Introduction
Packaging materials are an important part of every logistics process and almost always contribute to successful delivery and expected profit. Although different companies prefer using different packaging, one should always consider the advantages and disadvantages of them every time the products are shipped. To attract customers, manufacturers advance their materials by presenting their newer and more usable versions. The choice of packaging materials should always be approached carefully and the materials compared thoughtfully and with caution.
Wood-Based Shipping Container
A container made of wood is probably one of the most popular types of packaging nowadays. This is not only because of the easy manufacturing and storage but also the prevalence of the raw material on our planet. The forests of North America have served as suppliers to thousands of shipping companies for many years; wood and paper together make up almost half of the weight of all packaging materials in the USA and Canada (Twede, Selke, & Shires, 2014, p. 2). The wood produced can be roughly divided into two main subgroups: softwood and hardwood. Because these types are made from different trees, it influences their structure. Softwood forests can be found in the South and East of the USA; hardwoods are common in the West (Twede et al., 2014, p. 75).
After the long process of manufacturing the wood into lumber, where characteristics of the material (e.g., strength or friction) are also considered, the next step is the production of containers. Twede et al. (2014) provide this list: wooden boxes, crates, baskets, barrels, and others (p. 4). While a variety of shapes might seem like an advantage, not all of these containers are capable of enduring long-term shipping, although they can be used for different products and materials (e.g., for fruits and vegetables). Wood is capable of protecting the product, especially fragile ones, from vibration and damage; nevertheless, wood cannot resist water or moisture and requires higher shipping costs compared to plastic-based containers (Ramaswamy, 2014, p. 224). Wood is recyclable, but it is not fair to call it environmentally friendly because forests and fauna are destroyed to manufacture such containers. When preserved for a long time and in unsuitable conditions, wooden containers might secrete bacteria that can be dangerous for future users of the products (Twede et al., 2014, p. 555). Wood containers still lead on the market, but other options should be considered to help the environment and decrease the cost of shipping and home delivery.
Paper-Based Shipping Container
Another popular material for shipping containers is paperboard. It is thicker than paper, low cost, and sometimes consists of two or three layers that help to prevent the cargo from damage (Ramaswamy, 2014, p. 226). Their shapes and additional materials vary; such containers can include cloth or metal foils and may be shaped like squares, ovals, octagons, etc. (Griffin, 2012, p. 99). Paper-based containers’ disadvantages are similar to wooden-based: Water or moisture, cold, and humidity can degrade the material and the product within (Ramaswamy, 2014, p. 226). To prevent degradation, a special treatment can be used, but sometimes it can lead to the intoxication of the product, plus it increases the shipping cost. (Griffin, 2012, p. 99).
The undeniable advantage of the paper-based containers is their flexibility; when paperboard is used for cartons, it usually can fold, change its shape, and bend but not damage itself or the product, thus taking less space than a wooden box and decreasing the shipping price (Griffin, 2012, p. 103). Paperboard is considered less effective by some customers and shipping companies, so in order to strengthen their position in the market, “producers have responded by making stronger, lighter weight board, and by emphasizing its graphic versatility” (Twede et al., 2014, p. 539). Although the forests are cut down to manufacture paper-based containers, they are recyclable, and compared to wood, paper’s recycling rate is the highest among recyclable materials, so it is more friendly to the environment than wood, not to mention plastic (Twede et al., 2014, p. 540). Twede et al. (2014) also point out that paper is a good export material, and North America has profited from this export for centuries (p. 540). Compared to wood, paper-based containers can be easily transferred by the customer at home, so there is no need to spend extra money on delivery.
Plastic-Based Shipping Container
Remembering the never-ending debates over plastic and its effects on the planet, the disadvantage of using plastic-based containers seems to be obvious. But this view is a bit old fashioned since recyclable plastic has entered the game. Plastic-based shipping containers have several important advantages: They are lighter than wood and paper, easier to clean, and very flexible, and they can protect the product from moisture. To serve as a better protector, “they can be coated with another polymer or metalized” (Ramaswamy, 2014, p. 229). Plastic is usually cheaper than paper or wood, and the forests could be preserved in greater quantities if the world would switch to plastic.
Plastic containers also vary in shapes. Among others, Ramaswamy (2014) examines the advantages and disadvantages of plastic films, plastic-film bags, mesh bags, and shrink film wraps (p. 229). For example, plastic-film bags can be prefabricated and are suitable for different manufacturers, or they can be produced by machines at the user’s premises. Their visibility and tear strength are also important features (Ramaswamy, 2014, p. 229). Plastic containers are not as fragile as paper and softwood-containers, plastic does not make much noise when the products are packed, and it takes less space in warehouses (Griffin, 2012, p. 110). Unpacking of plastic containers is usually easier for a customer compared to wood containers, especially large ones. However, plastic is not very appropriate for products (e.g., food, flowers, etc.) that need access to oxygen during their transportation; a certain scent can be noticed if food or water are transported in a plastic container for a long period of time. Compared to edible films (for example, produced from cellulose derivatives), plastic can offer no such option and is forbidden for consumption due to its toxicity. Plastic has contributed to the extinction of many animals who ate or got tangled in it, plus not all types of plastic are recyclable. The result is the giant non-biodegradable trash piles we see across the world.
Conclusion
The market is always ready to offer a solution, no matter what products are shipped and what treatment they need. However, one should consider all factors when choosing the packaging materials: what products are shipped, how long will they be shipped, how much the chosen materials will contribute to the price both for the addresser and the addressee, and what assets and drawbacks they may have. A thoughtful choice will help the advantages to outweigh the disadvantages.
References
Griffin, R. C. (2012). Principles of package development. Berlin, Germany: Springer Science & Business Media.
Ramaswamy, H. (2014). Post-harvest technologies of fruits & vegetables. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications.
Twede, D., Selke, S., & Shires, D. (2014). Cartons, crates and corrugated board: Handbook of paper and wood packaging technology. Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications.