Packsize: Revolutionizing Packaging with Sustainability and Efficiency by Alex Whitehorn
Packsize X5
Have you ever opened an eCommerce package that is filled with packing materials for one small item? The box may even be 5 to 6 times bigger than the item. Have you wondered why the shipper used such a large box?
Most shipping operations use standard-size boxes – small-medium-large – and if the product doesn’t fit the box, packing materials such as paper wadding, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam peanuts are added. This is not the most efficient way, nor the most sustainable way to ship products. The receiving customer is left with an oversized box and a mound of packing materials which may end up in a landfill.
The challenge for shipping products is balancing sustainability goals with efficiency, shipping time, and labor. This is often a trade-off between buying standard box sizes and adding labor vs. investing in new technology.
Packsize, a Utah-based packaging company, offers a solution that allows businesses to improve both costs and sustainability. I recently had the opportunity to visit their production facility in Salt Lake City, UT, and witness their innovative approach to packaging.
Packsize specializes in “right-sizing,” a method that customizes package sizes to fit products precisely, eliminating excess space and waste. Their advanced packaging machines are a marvel to observe: as a product moves along the conveyor belt, the machine scans it, constructs a perfectly sized cushioned corrugated container around it, and then applies the packaging label, all in one seamless process.
The benefits of Packsize’s machines and services are significant. First, a Packsize machine reduces environmental impact by maximizing shipping space efficiency, allowing more packages to fit into a truck or air/ocean container. This optimization not only decreases transportation costs but also minimizes the need for environmentally harmful void fillers like paper or plastic. By eliminating these fillers, businesses can significantly cut down on waste and contribute to positive environmental change.
Packsize’s innovative approach to packaging extends beyond simple right-sizing. Their “On Demand” Packaging solutions not only streamline operations but also integrate seamlessly into existing production lines for both small and large businesses, allowing companies to customize their packaging processes according to specific needs. This flexibility is essential for businesses looking to optimize their warehouse space and reduce labor and material costs. Additionally, the software that Packsize provides integrates with existing warehouse management systems to automate the entire packaging process, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
Packsize’s approach aligns perfectly with current market trends. As online shopping continues to grow, consumers demand faster shipping and expect companies to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Packsize meets these demands by providing a more efficient and sustainable packaging solution.
During my visit, I was impressed not only by the technology but also by the well-run factory and knowledgeable staff. Packsize stands out as an industry leader in right-sizing, offering a transformative packaging experience that helps companies leave a positive impression on their customers. Their innovative solutions provide a win-win situation for businesses looking to enhance both sustainability and profitability.
About the Author:
Alex Whitehorn is a graduate of the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, specializing in Operations and Supply Chain with a minor in Management. In his time at the University of Utah, he acted as a Co-President of the Supply Chain Club and founding officer of the Car Club. He also worked with the University under their Career Services department, during which time he collaborated with a variety of companies to ensure graduating seniors found successful career paths.
Outside of school, Alex worked with Northrop Grumman as a global supply chain intern (summer 23) within their procurement division, allowing him to gain a deep understanding of problem-solving skills and optimization. Additionally, Alex is currently completing a capstone project with Fortem Technologies with a focus on supplier selection, supplier quality, and supplier maintenance processes. In his free time, Alex enjoys skiing, automotive photography, and reading.
