Logistics are under more pressure than ever, especially with rising carrier charges, expanding product ranges, full warehouses and customers demanding smarter, cleaner deliveries.
Right Size packaging is proving to be one of the most effective ways to future proof logistics operations. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also prepares businesses for the commercial demands of the years ahead.
How Right Size Packaging Strengthens Long Term Logistics
When businesses talk about future proofing, they usually mean staying flexible, efficient and ready to adapt. Packaging plays a significant part in that.
With new product ranges comes more variation for fulfilment teams to manage. Standard box sizes struggle to keep up with this change, creating waste and inefficiencies that become harder to absorb over time.
Carrier pricing models are evolving too, with greater emphasis on volume. This makes wasted space far more expensive than it once was. At the same time, procurement teams want clearer data, more transparent packaging decisions and reliable processes that suppliers can evidence.
Right Size packaging supports all of this. It provides the flexibility to handle changing order profiles, it reduces unnecessary volume in the network, and it creates a more controlled packaging workflow.
The Commercial Gains You See Straight Away
Right Size packaging delivers immediate efficiency benefits. Using only the space needed for each product means lower package volume, which often reduces shipping costs. Smaller boxes take up less warehouse space, which helps teams store more product and manage inventory more easily.
By removing unnecessary space around an item, products are held more securely in transit. This leads to fewer damages and fewer returns, which saves time and protects margin. The unboxing experience also improves. Customers receive something that feels considered and well prepared, which reflects positively on the business and supports repeat orders.
These are practical improvements that help operations run more smoothly, and they also contribute to a more competitive cost base.
The Hidden Costs of Wasted Space
Many businesses still rely on oversized packaging because it feels simpler. However, this approach carries a number of hidden costs.
Boxes that are too large for their contents take up more room on pallets and trailers, limiting how many items can be shipped at once. Carriers often charge based on package volume, so wasted space translates directly into higher transport costs.
Oversized boxes also tend to need more filler material to keep products secure, which adds handling time and creates unnecessary waste at the destination. Customers notice this. While it may not stop them from ordering again, it does add friction to the experience and can influence how they perceive your operation.
Across thousands of orders, these small inefficiencies create a noticeable financial impact.
How to Move from “Good Enough” to Future Ready
Right Size packaging is straightforward to introduce, with many businesses starting by using fanfold corrugated board to produce made to fit boxes on demand. This allows them to replace multiple box sizes with a flexible, controlled system that adapts to changing requirements.
A sensible first step is to pilot Right Size packaging on a selected range of products. This helps teams understand the process, measure the impact on storage, shipping and damages, and build a clear case for wider rollout. Once in place, Right Size becomes part of a more reliable, scalable logistics setup.
A Strategic Step Towards Smarter Logistics
Right Size packaging is a long term solution that helps control costs. Businesses that invest in this now will be better placed to handle the demands of the years ahead.
If you want to stop shipping air and move towards a more future ready approach, speak to Ribble Packaging today.
