7 Ways to Reduce Your Packaging Costs
7 Ways to Reduce Packaging Costs
You could save on the cost of packaging – here’s Springpack’s top tips on how to reduce your packaging costs:
Order products in bulk
If you know what packaging supplies you will need, when, and in what quantity, why not discover the many advantages of ordering in bulk. You can make significant and consistent savings, without ever compromising on the quality of the materials you are purchasing. Plus you’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t ever have any shortages.
Ordering your products in bulk can also save you significantly on carriage costs, as many manufacturers or suppliers offer carriage discounts.
Order for next day
Whilst ordering in bulk can save you money on delivery, keeping a lean packaging process can, too! It’s all about operational efficiency & striking the perfect balance. Ordering ‘just in time’ deliveries, you can make sure you only order exactly what you need at that time. It also means that space isn’t going to be taken up by packaging supplies that aren’t even needed yet and will make the packaging process easier for workers.
Here at Springpack, we are proud to offer stockholding facilities to our customers, meaning they can order on demand and recieve their essential packaging products on time, reducing stock outages and admin.
Minimise packing time
Damage prevention
Damage could well be the hidden cost of your packaging.
Damaged goods can lead to returns, replacement requests and stock being written off. This will harm your brand reputation and how the consumer perceives you. Luckily, there are proactive steps you can take to avoid damage and theft. Such as using tamper-evident security tape and labels to communicate how a package should be treated.
For example, is the load fragile? Should it always be kept the same way up? Does it contain glass? Effective labelling can make all the difference to how your products are handled throughout the chain.
Cost-effective delivery
Using less packaging doesn’t necessarily mean you are risking the safety of a load.
You can cut shipping costs by using a lighter and more effective void fill, such as bubble wrap or foam , that also doubles up as excellent protection. We have all seen a small product arrive in an unnecessarily large box, which inevitably fills up the recipient’s recycling bin. Not only is this ineffective, but it’s also wasteful. It’s also costing the sender more money to post! Measure the product you are packing for accuracy and choose appropriate packaging, whether that be a box, bag or envelope. Swapping your standard stretch film for a higher quality alternative is also an effective way to reduce the weight. Less film will be used, without impacting the integrity of the wrap.
Select the perfect materials
Ensuring that the packaging you choose is right for the product is essential, not only to protect the product but also to reduce the amount of excess waste being produced, reducing your environmental impact.
Selecting packaging that is the right size, shape and material is the most protective and efficient way to transport your goods. Switching to a custom cardboard box can save you money and materials, but so can switching from a box to a padded bag.
No matter how unusual the item is, springpack will find you a bespoke packaging solution, and we have a range of products including pallet wrap , tape, box inserts and padded bags that can all be personalised and tailored to your requirements.
Other Key Material Factors to consider:
Custom packaging:
Custom packaging has increased in demand over the last few years, as many companies value adding their branding to their packaging, or using better sized packaging by creating custom packaging. Using a custom box that fits the product perfectly can bring both packaging and shipping costs down.
Packaging Design
Packaging design plays a huge part in your packaging. Ask yourself the following questions:
Do you want to use sustainable packaging materials?
What do you need to package?
What type of packaging do you want to use?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start looking into your business’s demands for packaging, and start designing your packaging process. A well planned process will help you save money.
Value for Money
Price increases are not uncommon within the packaging industry. A great way to avoid unexpected unit cost increases is by locking into a call-off or supplier agreement. This can ensure you will be paying an agreed price for your packaging materials for a guaranteed length of time.
Protection from packaging
Your packaging needs to protect your products, and there are lots of different types of protective packaging to choose from, but different products require different levels of protection. Fabrics require little to no protective packaging, so can be dispatched in a mailing bag, but a vase will require shock absorption and void fill materials to keep it safe during transit. The products you’re packaging need to be considered, as not every solution works for every product.
Ensuring your products arrive in tip-top condition is a great way of reducing your overall costs, as you are reducing breakages and returns.
Customer Satisfaction
Well designed packaging can increase brand loyalty, as the outer box, bag or pallet your products are delivered on are the first impression your customer gets. Over sized, tatty or dirty packaging does not look good to the customer, and if the products arrive damaged, too? Your customer may look elsewhere next time.
On the other hand, a well-presented package in a nicely designed box, or a neat and tidy pallet, will go a long way to retaining customers. Satisfied customers are repeat customers, so whilst this is not directly linked to reducing your packaging spend, it is still a key thing to consider.
Book your free Operational Review
Working out the best packaging for your budget sounds like a lot of juggling, doesn’t it?
There’s a better way of working out the best packaging for your budget. Did you know that Springpack offer a Free Packaging Review?
We will evaluate your packaging process, and make recommendations based on your requirements. Whether you need custom product packaging made from sustainable materials, or reduce the carbon footprint of your logistics operations, A Springpack Packaging works to tailor your packaging process to your needs.
One of the key advantages of foam rolls is their ability to conform to the shape of the product they are protecting. This custom-fit feature ensures maximum surface area protection, keeping your items safe from scratches, dents, and other common types of damage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the average cost of sustainable packaging, Is sustainable packaging more expensive than traditional packaging?
The average cost of sustainable packaging varies on the packaging products you require, but note that a plastic product that does not conform to the Plastic Packaging Tax can cost you more in the long run, than the eco friendly alternative would have cost to begin with.
To learn more about the plastic packaging tax, why not read our guide?
How Much Does Packaging Cost in 2025?
Packaging varies based on what you need, it’s best to request a quote to get a price for the solution that’s right for you
What is the best packaging for Ecommerce and retail?
The best packaging for ecommerce and online retail businesses is Springpack’s Postal Plus Range, which is designed with postage in mind.
Where to buy a high quantity of boxes?
Bulk ordering a high quantity of boxes can save you money on unit price and shipping! Why not get in touch for a quote?
UK Packaging Suppliers with good supply chain
At Springpack, sustainable supply chain isn’t a buzzword – its an integral part of our business. We regularly conduct audits with our suppliers, and have a strict code of conduct that all suppliers must adhere to.
How to get good packaging prices for high demand ecommerce businesses
Getting the best priced packaging for your high demand business is vital, budgeting is key when it comes to packaging. As no two businesses are the same, it’s important to have a tailored review of your packaging process. Why not book a free operational packaging review? One of our account managers will visit you, explore your process and make recommendations based on your unique packaging requirements.
For more information on how we can help you to Reduce Your Packaging Costs, get in touch by:
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