Right-size packaging minimizes waste by tailoring each package to its contents, reducing costs, DIM weight charges, and environmental impact.
Sustainability is reshaping the packaging industry, and automation is key to scaling up without sacrificing efficiency. In this second part of our series on sustainable packaging, we explore right-size packaging—a critical component for businesses striving to meet both operational and environmental goals.
What is Right-Size Packaging?
Right-size packaging uses technology to tailor each package to the exact size of its contents, minimizing waste. When a right-sized package is created, it’s optimized to fit the contents as closely as possible, minimizing excess material and wasted space. Smaller, right-sized packages mean lower shipping and dimensional (DIM) weight charges. When shipping a right-sized package, as volume increases so do the savings.
The new fitPACK500™ from Tension leads the charge in right-size packaging technology, offering a scalable solution that adjusts package length, width, and height automatically. With the ability to create 10-20 packages per minute, it delivers not only sustainability but also speed and cost savings.
Sustainability Benefits of Right-Size Packaging Systems:
Right-sizing packaging systems can reduce shipping costs through design efficiencies, but this technology can also decrease environmental impacts in a way that carries sustainability benefits throughout the supply chain:
- More Truck Space: fitPACK500 creates packages, deflates air, and labels them in one seamless operation—without sacrificing speed. Less space is needed to transport the smaller, more compact packages created with the right-size packaging technology, allowing a larger number of packages to be loaded on a truck for shipment.
- Lower Emissions: Because right-size packaging technology allows for a larger number of packages to be included on a truck for shipment, less fuel is needed and eventually this means fewer vehicles on the road.
- Sustainable Returns: Customers appreciate receiving packages that are appropriate in size and not overfilled with fillers or empty space. Plus, right-size packaging with included adhesive strips that convert the package into a return package can further help reduce emissions as more space is provided for other return packages in the truck.
Who Needs Right-Size Packaging Systems?
eCommerce businesses in sectors like fashion, electronics, and home goods can all benefit from right-size packaging. In states like New Jersey, where legislation may soon require better-sized packaging, these systems provide an immediate solution. They’re particularly valuable for businesses shipping a wide variety of item sizes, such as 3PL and drop shippers, helping to reduce both costs and waste.
Let’s Talk Packaging
Sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective—right-size packaging is the future of order fulfillment. Explore the benefits of fitPACK500™ by contacting a Tension expert today to request a personalized demo.