What You Unlock When You Level Up Your Packaging Strategy
When you treat your packaging strategy as a critical component of your operation—not a back‑burner task—you tap into efficiency gains, cost savings and a superior end‑customer experience. But how do you know when it’s time for a packaging upgrade? And what exactly do you gain when you do?
Signs Your Packaging Strategy Might Be Broken
Even the most streamlined operations can have hidden packaging vulnerabilities that quietly drive up costs, damage rates and inefficiencies. From subtle design shifts to process gaps, these risks compound over time. Here are the key warning signs to watch for:
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Rising damage and return metrics
If your damage rate or re‑shipment numbers start climbing, it may be a signal you need to start targeted testing to uncover weak spots in areas like primary and secondary packaging. -
Lack of visibility into total cost of ownership
Focusing only on material price per roll ignores labor, freight, re‑shipment and storage costs. Without a holistic view, you may be overspending in the box or on the dock. -
Evolving product designs
When your product changes–different ingredients, materials, weight, etc.–the primary (point‑of‑sale) packaging changes, and your secondary (fulfillment) materials must adapt too. Otherwise, you risk under-protecting or over-protecting goods that no longer fit the old box or mailer specifications. -
Inefficiencies at the pack station
High turnover and complex standard operating procedures (SOPs) can stall throughput. If your lines struggle to hit units‑per‑hour targets or new hires fumble with their tasks, you’re losing time and money.
The Pregis IQ Consultative Approach
From your initial discovery call to your post-implementation review, Pregis IQ® serves as your trusted "easy button." Our team offers seamless, white-glove support—turning packaging ideas developed in our state-of-the-art Innovation Headquarters into strategic advantages for your business.Our consultative team supports everything from data capture and lab testing to on-site validation, so you get clarity without the complexity.
Here are some key tools and services we offer:
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Packaging value analysis (PVA)
We start by listening to your specific goals—damage reduction, labor efficiency, cost targets or lifecycle insights. Then we compare multiple mediums (paper, poly, foam) using quantitative data. -
ISTA & APASS testing
Our International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) certified testing, such as drop and vibration protocols, replicate real‑world handling on all six sides. Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) testing validates protection while minimizing void and footprint. You receive clear pass/fail results plus recommendations. -
Life cycle analysis (LCA)
We quantify the environmental and operational impacts from material selection through end‑of‑life without resorting to vague claims. You’ll understand trade‑offs around recyclability, truckload efficiency and material handling. -
Service and support
With our red tag/green tag preventive maintenance program, we minimize downtime. Backup machinery is pre‑tagged so your team can swap units in seconds, keeping lines running and reducing service disruptions. -
ASTM-certified assurance
Every solution undergoes rigorous American Society for Standards and Materials (ASTM) testing protocols, ensuring your products receive industry-leading protection and reliability.
Unlocked Benefits: From Efficiency to Savings
When you level up with Pregis IQ, you tap into a suite of gains:
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Operational efficiency: Streamline packing stations and reduce labor strain with packaging that’s right-sized and automation-ready.
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Enhanced protection: Pass/fail testing under ISTA and APASS gives you peace of mind that your goods arrive intact—every time.
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Aligned sustainability: By assessing material, logistic and operational impacts, you build a strategy that meets your broader sustainability goals.
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Consultative partnership: Gain a single source for strategy, testing, validation and ongoing support—no outsourcing, no guesswork.
What it looks like in action:
A leading OEM brought the Pregis IQ consultative approach into their operation to reduce damage rates and streamline fulfillment. By consolidating multiple foam SKUs into a single Pregis AirSpeed® ChamberPak® solution, they reduced product damage to just 1.5% and saw nearly $5 million in annual savings.
Ready to Unlock Your Packaging Potential?
Whether you’re chasing a damage reduction, a boost in throughput, or a clearer path to your sustainability targets, Pregis IQ is here to help.
Book an IQ Audit or Speak to a Packaging Strategist today—and discover what you can unlock when you level up your packaging strategy.