Hidden aspects of industrial packaging the driving forces behind packaging selection processes at industrial packaging suppliers

Abstract

The choice of industrial packaging has an impact on activities throughout the supply chain in terms of costs, handling efficiency, transport efficiency and environmental considerations. The aim of this study is twofold: to gain insight into the processes employed by industrial packaging suppliers in packaging selection; and to understand the effect interactions between customer and supplier have on selection. In addition, bottlenecks in the packaging selection process are highlighted. The research findings emphasize the process mapping and logistics cost analyses performed. Three companies, all packaging suppliers to global manufacturing customers active in various fields have participated in the case study.