Get the Most out of eCommerce Packaging during the Pandemic

With a global pandemic causing economic and health uncertainties, packaged products have become essential: whether you’re buying cleaning supplies, hand sanitizers, medicine or food items, packaging is essential in guaranteeing the safety of everyone. And with safety and uncertainty on everyone’s mind, consumers are changing the way they shop.

One of the changes caused by the pandemic is the growth of eCommerce. According to a report by Euromonitor “goods bought online globally grew by 24% while store-based sales declined by 7%”. So, what is causing consumers to rely on and prefer digital channels to shop? First, many retailers across the world have been closed due to lockdowns or have limited capacity to maintain social distancing. In addition, buyers are concerned with their own safety and want to avoid crowded places. After experimenting with eCommerce options while in isolation, consumers have become reliant on this way of shopping that guarantees safety, speed, and convenience.

“eCommerce CPG spending will account for more than $60 billions of spending by 2021”

McKinsey, 2020

With the pandemic and eCommerce growing, consumer attitudes about sustainable packaging have also changed considerably. With the rise of eCommerce, the use of packaging has boomed with it. These factors have made shoppers more aware that packaging can effect the environment, amplifying consumers’ concerns about packaging waste.

“More than half of US consumers are highly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging in general”
Inside the mind of US consumers – McKinsey’s report, 2020

At first, change can appear scary; change can also bring opportunity and transformation. And for the packaging industry, these new trends in consumers behaviors and attitudes represent an unprecedented chance to create solutions that deliver a safe, sustainable, and smooth buying experience.

Here at Millennium Packaging, we can guide you to achieve that operational packaging eCommerce efficiency that will you help you navigate the pandemic.

Optimize eCommerce operations with the right packaging system
With eCommerce growing exponentially, it hasn’t been easy for businesses to keep up with demand. If your company fails to properly respond to the high online shopping demand, chances are consumers won’t be purchasing from you again. To remain relevant and profitable, businesses need to improve packaging throughput as well as productivity. Our Sealed Air void fill machines can help you optimize packaging operations and meet the demands of fulfillment for eCommerce. The light, compact Fill-Air Rocket machine has a powerful system that can increase fulfillment velocity up to 60%. The platform also provides 100’ per minute of on demand inflatable air pillows, which is 45% more than the competition. This equipment is ideal for shipping 200-500 packages per day.

With the Fill-Air Rocket void machine, you will be able to get more packages out of the door per day and achieve less down time at each station.

Guarantee the safety of your product
A key factor to remember when we talk about packaging and eCommerce is that the product inside the package has to arrive in perfect condition. The consumer will not repurchase your item if it is damaged, and you will lose money if you have to ship the product again. So how can you guarantee that your product is protected effectively? You need to use the right protective packaging system. This may seem obvious, but it’s not. With products that range in all shapes and sizes, that require different temperatures and shipped for long distances, Cold Chain by Sealed Air is the right solution for you. Sealed Air insulated box liners and VIP panels are specifically designed to protect your products from temperature changes throughout their distribution journey. Sealed Air TempGuard can protect sensitive perishable goods in transit for up to 48 hours. This thermal-controlling system is lightweight and offered in a variety of sizes to suit a range of box sizes. This innovative Cold Chain technology ensures the safe distribution of eCommerce food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals while minimizing damage and freight cost.

Do packaging right, and be sustainable
Because of the explosion of eCommerce, sustainable packaging has become a deciding factor for users who have to choose which company to purchase from. Here at Millennium Packaging Inc, we have always pledged to sustainable practices to guide our operations. If you want consumers to remember your brand because of your sustainable packaging and to pick you over another brand, then it is important to invest in equipment that can show sustainability commitment. Sealed Air inflatable air pillows are the right combination between efficiency and sustainability.
These air pillows are manufactured from reusable, low-density polyethylene material and can be used on the Fill-Air Rocket and Fill-Air Cyclone packaging systems to quickly create air-filled cushions for void-fill applications. They are 20% to 30% more consistently inflated and retain inflation longer than competitors. Because of their strength and superior air retention, you will reduce material use by 50% and save on warehouse space. These air pillows can also be easily recycled at 18,000 retail store locations available nationwide. Sealed Air air pillows can improve sustainability while continuing to deliver optimal performance.

Let’s sum it up!
As a result of the pandemic, our world is changing. Some changes will only be temporary, but others will subsist, far-reaching shifts that will impact the way we live, think and the way the packaging industry operates. We may never go back to the way things were before, and we might have to get used to what we already think of as the “new normal”. As all these changes happen, we have to move along with them, and Millennium Packaging Inc is here to support you all the way.

If you’re interested in discovering more information about how Millennium Packaging Inc. can help you achieve tailored solutions to get the best out of eCommerce based on your operation and product(s), please contact our team of experts at (847) 716-2365 or send us a message.