Packaging Materials Comparison - Assignment Example

 Packaging Materials Comparison Introduction Logistical packaging is one of the major factors that critically impact on the overall productivity of logistical systems across the entire supply chain. Although nearly all distribution packages are primarily used to achieve handling, storage and transportation efficiency, there is a diverse number of different packaging materials are often used to make the shipping containers depending on the nature of the logistics. According to Twede and Parsons (1997), some of the common factors that companies consider when choosing the type of material used to make their shipping containers include the strength, weight of the packaging material as well as the value of the product being transported. Another important factor that often determines the choice of logistical packaging material is the effects of adverse conditions such as moisture, humidity, heat and pressure on the material. Consequently, it is critically essential to choose the right type of freight packaging material to ensure the success of product shipment. This paper seeks to compare and contrast the various advantages and disadvantages of paper- based shipping containers, wood-based shipping containers and plastic-based shipping containers that are commonly as distribution packages (non-retail shipping packaging). Paper-based Shipping Containers Paper based freight containers are commonly used in logistical packaging in the form of corrugated boxes or fiberboards. According to Twede and Selke (2005), paper based shipping containers are currently the most widely one-way packaging material with nearly 90% of all rigid one way freight packages in the world being made from corrugated cardboards. This is attributed to a number of advantages of paper based shipping containers one of which include the relatively low price of paper compared to logistical packaging materials. Another important advantage of paper based shipping containers over other types of freight packaging is that corrugated fiberboard is often light weight but strong enough for shipping various products. This particularly makes it the preferred packaging material for logistical systems that require light weight packaging. Lastly, paper based shipping containers involves the use of recyclable and biodegradable tools making the approach friendlier to the environment compared to other methods like plastic-base packaging (Natarajan & Govindarajan, 2009). If recycled, paper-based packaging can be transformed into other useful things like moving boxes and presentation boards. This helps to save energy since the companies produce, ship, and store or get the packages back to the paper mill. Disadvantages of Paper Shipping Containers Like many other freight packaging methods, the paper-based shipment packaging has some disadvantages associated with it. One of the drawbacks is that the processes involved in production of paper packaging could lead to pollution. According to Soroka (2002), manufacturing paper produces 80% additional greenhouse gases and also leads to consumption of about three times the quantity of water. Another disadvantage is that paper packaging is never weatherproof. For example, in the event that water gets in touch with it, the package is bound to lose its durability and it might end up damaging the contents. To attain durability, manufacturers have to make the packaging to feature double walls. Wood-based Shipping Containers Wooden freight containers are popularly used for shipping dense and heavy products such as government of military shipments. The benefits of use of wood based shipping package are based on the toughness of the product that makes it capable of providing additional protection to the contents (McKinlay, 2004). In addition, the size of wood based shipping containers can easily be modified depending on the size and nature of the shipment products. On the other hand, wood based packages are more tolerant to rough handling or harsh changes in the climatic conditions. Another important advantage is that the outside elements make it easy to carry these packages around and this also lowers the likelihood of wood falling apart during the course of shipment. Disadvantages of Wood-based shipping Containers Just like the other packing methods such as paper and plastic shipping containers, wood-based packaging also has certain disadvantages associated with it. First, wood-based shipping method is bulky in comparison with other methods such as paper. Secondly, the use of this method has the same drawback that befalls paper based shipping methods considering that it cannot sufficiently guard goods against water and moisture. Finally, the wood used for shipping could contain invasive or unwanted species of wood-based parasites that might be transferred from one state to the other (Natarajan & Govindarajan, 2009). This has the implication that an additional treatment cost might be encountered prior to transportation. Plastic-based Shipping Containers Although it was not until recently that plastics became available for shipment containers, they are increasingly being used for the shipment of a wide range of products and are even capable of replacing other packaging materials due to their many benefits. The use of this packaging method seems to be more widespread of recent. This is particularly based on the ability of this mode to handle the perishable items in the best way possible during transportation. Plastic packaging also features varied sizes thus making the processes of wrapping or loading inside the ships and trailers more convenient (Tolinski, 2012). Again, the plastic packages are better positioned in view of their ability to bear the presence of water during transportation compared to wood or paper based transport packaging. For this reason, they are deemed to last longer than the paper based packaging. Disadvantages of Plastic Freight Packaging Despite the numerous benefits in plastic based packaging that have contributed to the widespread use, this approach also has certain drawbacks that set in during its use. Another disadvantage of plastic based shipping containers is their contribution to environmental degradation based on the way they congest rivers and clog sewerage systems. Conclusion In conclusion, every freight packaging material has its advantages and disadvantages and this applies throughout the entire supply chain. Generally, the choice of shipping container material option depends on the individual shipping requirements such as the strength, weight of the packaging material as well as the value of the product being transported. Lastly, it is also important to look into the susceptibility of the product being transported to various adverse conditions as this will impact on the choice of the logistical packaging material. References McKinlay, A. (2004). Transport Packaging, 2nd Edition. Naperville. IL: Institute of Packaging Professionals. Natarajan, S., Govindarajan, M., Kumar, B. (2009). Fundamentals of packaging technology. New York: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. Soroka, W. (2002). Fundamentals of Packaging Technology. Naperville. IL: Institute of Packaging Professionals. Tolinski, M. (2012). Plastics and sustainability: Towards a peaceful coexistence between bio-based and fossil fuel-based plastics. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons. Twede, D., Parsons, B. (1997) Distribution packaging for Logistical Systems: A Literature Review. Surrey: Pira International. Twede, D., Selke, S. (2005) Cartons, Crates and Corrugated Board: Handbook of Paper and Wood Packaging Technology. Pennsylvania, DEStech Publications, Inc Read More