Packaging is an important cost factor. Many companies look only at the unit price. The actual costs, however, arise in many places: material, printing, storage, packing, shipping and disposal. Looking at the whole picture reveals the biggest savings. Here are the most effective levers.
Many companies work with numerous packaging sizes that have grown over time. Each size means its own tooling, its own runs and its own storage space. Sensible standardisation reduces variants, increases quantities per size and thus lowers the unit price. The goal is the right balance: as few sizes as possible, with as good a fit as necessary.
Several variants with the same construction and material can often be produced together. Planning annual demand instead of many individual orders also lowers costs, because set-up costs occur less often. More in our article Small or large print run.
Is the board stronger than necessary? Would recycled board be enough instead of virgin fibre board? Careful material selection saves money without compromising protection or appearance. More in our article How to reduce packaging material.
A finished logo often has as much impact as an all-over finish, but costs considerably less. Check which finishes really contribute to the effect.
The cheapest box to produce is not always the cheapest overall. A crash-lock base costs slightly more in production but can be erected in seconds. For large quantities, this saves a lot of packing time. Conversely, a simple tuck-in base can be the more economical choice for small quantities.
Packaging that is too weak becomes expensive when products arrive damaged. Replacement deliveries, returns and dissatisfied customers often cost more than slightly sturdier packaging.
Under the German Packaging Act, you pay licence fees for packaging placed on the market, based on material and weight. Less material and easily recyclable mono-materials have a direct effect here. More in our article Packaging Act and LUCID.
Rush jobs are expensive when express production or short-notice material sourcing becomes necessary. Planning early leaves room for manoeuvre on material and schedule. More in our article How to plan a successful packaging project.
Every intermediate stage in the supply chain costs margin. Ordering directly from the manufacturer saves trade mark-ups and gives you a direct contact for technical questions. With us there is no middleman: printing, die-cutting and gluing take place in our own plant.
Our article What factors determine the price of packaging? explains the individual price factors. Send us your current packaging and quantities. We will show you where savings are possible and send you a binding fixed-price quote within 24 hours.
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