The increasing demand for packaging, driven mainly driven by the ever-expanding e-commerce sector, has fostered the profitability of secondary packaging product providers during the past few years. As end-users are on a constant lookout for sturdy and ‘transport-friendly’ packaging solutions, manufacturers are introducing innovative secondary packaging rigid containers along with primary packaging solutions.
Collapsible rigid containers have emerged as an effective secondary packaging alternative on account of their cost-efficiency and ease of handling. Also referred to as foldable containers, collapsible rigid containers are well-engineered with an ability to collapse in several folds, thereby reducing the space utilized when not in use.
Achieving Cost Savings in Logistics & Transportation with Collapsible Rigid Container Offerings
Foldable or collapsible rigid containers are gaining popularity among end-users as they aid in minimizing the logistics cost, mainly because they can be transported in bulk when not in use. Managing the cost of these empty containers becomes a much easier task for end-users as collapsible rigid containers utilize much lesser space as compared to conventionally used containers.
Manufacturers of foldable or collapsible rigid containers are bringing next-gen offerings to the market that can help end-users to optimize their logistics costs and manage empty containers more effectively. For instance, PT Semen Indonesia Logistik (Silog) has recently announced that it will collaborate with PT Pelindo Marine Service to produce mini containers that can aid in reducing the cost of transportation and preventing the goods from damage. The company further declared that the mini foldable containers can be easily dismantled after transporting goods and transported even in the truck, thereby reducing the cost of logistics incurred on transporting empty cargos.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions Shape the Future of Packaging Industry
Increasing awareness regarding the safety of goods during transport and the end-user preference for sustainable packaging solutions has greatly influenced the packaging sector. Manufacturers of packaging containers, crates, and other products are expanding their product portfolio to align with the changing end-user preferences. Moreover, the need for optimized consumption of space and economy are further boosting the need for effective packaging solutions in the form of foldable and collapsible rigid containers.
New product offerings such as those offered by a returnable transit packaging supplier—Schoeller Allibert, reflect a ‘greener’ vision for the packaging sector. Serving a plethora of sectors, the company has introduced several new products over the last two year for eight end-use industries ranging from beer crates to foldable containers.
‘Zero Waste’ Strategy Put to Action
Apart from achieving sustainability in the supply chain, the packaging sector has also witnessed the emergence of the ‘zero waste’ trend. Thereby, packaging industry players are aiming to introduce foldable and returnable packaging solutions that can aid in waste reduction in logistics operations. For example, DS Smith Plastics recently launched its new product Fillbee®, a returnable four or six-pack, for the beverage packaging industry. The company declared that it is a ‘zero waste returnable pack’ that protects the product and enables companies to lead a sustainable business by reducing supply chain and product waste.
DS Smith Plastics also designed the AkyPak Reusable & Foldable Bulk Containers line recently, which the company claims to help end-users at optimizing costs pertaining to logistics management. As the product is composed of a customizable sleeve for optimization of cargos, which is folded in between the pallet and lid and shipped flat, it can reduce the cost of returned logistics and transportation.
Also, another manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging solutions – Macro Plastics recently launched a plastic folding pallets bin—EuroBin 1210 with a recyclable collapsible rigid container, which is mainly designed for the automotive supply chain. The company claims that this product reduces the environmental footprint with its 100 percent recyclability and high-quality performance throughout the lifecycle.
The continual advancements in the packaging sector would further strengthen the collapsible rigid containers landscape, wherein end users could expect more application-specific revolutions in the foreseeable future.
Plastic Collapsible Rigid Containers to Remain the Most Favored Choice among End Users
While collapsible rigid containers are manufactured using a wide range of materials, including metals, woods, and others, the plastic variant is expected to be a favorite among end users. Easy handling due to its lightweight nature, cost-effectiveness, and durability of plastic collapsible rigid containers continue to influence end-users’ preferences.
Thereby, most manufacturers of collapsible rigid containers are likely to adopt strategies to introduce new plastic-based collapsible rigid containers in the market to be in-line with end-users’ demand. For example, the plastic pallet box introduced by SmartFlow is one such innovation that offers significant space optimization in warehouses and carriage on the back of its foldable design, and further offers cost reduction in transportation.
The foldable Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are expected to witness strong demand growth on account of their space and cost efficiency, convenient handling benefits, as well as their aptness for bulk packaging of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals or liquids. In addition, the newest introduction in the foldable IBC space—Schoeller Allibert’s Combo Excelsior was designed to meet the current requirements of industries such as cosmetics, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
These insights are based on a report titled “Collapsible Rigid Containers Market” by Future Market Insights (FMI).