Way back in 1986, the Harvard Business Review was singing the praises of Just In Time (JIT) inventory, a then-new strategy based on the success of Japanese manufacturing. Since then, the supply chain has evolved in countless ways, transforming how businesses view the nuances of production and inventory management. Yet that Harvard Business Review article’s headline is just as relevant today as in the mid-1980s: What’s Your Excuse For Not Using JIT?
Read MoreTopics: e-commerce packaging, fulfillment, packaging solutions, supply chain cost management, 3pl solutions, sustainability, packaging trends, featured
According to the Harvard Business Review, more than 30,000 new products are launched in the U.S. each year—each requiring packaging in some way, shape or form. Although packaging strategies are as varied as the sheer scope of product types available to consumers, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some common ground. If you’re looking to launch a new product and need packaging or simply want to improve your existing strategy, use these top factors of high-quality packaging to ensure your product is positioned for success.
Read MoreTopics: packaging company, custom retail packaging, e-commerce packaging, packaging engineer, packaging solutions, sustainability, craft beer packaging, packaging trends
No matter your industry or sector, proper inventory is crucial to your business’ success. With a streamlined inventory management process, your customers get the right orders at the right time—every time. But when the process breaks down, it can delay orders, cause your customers to jump ship and, ultimately, cost your company significant revenue. If you’ve ever misjudged your inventory volume requirements, you know how painful it can be to have critical cash flow tied up in more product than you need.
Read MoreTopics: e-commerce packaging, fulfillment, packaging solutions, supply chain cost management, 3pl solutions, sustainability, packaging trends, featured
It’s conventional wisdom that the best products answer a clear customer need. The same can be said for packaging. As consumer preferences continue to shift, packaging strategies must evolve with them to stay relevant and appealing to customers. Given that packaging plays a key role in purchasing decisions, reflecting their desires in your strategy is just plain good business.
Read MoreTopics: custom retail packaging, e-commerce packaging, packaging solutions, sustainability, packaging trends
When most people think about packaging, the first things that come to mind are the design that compels you to buy or the moment you unbox your product. But in reality, the packaging development process is a lot more complex than that. Behind every memorable packaging experience is a team of engineers who use their expertise to craft customized solutions.
Read MoreTopics: custom retail packaging, e-commerce packaging, packaging engineer, packaging solutions, sustainability, packaging trends
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important decision-making factor for consumers. Not surprisingly, these shifting customer preferences are shaking up how businesses approach their products at every stage—from development to engineering and finally packaging. In the world of packaging solutions, we’ve seen a monumental movement away from single-use plastic in favor of environmentally friendly materials, minimalist designs and, in the latest development, packaging that can be reused.
Read MoreTopics: Food Packaging, custom retail packaging, e-commerce packaging, packaging solutions, sustainability, packaging trends
The snack food industry is growing rapidly, but that doesn’t mean consumers are buying more snacks. Instead, they’re spending more on snacks that come with bigger price tags and bigger perceived benefits. One of the key drivers of increased consumer spending? The rise of healthy snacks, fueled by mindful eaters seeking out premium ingredients and wholesome nutrition.
Read MoreTopics: Food Packaging, snack food packaging, packaging solutions, packaging trends
From imaginative brews to eye-catching labels, craft beer has never been short on creativity. But as the industry heats up—75% of the new beer products hitting shelves in 2017 were craft beer—the competition for consumer buy-in has never been more contentious.
Read MoreTopics: Beverage Packaging, craft beer packaging, craft beer packaging trends, packaging trends
With the year quickly approaching the halfway point, now is the ideal time to pause and take stock of the packaging trends shaping the landscape. From automation to sustainability, this year’s trends are redefining the role of packaging and fulfillment in a brand’s success story.
Read MoreTopics: custom retail packaging, Flexible Packaging, packaging automation, fulfillment, ecommerce, packaging supply chain, packaging solutions, supply chain cost management, sustainability, packaging trends
Trader Joe’s just announced a plan to cut one million pounds of single-use plastic from its stores. Earlier this year, Nestlé rolled out its first efforts to eliminate single-use plastic, starting with removing plastic straws and shifting products like Nesquik from plastic to paper packaging. It plans to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
A few short years ago, these might have sounded like audacious goals. But in today’s food and beverage landscape, sustainable packaging has quickly shifted from “nice to have” to a “must-have.”
Read MoreTopics: packaging solutions, sustainability, packaging trends