| Packaging insiders all agree that for manufacturers | | | | sheets that are not the right dimensions for your |
| who ship their products, plastic corrugated containers | | | | containers, you run the risk of accruing additional costs |
| are the way to go. Because they are extremely | | | | from having to die-cut the stock sheets, thus having |
| durable, they can be re-used and returned over and | | | | excess scrap. |
| over again, saving your company a lot of money in the | | | | 6. Instead of custom printing your plastic corrugated |
| process. But simply using corrugated plastic is not the | | | | containers, apply a printed label. A custom printed label |
| only way you can save money. Before placing an | | | | that is then placed on your returnable container can |
| order for plastic corrugated containers, consider the | | | | look just as nice, and may last longer because it will |
| following ways to save even more: | | | | not wear as quickly. |
| 1. Try different corrugated plastic container styles. | | | | 7. Ask if utility-grade plastic corrugated material is |
| Before purchasing a quantity of plastic corrugated | | | | available. Made from recycled materials, utility-grade |
| containers, check to make sure the product you are | | | | corrugated plastic is less expensive than virgin material. |
| looking at has all of the features you need. Ask your | | | | 8. If using plastic corrugated for internal custom |
| packaging producer for samples to try them out - | | | | dunnage such as partitions, make them last longer by |
| catalogs cannot always give you the best idea of how | | | | having the pieces rod-locked so they will not come |
| a product will meet your specific needs. | | | | apart. Dividers constructed this way last longer |
| 2. Experiment with different thicknesses of corrugated | | | | because they are more protected against damage. |
| plastic containers. Plastic corrugated is available in a | | | | 9. Plastic corrugated is naturally non-abrasive, but |
| wide range of thicknesses: from 2mm to 13mm. If your | | | | make sure to check how your product will react to it. If |
| application calls for it, a thinner plastic may be more | | | | your product is susceptible to scratching or damage, it |
| appropriate (and less expensive). | | | | is better to find out before you purchase the |
| 3. Check with your supplier to see if they have any | | | | returnable packaging rather than after. |
| plastic corrugated containers already in stock. | | | | 10. If your product is prone to scratching, have your |
| Sometimes, your supplier may have some of this | | | | plastic corrugated containers pre-treated with a |
| returnable packaging already (perhaps from an | | | | non-abrasive coating, such as spunbond fabric or |
| overrun or return). | | | | cross-link foam. This way, your products will be |
| 4. Even if your supplier doesn't have plastic corrugated | | | | protected and you will not have to worry about |
| containers already in stock, they may have the | | | | replacing or repairing them once they arrive. |
| corrugated plastic sheets available that are used to | | | | In closing, returnable packaging made from corrugated |
| make containers. Depending on whether or not the | | | | plastic is an ideal way to protect your product while |
| size and thickness of the sheeting is right for you, you | | | | reducing your packaging and shipping costs. Don't |
| may be able to save by using raw materials your | | | | forget to consult with your packaging producer for |
| supplier already has. | | | | guidance and direction; they'll be able to design the best |
| 5. Ask your supplier to run custom sheet sizes of | | | | solution for your particular application. |
| corrugated plastic for your containers. If you use stock | | | | |