packaging
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First, paper-based containers are environmentally friendly. With the world moving towards more eco-friendly products that are readily recyclable, these shipping containers fulfill that obligation. For example, in 2016, 67.2% of all paper used in the United States, was recycled (Paper-based Packaging, 2017).
Paper-based containers are more manageable to mold in different shapes and sizes since they are also foldable. Hence, this makes the products more cost friendly compared to other shipping containers and in effect reduces the cost of transporting produce in the long-term.
Due to their lightweight nature, packaging them in a truck, for example, is more comfortable since more can fit in a limited space. Additionally, their lightness makes it easier to print on them hence it is advantageous to the producer to brand. For example, cement bags are multi-layered paper bags that contain company logos, product description among other features.
On the contrary, however, paper-based shipping has its disadvantages. One major critique of using paper is that the amount of energy used to convert trees to paper and the cutting down of trees is detrimental to the environment. However, this argument is minimal since planting more trees can curb this effect.
Secondly, paper based packaging is not water resistant. This fault exposes the packaged goods to more danger regarding durability, contamination, and breakage. Due to their light nature, paper boxes are vulnerable to exposure from other chemicals as they are not as rigid compared to wooden and plastic packaging materials.
Plastic-Based Shipping Containers
Plastic materials are more common in the packaging process and industry than other elements. Despite other aspects of paper-based technology gaining momentum, plastic remains a favorite in the industry. Due to their versatility, organizations rely on using plastic materials in the distribution channel to transport goods (Government of Alberta, 2017). Additionally, some plastic material is also recyclable and printable. Different considerations are dependent on the type of plastic a company decides to use.
Plastic materials are more durable and can withstand some pressure during the transportation process or while packaging and unpackaging goods. This medium reduces the amount of damage and spoilage of cargo.
Due to its versatility, molding of plastic to different shapes and sizes is easy. Hence, it allows for the company to determine the exact amount of space required for storing a product for longer. Its rigidity also provides for plastic to withstand external pressure and or strain. This advantage counters against paper or glass-based packaging regarding transportation. Additionally, plastic is light and flexible hence it is advantageous to firms as it is cheaper to produce and takes up less space.
Firms prefer to use different types of plastic depending on the kind of product in the package and its perishability. For example, Modified-Atmospheric Packaging (MAP) is standard for storing perishable goods and increasing their shelf life no matter the final destination, whether export or import (Design and Technology, 2017) . Due to the modified air in a plastic container, fresh meat, cheese, salads, pasta among others can stay fresh for a more extended period.
On the other hand, plastic is detrimental to the environment as not all types of plastic can be recycled. As a non-biodegradable product, organizations and governments believe it less prudent to use it. This reasoning is because plastic cause permanent damage to the ecosystem and are harmful to animals and oceans where they are mostly disposed.
Secondly, plastic materials longevity is a drawback that results in the use of alternative packaging material. Its pliability exposes it to scratches, dents hence making it difficult to reuse. Finally, when plastic materials are heated for secure sealing or laminated to give them unique properties, their durability reduces, makes it hard to print on them or recycle.
Wooden-Based Shipping Containers
Wooden-based shipping containers are widely in use for transporting goods over long distances. In determining whether to use wood crates, containers or pallets entirely depend on the product in the shipment. Wooden-based shipping is typical in large freight and bulky products making it more reliable in transit shipping.
One of the main benefit of using wood is that it is cheap to source compared to other shipping containers. As long as planting and sourcing of trees is done legally and responsibly, wood is the most economical form of moving goods in the distribution channel (Yam, 2010). From the manufacturer's view, if the number of products headed towards the wholesaler, then wooden-based ampules are more reliable.
Secondly, wooden crates offer protection and are easily stacked together in large vessels. For example, while exporting food from the Asian to the American market, most suppliers prefer this mode of packaging as it is cost effective and allows for the product to remain fresh till its destination. Additionally, customizing wood boxes and crates to one’s particular specifications is economical. This quality lets people determine how they want their end product to look like and in case its use it’s done; then one can always reassemble it with a different design.
Wooden pallets and crates are easy to maintain. In case of any damages, repairing these wooden boxes is cost friendly. Building new pallets and crates is also a lot cheaper than replacing other forms of shipping containers. Furthermore, these containers are recyclable and biodegradable. This attribute gives it and lead in comparison to other packaging material. Recycling wood produces paper and wood chips that form mulch.
However, there are disadvantages associated with using wood. First, wood is an organic material. Hence, its durability will depend on the usage since it tends to weaken and splinter over time. Consequentially, using wood as the preferred mode of packaging may end up costing more than using other alternatives like plastic.
Secondly, wood is not very hygienic. In compliance with international standards, cleaning wood is a pre-requisite as it may contain diverse species of insects and diseases. Besides, cleaning wood is not easy, and this may result in the growth of fungus and bacteria hence affecting the produce in transit (Mckeever, 2002).
In conclusion, it is vital to make specific considerations of the shipping containers to use while transporting goods from one destination to the other till it reaches the final consumer. Factors to consider like perishability, distance to cover, laws and regulations, cost-effectiveness among others are crucial in the logistics business. In retrospect, paper-based, plastic-based and wooden-based shipping containers all have their attributes that make them better than the other thus settling on a single choice is dependent on the individual interests and preferences. These leads, however, are dependent on industry practice. However, it is important to note that the world is going green and all the stakeholders in the business environment approve that using recyclable and biodegradable products are healthy for the environment. However, the packaging industry still has a long way to go to achieve all these objectives.
References
Design and Technology. (2017). BBC – GCSE. Bitesize: Labelling . Retrieved 15 Nov.2017 from http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/design/foodtech/packaginglabellingrev5.shtml
Government of Alberta. (2017). Packaging - For Product Safety and Consumer Appeal . Www1.agric.gov.ab.ca. Retrieved 15 Nov. 2017 from http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agp497.
Mckeever, D. B. (2002). Domestic Market Activity in Solid Wood Products in the United States, 1950-1998. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
Paper-Based Packaging . (2017). Afandpa.org. American Paper and Forest Association. Retrieved 15 Nov. 2017 from http://www.afandpa.org/our-products/paper-based-packaging
Yam, K. L. (2010). The Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology. New York: John Wiley & Sons
