DS Smith has launched a customisable packaging solution to enable e-tailers to reduce packaging size and associated costs, including void fill, storage, shipping and administration.
The new technology, called Made2fit, is based on three available sizes of corrugated sheet (mini, small and medium), from which 33 different box sizes can be manually created in a quick and easy way. With built-in crease lines and a tool for custom perforation, the product is one of the first 3D-adaptable packaging systems, in that it can be modified in three directions.
Creating a correctly-sized pack lowers costs for e-tailers by reducing both operational and shipping costs – saving storage space and cutting labour costs, order administration, assembly and packing times. It also significantly reduces product movement, helping to reduce damage, says the company.
Made2fit is estimated to reduce void fill by 80% on average, and achieve a potential cost saving of 30% on inbound and outbound shipping.
Isabel Rocher, head of e-commerce solutions at DS Smith, said, “Made2fit has been developed to make a large difference to our small and medium-sized business customers. We’ve taken our knowledge from working with large, global e-commerce firms, to help smaller companies reduce costs and streamline processes and administration. The aim is that this will allow these retailers to focus on what’s important – developing and marketing great products.”
She continues, “At the same time, the product is aimed at delivering a great end-user experience which enhances their impression of the retailer’s brand. Right-sized packaging shows that a brand has a focus on sustainability and avoiding waste, and means retail customers don’t need to dispose of void fill. The boxes are also easy to open and simple to return if the products consumers have purchased aren’t suitable.”
DS Smith announced the capability in August 2017 and Made2fit will now be available to buy for customers in the UK, Germany, France and Benelux. Functionality is currently being developed to allow orders to be placed though DS Smith’s newly-launched e-commerce platform, ePack.
An automated version of Made2fit is also being created for larger volume orders, with the ability to manufacture more than 10 million box size combinations, in a process that is omnichannel-ready.
