In today’s fast-paced e-commerce environment, fulfillment companies face a significant challenge: shipping too much “air“. This inefficiency arises when carton boxes used for shipping orders are not filled to their optimal capacity, leading to wasted space, excess packaging materials, and higher shipping costs. This issue has recently gained legislative attention, as evidenced by New Jersey’s new bill aimed at reducing packing waste by limiting the size of shipping boxes. IntelliPack, our innovative packing and shipping optimization technology, offers a comprehensive solution to this problem, providing numerous benefits in the process.
The Legislative Landscape and the Industry Challenge
The state of New Jersey has a history of mandating packaging changes. A New Jersey law signed in 2022 took effect this year banning polystyrene packing peanuts and requiring various levels of recycled content in different packaging materials. A recent report by packagingdive.com has announced that the New Jersey Senate has passed a bill (S226) that prohibits large online and major retailers from shipping products in boxes that exceed two times the volume of the product being shipped. This legislation is part of a broader effort to reduce packaging waste and its environmental impact by the Environment New Jersey (see environmentamerica.org/newjersey). The bill’s passage highlights a common issue in the logistics industry: inefficient packaging that leads to wasted materials and increased shipping costs.
How IntelliPack Solves These Challenges
Our IntelliPack packing and shipping optimization system is designed to address these issues head-on, providing a robust solution for modern fulfillment operations. Here’s how:
AI-Powered Cartonization: IntelliPack uses advanced AI algorithms to calculate the best carton box size for each order. By selecting the optimal box size, IntelliPack ensures that space is utilized efficiently, reducing the amount of “air” shipped. This not only minimizes the use of excess corrugate and dunnage but also cuts down on shipping costs.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: By optimizing box sizes, IntelliPack significantly reduces the environmental impact of shipping. Smaller, more efficiently packed boxes mean fewer trucks on the road, less fuel consumption, and a lower overall carbon footprint. This aligns with the legislative goals of reducing packaging waste and promotes sustainable business practices.
Improved Operational Efficiency: IntelliPack integrates seamlessly with your existing order management system, optimizing the entire packing process. This ensures that every order is packed quickly and efficiently, saving valuable time and resources, and improving the picker work experience. The light-directed picking of the right box further streamlines the process, enhancing productivity and reducing errors.
Enhanced Picker Experience: With IntelliPack, companies can save on multiple fronts—time, corrugate, dunnage, and shipping costs. The AI-powered system minimizes the need for extra filler material, reduces the volume of packaging used, and ensures that each package is as compact and lightweight as possible. This translates to significant savings in shipping costs, as you ship less “air” and more product.
The Bottom Line
IntelliPack is more than just a packing and shipping solution; it’s a comprehensive approach to modernizing and optimizing your fulfillment operations. By leveraging AI technology, IntelliPack not only complies with new legislative requirements but also drives significant cost savings and sustainability improvements.
For companies looking to stay ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes, IntelliPack is the answer. Interested in learning more about how IntelliPack can transform your operations? Reach out to us today to schedule a meeting with one of our experts. Or better yet, visit us on July 18th in our showroom in Carlstadt, NJ, for our ABCO Automation Innovation 2024 Trade Show, where you can see live demos of IntelliPack and our entire range of cutting-edge picking technologies. Free registration for the show HERE.
