In today’s world we are forced to sort through conflicting information when it comes to just about any subject. A simple Google search can bring up the contradictory information for many of the most important topics.
There are several reoccurring themes right now that dominate the global packaging conversation. Even in this realm, there is debate and often misinformation about certain topics. This dichotomy can affect consumers, distributors, manufacturers, and everyone else in between.
Below is our fact-or-fiction guide to help you sort through trending information in popular topics in packaging.
Fiction: Companies can put “Organic” on product packaging as a marketing tactic, even if the ingredients are not organic.
People care more than ever about where the ingredients come from that are in the foods they eat. Because we have so many options, we have the flexibility to make decisions and pick from a variety of options in the grocery story. When it comes to organic products, customers expect honesty and transparency.
In order for a company to put a USDA organic product label on their products there are strict standards that the products must meet. These standards include how the products are processed as well as the substances used to manufacture the products.
All of the ingredients on the label must be organic for a company to be eligible for an organic seal. There are other stipulations that apply before a product can officially claim to be organic as well. View the full list of rules and regulations for organic labeling.
Fact: Shipping costs can be lowered by optimizing for DIM weight restrictions.
DIM weight is no longer a new conversation for businesses that ship a lot of goods. Because of the exponential financial impact, it is critical to have the right volume ratio for all packages that are being sent out.
When you work with a packaging partner like Hughes, you benefit from the experience that we have in optimizing for shipping costs. The goal is to analyze your packaging and shipping costs to find where you are losing money. Our experts help you find the right boxes for your products through a customized approach. We also offer boxes that are customized to fit your product to offer more cost savings on DIM weight charges.
Fiction: Manufacturing cardboard is bad for the environment because it uses so much water.
Paperboard products are notorious for bad press surrounding environmental impacts. Much of the supporting information is actually not true or misconstrued. A common belief is that producing cardboard uses an excess of water at a level that is harmful to the environment. While it is true that water is a critical element for producing paperboard, papermills are efficient at managing the water that is utilized. In fact, the vast majority of water used in paper mills is returned to the environment.
It is critical for the paper and packaging industry to conserve resources at the highest level, so the key players are continuously working to reduce and invest in R&D to find new and better ways. Because of the treatment of water in mills, the water leaves cleaner than when it went in.
Fact: Collaborative Robots increase operating efficiency in manufacturing plants.
Automation has been expediting processes at all levels of manufacturing and production over the last few decades. These machines have made it possible to produce at speeds that were never thought possible. While complete automated solutions might be beyond the scope for medium and small-sized operations, collaborative robots, or cobots, are a great solution for automation.
These cobots integrate into packaging and shipping processes to speed up delivery times, increase overall efficiency, and improve work safety conditions. For example, cobots can be seen in distribution centers for case packaging and palletizing. Cobots are useful for lightweight operations as well as heavy duty applications. Cobots are also safe to be around people and can work independently or alongside a human counterpart.
Fact or Fiction in Packaging
At Hughes we provide the latest information and insights to help you find the accuracy you are looking for. Contact a Hughes packaging expert to talk about your packaging needs today.