Packaging plays a vital role in your parts production. And while the role of packaging is multi-faceted, it no more important purpose than protecting your goods and making sure they reach the end user in perfect condition.
Packaging is used to contain, protect, to preserve and to provide information. It carries considerable responsibility under normal circumstance, but OEM parts packaging has other requirements that it must meet, that are directed by other parties.
OEM parts packaging takes on an entirely different need than other types of packaging. Depending on who you are sending your parts to and their requirements you may be faced with dealing with strict packaging guidelines. For example, GM outlines the following when it comes to directives for their suppliers and OEM parts packaging:
“Parts that are excessively packaged, above the necessary level for part protection, may be subject to a PRR. Bulk parts should be shipped in packages that are proportionally sized to the part(s) being shipped. Minimize void space within containers to maximize cube utilization of containers.”
And that is only a very small part of what one manufacturer requires. The full document contains 36 packages full of packaging requirements.
OEM parts packaging come with a range of requirements that must be addressed, in many cases different manufacturer’s have different requirements. Your first step in meeting the “best practices” is consulting with your receiver to see what they require.
OEM Parts Packaging In All Cases
Regardless of who you are shipping to there are some very basic guidelines that every enterprise agrees upon:
- Protection is critical
- Environmental considerations are important
- Ease of use is vital
- Sustainable packaging is a must
Everyone wants their parts to arrive in pristine condition. The right OEM parts packaging will protect your parts and ensure that they arrive at their destination in pristine condition. Protection for your parts while maintaining environmental considerations is also just about always an expectation.
Environmental Considerations for OEM Parts Packaging
Environmental considerations are incredibly important. As a manufacturer you are faced with a balancing act of sorts. You must be able to protect your product but do it with minimal packaging to reduce waste.
The fact is tons and tons of packaging waste fill the landfills and corporate entities around the globe are doing their part to contain it. Additionally, there are regulations in place in most developed countries that outline good practices when it comes to packaging.
In the EU the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) outlines “Producer responsibility arrangements are in place throughout Europe, introducing measures relating to the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution caused by waste and the management of packaging and packaging waste.” Most recipients of OEM parts want to ensure that their suppliers are in line with these requirements, simply because being out of line with these requirements can mar the OEM supplier’s reputation.
How do you manage the balance between protection and reduction of packaging? You consult with a packaging expert that has bespoke solutions ready for your specific packaging needs. Customizing your packaging is one of the best ways to ensure that you are meeting manufacturer expectations while meeting code requirements, while protecting your goods.
Balancing your budget needs, of course, is another issue that must be addressed when it comes to best practices. It is great if you can meet all the guidelines set forth by your receiver and the regulatory bodies, but you should not have to compromise your budget to do it.
Choosing a company that specializes in OEM package design and development that also offers fair competitive pricing requires that you shop around and compare your options. You do not want to necessarily go for the lowest price. You want to choose a company that delivers value. Value when it comes to packaging means that the packaging checks off the list of requirements nicely, and that it is made using quality materials and is in the range of affordability for your designated packaging budget.
Let’s take a closer look at what environmentally friendly packaging really is:
- It generates less waste
- It is sourced from sustainable materials
- It can be reused in many cases
It sounds like a tall order, to be able to fully protect your product while generating less waste, but it is very possible with the right packaging company. There are very clear benefits to choosing environmentally friendly packaging that go beyond the scope of benefiting the environment and meeting regulatory requirements.
Environmentally conscious packaging can mean cost savings to you. It can also mean less time wasted cleaning up unnecessary packaging waste. The fact is that packaging that is designed specifically for your OEM products may come with a higher price on the outset, but those costs will be recouped almost immediately in the reduction of unnecessary packaging and waste.
OEM Parts Packaging Ease of Use
It is vital that your packaging is easy and safe to use. That means that both your warehouse workers and the receiving part warehouse workers will not have to use special tools or equipment to manage your packaging and they will not need any special training to manage your packaging.
Simple is always best, especially when it comes to safety. Complex packaging systems increase the possibility of workplace injuries. Keeping your packaging simple will ensure that your goods can move through the supply chain safely and without impediment.
What is Sustainable OEM Parts Packaging?
Sustainable packaging is sourced from raw materials that can easily be renewed and that does not take tons of energy to create.
Can You Find the Balance?
Basically, your packaging must keep everyone happy, be cost effective, protective and easy to use while it also considers the environment. It can be a challenge to find solutions that tick off the entire list, but it can be done.
You need someone in your corner that specializes in packaging that also keeps up with the latest trends and requirements so that you do not have too. The best practice for OEM packaging is to find someone that specializes in it!
Submitted by Boxaroundtheworld.com.