With our illustrious history in the food and drinks packaging industry, we know full well how much hard work goes into producing local wines, beers and spirits. And, when you’re all geared up for a profitable new season, the last thing you want is an unexpected catastrophe.
What we’re referring to here concerns choosing the right transit containers for the job because, while they may all look the same, believe us, not every box is born equal.
Here’s an in-depth dive into why these rather ordinary offerings could literally save your bacon.
The associated benefits of great transit packaging
FIrstly, it’s interesting to note that the food and drinks arena generates around £104 billion a year, making it the largest manufacturing sector in the country. In fact, it’s bigger than the aerospace and automotive industries put together. And, with a predicted growth of 19% between now and 2028, there are no signs of it slowing down.
Contributing to a significant portion of our gross added value (GVA) and providing jobs for over 400 000 people within its production segment alone, there’s a lot at stake for those who play a part in the nation’s ‘farm to fork’ community.
Additionally, around £16.3 billion of our offerings are exported, and local wholesale distributors generate around £33.6 billion in turnover, making distribution a major part of its supply chain. So, with a need to get every offering safely from A to B without damage, it’s easy to see why packaging is a chief concern.
Why protective packaging will save you in the long run
From ecommerce boxes to shipping containers and protective gifting and retail packaging, those in the food and drinks arena who contain their products in bottles and jars have plenty to consider. And making the right decisions will contribute to the profitability of your business.
Here’s a breakdown of why it’s so important:
It mitigates damage during transit and storage
A quality box will physically protect delicate glass, shielding it from drops, bumps, rough handling, clanging together and other turbulent occurrences during transportation.
It will also safeguard expensive drinks from environmental impacts like dust, moisture and fluctuations in temperature, thereby maintaining its original integrity.
It saves you money
Broken or damaged products result in returns and replacements, which lower your long-term profits. Aside from the wine, beer or spirits being ruined, you will also incur costs from additional handling processes and shipping fees.
It maintains your brand image
If an unboxing experience culminates in damaged goods, you won’t be getting further investment from your customers anytime soon. In fact, it will ruin your reputation and foster dissatisfaction rather than loyalty. To excacerbate this, unhappy patrons are more likely to give you negative reviews, which will harm your business in the long-term.
Conversely, rave reports and contentment will lead to more sales and a loyal following, which is why a great transit container (while never in the limelight) will passively hero your brand.
It helps you meet your obligations
When shipping alcohol you, as a business owner, are obliged to take all steps necessary to ensure that you get your products to their destination intact. Therefore, investing in sturdy protective packaging solutions, proper labelling and supplying handling instructions is imperative.
How to factor in sustainability
From new regulations to rising consumer demands, sustainability now plays an integral role in your packaging choices. So, taking a step back to review your current products and making a shift towards better options is a very good move.
Here are some considerations that will add to an eco-friendlier environment:
Cut down on how much packaging you use
Given that you’re potentially protecting glass bottles, this statement may seem a little nuts. But, if you choose your transit containment with care, you should actually be able to achieve more with less, eliminating tonnes of waste from your processes.
Switch to ‘green’ products
Ditch the multi-material laminates and focus on boxes and fillers that are recycled, recyclable and compostable. This will help to implement a circular economy, reducing the need for virgin materials.
Use clear labelling
Boxes that are properly sealed and marked with ‘fragile’, ‘this way up’ or ‘handle with care’ labels are more likely to reach the end user intact, which in turn reduces breakage waste.
Packaging tips that will keep your merchandise safe
Whether it’s a fine wine or your best craft brew, the object of the exercise is to keep them safe during shipping, especially in busy seasons like Easter, Christmas and New Year, when you stand to make your biggest profits. Here’s how:
Minimise empty spaces
The trick is to eliminate the possibility of glass bashing together or breaking during transit. So, the tighter the fit, the better. Which is why you should include one of these options:
1. Pulpsafe
Moulded from recycled materials, this is a compostable product that is custom made to fit industry-specific bottles and jars, thereby ensuring that they don’t move an inch as they’re ferried from place to place.
2. Honeycomb paper
Cost effective and easy to store, this offers full protection while taking up limited space. It’s also visually impactful, eco-friendly and is guaranteed to enhance your shopper’s unboxing experience.
3. Wood wool
Ideal for gift hampers and smaller containers, this is a natural shred filler made from sustainable wood. Not only does it buffer delicate products, but it also looks amazing, adding a refined finishing touch to any parcel.
Choose a sturdy box
Don’t waste your money on cheap alternatives because they’re guaranteed to be made from inferior materials which may look strong but will buckle and break under pressure.
Instead, use a reputable supplier who specialises in custom making containers to industry standards. Our shipping boxes undergo a stringent drop test that ensures no breakages despite constant battering – and are now endorsed by our delivery company.
Here are some options that are worth the investment:
1. Mailsafe shipping boxes
Great for individual spirit or wine bottles, these will safely transport your product via any courier network. They comprise a double-walled insert which assembles to hold the bottle in place and then slides into a single-walled outer carton. They are also 80% recyced and 100% recyclable, making them environmentally friendly.
2. 12-bottle Pulpsafe reinforced shipping boxes
Giving you the ultimate protection for shipping purposes, these are a flexible solution that will allow for variations in bottle shapes and sizes. Designed with a built-in divider that separates the pulp, they ensure limited movement, and the outer is double walled for extra insulation.
3. Premium self-sealing ecommerce boxes
For busy online businesses that are shuttling parcels through the post, this is a sterling choice. Self-sealing for the ultimate convenience, not only are they strong and versatile, but they come in a variety of sizes to suit your merch. Supplied in flat-pack format, they’re also easy to store, allowing you to have stock on hand without any hassle.
Tape things up
To properly secure your packages (aside from the self-sealing type), make sure you use quality tape and dispensers. Ours are brandable, which allows you to add an instruction like ‘fragile’ to ensure that your courier or postal service handles it with care.
Hero your brand with protective packaging from WBC
As long-time suppliers of quality transit packaging, we have everything you need to make sure your cargo is safe. Contact our team today and we’ll help you find the right product for your next consignment.
