As 2024 comes to an end, there\u2019s no better time to think about what you could do differently to improve your packing operation in the new year.<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019ve been considering a change or found what worked in the past isn\u2019t working for you anymore, we\u2019ve assembled a list of 12 things you could do to make sure your packing operation runs as smoothly as possible in 2025.<\/p>\n Start the year by reviewing your CO2<\/sub> emissions and efforts towards sustainability. A packaging health check can help you lower operational costs, improve sustainability and tackle challenges, like labour shortage, rising material costs and more efficient use of your transportation fleet. All this with the environment in mind.<\/p>\n A free, no-obligation, packaging review<\/a> is a great way to gain a deeper insight into your packaging operations and pinpoint key areas for cost savings, including:<\/p>\n For more information on how we can help you reduce costs with the right packaging, check out our blog post: How to reduce business costs through packaging optimisation<\/a>. It\u2019s important to note that EPR fees for packaging introduced to the market in 2024 will start in October 2025, which could represent a significant additional expense for some businesses. Therefore, identifying ways to reduce these costs early will help mitigate the impact and prevent last-minute stress.<\/p>\n Have you ever thought about automating your packing processes but never got around to it?<\/p>\n Don\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t have to go big. A few simple changes, like introducing electronic paper tape, automatic paper void fills or air pillows, can make all the difference in terms of cost savings and increased productivity.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a more long-term solution, you can also consider fully automated and integrated auto boxing and bagging systems.<\/p>\n Packaging automation can help you save money, free up your employees to do other tasks, reduce material waste, improve packing consistency and reduce packing time.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re still not sure if this is right for you, check out our blog post: Packaging automation: a quick guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n The right packaging will help deliver a memorable unboxing experience for your customers.<\/p>\n A great ecommerce pack should offer maximum product protection, be easy to open and return as well as provide the right fit for your products. It should also be lightweight, space efficient and made from sustainable materials.<\/p>\n All this will help reduce your packaging costs by minimising damages, reducing material waste and optimising space on your delivery vehicles. This in turn will help ensure fewer journeys and reduced CO2<\/sub> emissions.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Consider personalising your packaging, add luxury touches, such as tissue or shredded paper, inside your pack or include in-box offers for enhanced engagement. To learn more about unboxing experience and why it\u2019s important, read at our blog article: Unpacking the results from our 2024 Unboxing Survey<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re responsible for reporting your packaging usage under the new EPR legislation, make sure you submit your data by 1st<\/sup> April 2025.<\/p>\n This applies to both small businesses as well as large organisations reporting for the period of July to December 2024.<\/p>\n The regulation will apply to all UK organisations that handle and supply packaging to customers and businesses, including those selling pre-packaged products into the market and meet specific conditions.<\/p>\n For more information about EPR, why it has been introduced and whether it applies to your business, read our blog post: 3 ways your businesses should be preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility fees<\/a>.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re looking to reduce plastic in your packing process or thinking about products made from eco-friendly materials, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.<\/p>\n Using packaging solutions that contain recycled content, are reusable or recyclable helps reduce your material waste and lower your carbon emissions. Take a look at our blog post 6 sustainable packaging switches: a guide for eco-conscious businesses<\/a> to help you limit your impact on the environment.<\/p>\n It may not seem like it, but if you\u2019re thinking about custom packaging for the holiday season, whether it\u2019s a Christmas hamper, gift box or advent calendar, start thinking now.<\/p>\n Not only will this give you the opportunity to spend more time on concept and design work, but it will also help with longer turnaround times required for such projects.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no one size fits all when it comes to custom packaging. You can customise any type of packaging \u2013 whether you need a specific size, design or print. Read our blog post The impact of branded packaging<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n With schools breaking up for the summer and people going away on holidays, ensuring consistent staff cover can get a bit tricky. Planning ahead will help minimise the impact of summer holidays on your business. <\/p>\n Online order management systems, such as Macfarlane\u2019s Simplicit.e, put you in control of your packaging 24\/7. You can view your order history, place new and repeat orders in a few clicks of a mouse. This offers convenience and helps ensure continuity of packaging supply during staff holidays.<\/p>\n Q4 can be a hectic period for many businesses. With increased demand ahead of the holiday season, your packing operation can be put under pressure, whether you need additional staff or you\u2019re struggling with productivity issues.<\/p>\n Here are some tips to help your packing operation get ready for peak:<\/p>\n For more tips on how to get your packing operation up to speed, check out our blog: How to prepare your warehouse for peak season<\/a><\/p>\n As more orders are placed in advance of the holiday season, the amount of parcels being shipped out increases the risk of parcel damage.<\/p>\n Parcels can be lost on the way to customers or damaged because of mishandling during delivery. However, shipping damage can also be a sign that your packaging isn\u2019t doing as well as it could be.<\/p>\n Using optimised packaging that is fit for purpose will help you prevent product damage, disappointed customers and costs associated with processing and issuing returns. To find out more, read our blog post: Shipping damages: common causes and how to prevent them<\/a><\/p>\n With Black Friday just a few short weeks away, it\u2019s important to ensure your packing operation is fully prepared for the busy season ahead.<\/p>\n Make sure your packing stations are organised, temporary packing solutions, such as pick bins, are in place and your staff are familiar with your packaging processes and know how to use relevant equipment.<\/p>\n If you need last minute assistance or something doesn\u2019t work as it should, get in touch with your packaging supplier to learn how they can help you. Also, look at our blog post: 10 tips to prepare your Black Friday packaging<\/a>.<\/p>\n Make sure you have enough packaging to last you through the festive season \u2013 ask your packaging provider about their final delivery times and place custom orders early to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n It\u2019s that time of year again to consider what changes you would like to make to your packing processes next year. Was there anything that didn\u2019t go as planned? Do you want to try something new? Are you ready to take your packaging automation to the next level?<\/p>\n By planning ahead, you can make sure you\u2019re well ahead of the game entering 2026!<\/p>\n At Macfarlane Packaging, we are here to help you with all your packaging needs.<\/p>\n We can provide a wide range of stock packaging options, as well as custom packaging solutions, packaging automation, and sustainable products to suit different budgets and requirements.<\/p>\n We can help you save on packaging costs and uncover hidden costs within your packing process. Contact us<\/a> today to discuss your packaging requirements.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nJanuary \u2013 Book your CO2<\/sub> and cost reduction review<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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February \u2013 Consider packaging automation <\/strong><\/h2>\n
March \u2013 Enhance customer experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n
April \u2013 Meet the Extended Producer Responsibility deadline<\/strong><\/h2>\n
May \u2013 Switch to sustainable packaging<\/strong><\/h2>\n
June \u2013 Order custom packaging in time for Christmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
July \u2013 Plan your summer holiday cover<\/strong><\/h2>\n
August \u2013 Prepare for peak<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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September \u2013 Take steps to minimise damages and returns<\/strong><\/h2>\n
October \u2013 Get ready for Black Friday<\/strong><\/h2>\n
November \u2013 Order packaging ahead of Christmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
December \u2013 Plan for the year ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nHow can Macfarlane Packaging help?<\/strong><\/h2>\n