Companies often have to ship large quantities of goods around the world, which is why it is important they think carefully about how much and how often they post in order to reduce their time, money and environmental impact. 

It is advantageous for businesses to use bulk packaging instead of posting individual items, as this comes with a lot of benefits. Read on to find out what they are. 

Reduces costs

One of, if not the, most important things to companies is keeping costs low. The less they spend, the more they can gain in profit. Therefore, it is essential they look for ways to reduce their expenses in their transportation of goods, as well as everything else. 

By using bulk packaging, they can make huge financial savings, as it is far more cost-efficient than posting things separately or in smaller parcels. 

For a start, it reduces the amount of material needed as items can be stacked in larger boxes instead of being individually wrapped in smaller ones. 

Goods can remain protected when sent in bulk thanks to protective packaging solutions, such as shredded Kraft paper, bubble wrap, or polystyrene loose peanuts, so their safety is not put at risk. At the same time, using box filling packaging is far cheaper than having to buy individual boxes for each good.

Bulk packaging also cuts down on labour costs, as it is much quicker to stack multiple goods in one box than having to package them one at a time. Similarly, it takes much less time to load, transport and handle a few larger items than it does multiple smaller ones. 

Therefore, companies can spend less money on staff, as they can get the job done more quickly. 

The increased space utilisation compared with moving hundreds of smaller items means businesses can also save on transportation costs. Therefore, less room is required on lorries, trains, boats or planes, which makes the transportation of goods far cheaper. 

Less consumer waste

Another great benefit of bulk packaging is it produces less waste. British businesses are striving to reduce their carbon footprint to help the UK achieve its net zero carbon emissions target, so it is important they take steps to help, such as wasting less. 

By packaging lots of goods in fewer boxes, they do not need as much material, which means less ends up in landfill. 

This not only helps the environment, but also boosts the business’ credentials, as customers are increasingly keen on supporting companies that are invested in sustainability. 

Reduced environmental impact

At the same time, by needing less transport space, this can have a big environmental impact. 

According to the European Environment Agency, transportation accounts for a quarter of the European Union’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

As there has been a 22 per cent increase in freight travel between 2000 and 2019, it is essential businesses do what they can to cut down on the amount of transportation they need to ship their goods. 

This could make the difference between increasing the amount of GHG produced and reducing it. 

Stronger and more durable 

Bulk packaging tends to be made with stronger materials, so that it can hold the extra weight of the goods inside. This means it is more durable than smaller packages, helping to withstand rough handling by workers and any knocks it has to sustain during transportation and storing. 

Streamlined logistics

Businesses are always looking for ways to make their administrative tasks easier to manage, and streamlining logistics is a great way to do this. 

Instead of having to keep on top of the packaging, storing, shipping and receiving of multiple goods, companies can focus on one shipment instead. This means less stock is likely to get lost, which would eat into its profit margin. 

At the same time, being easier to manage the shipping process means there is less chance of disgruntled customers who have not received their goods, as they only have to keep track of fewer shipments. 

Helps to preserve product quality

Another reason why bulk packaging is favoured among companies, particularly food businesses, is because it helps to preserve the quality of the product. 

Using polypropylene in large packaging materials, for instance, protects the goods from moisture, which means mould and mildew is less likely to grow. 

Bulk shipping bags also stop pests from invading agricultural items, which can have a huge negative impact on profits if they damage and destroy products. Having appropriate packaging helps to reduce the incidence of insects, vermin and bacteria, ensuring the product reaches its destination in as good a condition as possible.