What Are the Most Common Types of Packaging Materials?

We live in a world where more and more of the things we use every day are shipped from all over the globe directly to our homes or businesses. As a result, packaging and its related processes and materials has become a huge component of most manufacturing and distribution companies.

Learning how to package things better, more securely, and at a lower cost has become a critical factor in managing this particular operating cost for businesses. The issue of reusing and recycling packaging has also come to the forefront as consumers and companies become more environmentally conscious of our world’s limited resources.

How to Reduce and Reuse Packaging Material

By finding ways to reuse, reduce, and recycle packaging materials, you will lower costs and save money. Being seen as a responsible corporate citizen that keeps sustainability a priority is also a benefit. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • Explore packaging materials made from recycled content.
  • Find ways to reuse sturdy wood or metal containers.
  • Use sustainable or renewable packaging materials.
  • Use stretch wrapping for safer packaging and less breakage.
  • Select biodegradable loose filling materials. 

Packaging in the Food Manufacturing Industry

If you are in the food manufacturing industry, you will have several other considerations when selecting your packaging material. Besides looking at the cost, availability, and sustainability of the material, you will also need to consider how it keeps food and beverages safe, secure, and fresh.

Tamper-resistant packaging is important in food production as well as using food-grade material, especially when choosing plastic packaging. Certain types of packaging lend themselves to better marketing and branding opportunities, which can be a competitive advantage on crowded grocery store shelves.

Using a CMMS for Packaging Material Management

Managing, reducing, and reusing packaging materials is a complicated task. However, it is not enough today to simply use packaging and forget about it. It must be managed and maintained in a planned and orderly way.

That’s where a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) can bring your company to the next level. A CMMS can help you ensure that packaging equipment and machinery is working well and eliminate or minimize the points where food contamination can occur. By managing reactive, preventive, and predictive maintenance tasks, a CMMS is a critical tool in helping food manufacturers deliver safe, nutritious, and fresh products to the general market.

Companies can also use a CMMS to manage packaging materials and related assets by integrating purchasing and monitoring of these materials into the company’s overall system.

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