[ES] How to avoid empty spaces inside packages
4min read
31/01/2023
Before preparing any order, the first thing to consider is the packaging you are going to use. It is best if it is compact: it is not advisable to use packaging that is too large and leaves a lot of empty space, as it will then be necessary to fill in these gaps to ensure the contents are secured and protected.
What can you use to avoid empty spaces in the packaging?
Below you can see the packaging that we at RAJA® recommend to compact your shipments.
1. Variable height boxes
The main advantage of variable height boxes is that you can adapt them to the needs of the products they will hold. Their side slots allow you to cut and fold the flaps according to the dimensions contained. If your items are not uniform, this is your best option.
2. Postal boxes
Sometimes the size of your products is small enough to fit through a letterbox slot, so you can opt for postal boxes for flat products. They are ideal for sending light, flat items such as textiles or books.
3. Cardboard envelopes
They also fit through the letterbox, but the main advantage of envelopes is that they can be flattened completely, which saves the maximum amount of space. In addition, they are easy to seal by means of the hook-and-loop fastener.
4. Boxes
As with variable-height boxes, cases have slots that allow you to adjust them to the height or thickness of the contents. Also, if the result is not very tall, they can also be used for postal mail. They are also very useful for books.
5. Protective boxes and cases
Ifyou are sending fragile and delicate products, you can use a box or case with built-in protection, such as foam padding or film retention padding. Foam provides cushioning against bumps and scratches and film provides cushioning against shocks. You can also use anti-static protection for shipping electronics.
Why eliminate empty spaces inside packages?
Reducing the volume of packaging and adjusting it to the size of the product to avoid empty spaces inside has a number of advantages in logistics:
1. Reduces shipping costs
Two variables are usually taken into account when calculating shipping costs, and the more they are reduced, the cheaper the package will be transported:
- Volumetric weight. Adjusting the volume of the goods saves unnecessary costs, so the packaging should be adapted to the product and there should be hardly any empty spaces. By optimising sizes, several packages can be shipped in the space where only one would fit.
- Weight. Courier prices also depend on the weight of the packages. The lighter the shipment, the lower the rate. If tight packaging is used, there is no need for filler protection material for empty spaces and therefore the weight will be lower.
2. Less environmental impact
Planning shipments more in line with the size and with fewer gaps is also a way of taking care of the planet. In addition, at RAJA® we are firm advocates of the EcoResponsible culture.
- Generate less packaging waste. By avoiding large boxes or unnecessary stuffing, waste is reduced.
- Control CO2 emissions. Smaller packages with fewer empties mean that more shipments fit into a transport vehicle, thus reducing the fleet needed for shipments and fuel.
3. Better protect your products
An item shipped in a small, compact space is better secured than in a large one full of empty spaces. However, this does not guarantee total protection against shocks, so you may consider using foam-padded boxes for fragile goods.
4. Improve the customer experience
People are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and prefer packaging that goes with the flow. Therefore, the use of packaging that is unnecessarily large, with a lot of empty space or with too much padding will give a bad image to the consumer.
It is not always easy to avoid empty spaces inside packages.
Although it is desirable to make packaging as compact as possible, it is not always easy to avoid empty spaces. In such cases, we invite you to find out which types of filler packaging are best suited for your packages and to visit our filler and protective packaging section in our online shop. As you can see, at RAJA® we also know how to adjust to your shipping needs.
