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5 ways to be Packaging Prepared for Spring

5 ways to be packaging prepared
5 ways to be packaging prepared

With a lot of the primary sector forecasting and planning for the Spring rush, having your packaging prepared will reduce the risk of unwanted surprises.

Here are 5 important points to consider this season:

  1. No bags – No business – we get this.

With 100’s of customers having to manage seasonal requirements, it’s safe to say we understand the impact it has on your business if you run out of bags. Even if accurate forecasting is a challenge for you, Smart Pack have the systems, capabilities and infrastructure to navigate variances, remove the risk and ensure you’re in safe hands.

Here’s a few things we’re doing to ensure we never run our customers out of bags:

  • Forecasting – Robust analysis of previous seasons actual numbers and collaboration on upcoming trends.
  • Reporting – Detailed real-time reporting.
  • Inventory Management – We’ll customize a plan just for your business to ensure it fits with your cashflow requirements and physical capacity to store and handle the stock.
  • NZ Printing – In-house printing/overprinting service with low MOQ’s and fast turnaround – perfect for those times when you need to launch a new product at the 11th
  • Warehousing/Logistics – We have warehousing right across NZ and Australia to ensure you bags are there when and where you need them.

 

  1. Compliance & Recyclability

With the priority products identified for regulated product stewardship, the recyclability of your on farm-plastics has become more of a priority. Being ahead of the game and knowing the types of bags that are best for these recycling/collection schemes is a sure-fire way to not get caught out. We have been working with Agrecovery to identify the packaging materials and specifications that are most ideal to align with the schemes in place.

Talk to our team today about how your bags may be affected and what you can do to be working towards the future.

 

  1. Packaging Design and Marketing

Design is a crucial part of your packaging, so try to make sure you have covered the following:

  • Labelling – ensure you have the correct labelling of products so that you are compliant with any warnings/regularity requirements.
  • Visual Impact – ensure you’ve maximized on marketing potential – making sure your bags stand out next to competitors in retail situations.
  • Product Differentiation – maximize design elements such as color as product differentiation, so your staff and customers can work quickly and efficiently with your bags.

Our in-house Design team can offer expert recommendations based on your branding and operation to boost your brand through packaging design.

 

  1. Integration with your packing equipment

When was the last time you reviewed your packing/filling processes? We’ve found that even the smallest of tweaks can make a world of difference in creating efficiencies to your operations.

Whether it’s switching a measurement or reducing the specifications, there’s usually a way to improve efficiency. Our SMART360 framework is used by our team to identify opportunities within your packaging processes where we can boost productivity and in turn profitability.

Contact one of the team today for a no obligation SMART360 appraisal.

 

  1. Supply Chain Sustainability

A packaging partner that understands the bigger picture of your business, industry and operation is a huge advantage. Even though you can’t see what’s around the corner, you can have confidence that there will be no risks or surprises with your supply.

Smart Pack has created a well-oiled supply chain network to ensure delivery lead times, quality and reliability never let you down. All our suppliers are taken through a rigorous validation process to ensure we are delivering you the best.

For support on all of the above, contact our team today – hello@52.65.95.104 | +64 6 356 9835

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Considering a switch to Polyethylene (PE) Bags?

The current theme surrounding packaging in NZ is change.

With more of a focus on sustainable products and processes a lot of NZ businesses are looking at further packaging options to match their environmental objectives.
As a packaging partner we are always expanding our offering to accommodate these changes. To add to our recyclable packaging options, we are now introducing Polyethylene (PE) Open Mouth and Valve Bags.

If considering a change to Open Mouth PE Bags, there are a few important areas to be aware of. This is where a packaging partner can help you find a solution for your specific needs, but for now here are some of the main points to preface:

Filling of bags

Filling LDPE (Low density Polyethylene) Bags is very similar to common industrial agriculture bags and can often be completed on existing machinery designed for Woven Polypropylene or Multi-wall Paper bags. However, you may find some LDPE (Low density Polyethylene) bags are not as rigid which means automated machinery may need to be adjusted slightly to accommodate the change in bag material.

Closing of bags

LDPE bags are heat-sealed closed which results in a strong and air-tight seal. Your production targets, and your current equipment will need to be considered to reach your specific output goals. Contact us for a list if automation machinery suppliers.

Stacking

PE bags have lower anti slip properties compared to other packaging therefore may be more likely to move when stacked compared to Woven PP and MWP bags. However, with current technologies there are small changes that can be made to the specification and construction to ensure minimal movement when stacking. It is also recommended, dependant on the product going in the bag, that you add perforations or punch holes so the air can be released as fast as possible to keep a consistent stack pattern.

Bag Construction Types:

Valve PE Bags are also an excellent option for all interested and have a range of options to meet your needs.

Printing

Full-graphic printing can be utilised for optimal branding exposure as well as simple and time-efficient methods such as our in-house flexographic printing (up to 5 colours).

Recyclability

100% recyclable in New Zealand if the bag is thoroughly cleaned out and returned to a facility with recycling capacity.

Cost

The price will typically depend on the construction, material, printing, and quantity of your bags. You can usually see the cost of PE bags sitting between that of WPP and MWP.

Smart Pack are the experts when it comes to PE bags and can cover all the above and more so you  can have confidence when making the switch.

Talk to us today – hello@52.65.95.104 | 06 356 9835 | www.smartpack.co.nz

 

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How optimising your Bulk Bags can save you time and money when exporting

Optimising your Bulk Bags for Export
Optimising your Bulk Bags for Export

Feeling the strain of current freight delays and rising costs? Here’s how you can maximise container space and reduce loading times through optimizing your Bulk Bags.

1. Make sure your Bulk Bags are the right size to maximize on space in the container.

As we all know, the cost of international freight prices are rising therefore it’s important that we utilise any and every space within containers – no one likes paying for air to be transported across the ocean!

For exporting, we recommend a baffle constructed bulk bag as they hold their square shape for maximum utilisation of space and stability when transporting.

When selecting your Bulk Bag size, consider the following points:
  • What is the internal width, length & height of the container being used? A common 20ft container is 5.89m long x 2.35m wide x 2.39m high.
  • Baffle bulk bags will bulge a little bit between the baffles so ensure you run trials or add an additional 20mm on each side for each bag in your calculations.
  • Within the container, make sure the bags are not rubbing against each other as this can result in difficulty loading into the container and material damage caused by friction between the bags.
Circular vs Baffle Bulk Bags
Circular vs Baffle Bulk Bags

Baffle Bulk Bags have a more square look and hold their form well which is why they stack better than Circular Bulk Bags.

2. Ensure your Bulk Bags are manufactured to a high quality to optimize loading and space efficiency.

Not all Bulk Bags are made the same! The quality can make a significant difference to the loading speed and the amount of space it needs within the container.

It’s important to partner with a supplier who you know can supply high quality Bulk Bags that hold their form, to ensure you are receiving bags that meet your specific requirements, every time.

Below are some key points to ensure your bulk bag is fit for purpose:
  • Weave type – Bulk Bags stack, load and transport the best when you have a quality, tight weave pattern.
  • Baffle Specification – The baffles need to be constructed in a way that ensures efficient loading, holds square with a flat bottom and doesn’t grin or open at the seams.
  • Cross Corner Loops that hold their shape – The better quality cross corner loops you have,  the easier it is to pick up and load your Bulk Bags. This reduces people power you need for the job and in turn, reduces the Health and Safety risks of having multiple people involved in the process.
  • Certification – If you are transporting food products, your bags are required to meet the NZ food grade standards. Having supplier that offers Quality Control and Certified Packaging Processes minimizes any risk of thread & material contamination and supply chain mishaps.

Whatever industry you may be in, if you’re exporting product in Bulk Bags, having a packaging partner that understands every part of the process from manufacturing to export, can save you time, money, and stress now and down the line.

Want to explore how you can export your product more efficiently? Get in touch with the team today!