| Supply Chain Management

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

Single-use cardboard is a recurring cost. Returnable plastic packaging is an investment. Kiva Container has been making that case since 1986, and helping supply chain and distribution customers make the switch to corrugated plastic and thermoformed containers that survive hundreds of trips instead of one.

We design and fabricate custom corrugated plastic totes, bins, dividers, and pallets for supply chain operations. Sized to your footprint, built for your handling system, and durable enough to justify the return logistics.

The Role of Thermoformed and Corrugated Plastic Packaging in Supply Chain Management

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Industry studies have demonstrated that thermoformed and corrugated plastic packaging can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations. In addition, by reducing the risk of product damage, these solutions can minimize the need for product returns and replacements, saving businesses time and money.

The two innovative solutions can help businesses streamline operations by reducing packaging waste, increasing product shelf life, and enhancing product visibility. They can also reduce packaging, transportation, and warehousing expenses, allowing businesses to allocate resources more effectively. These benefits can help companies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market by improving operational efficiency and reducing overall expenses.

Custom plastic packaging solutions can be a valuable business driver in the direct-to-consumer or business-to-business space. Partnering with a reputable packaging solutions provider like Kiva Container can help businesses drive success through optimized supply chain management. This can ultimately lead to business owners staying ahead of the competition.

Common Applications of the Packaging Solutions

Thermoformed and corrugated plastic packaging solutions are highly versatile and can be customized to meet various product and industry-specific requirements. Here are some of the most common applications of these two innovative approaches:

Automated Picking Machines

Automated picking machines use advanced technology to identify and retrieve products quickly and efficiently. They are utilized in the supply chain management industry to reduce the time and labor required for picking products compared to traditional manual picking methods. These machines are also typically integrated with a packaging system that works seamlessly with them, providing a complete solution for order fulfillment.

Automated Sorting Machines

Integrating thermoformed and corrugated plastic packaging solutions with automated sorting machines is a smart investment for businesses looking to optimize their supply chain. These machines use advanced technology, like sensors and robotics, to identify, sort, and transport products with greater accuracy and speed than manual labor.

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems are essential to many supply chain management operations, providing a reliable and efficient means of transporting products from one location to another. One of the primary benefits of using these systems is that they can significantly reduce the time and labor required to transport products. This is especially true when compared to traditional handling and transporting methods.

Vertical Lift Management Systems (VLMS)

VLMS can significantly increase storage capacity and improve space utilization within a facility. These systems use advanced technology to store and retrieve products vertically, allowing businesses to keep more products in a smaller footprint. Moreover, blending VLMS with advanced packaging solutions can help companies to optimize their storage capacity and reduce the amount of space required for storage.

Choose Kiva Container for High-Quality Custom Packaging Solutions

Kiva Container is a premier packaging solutions provider with over 35 years of industry experience! Our services include custom packaging, corrugated plastic fabrication, vacuum forming and thermoforming, integrated packaging, plastic pallets, and a selection of standard items. We also utilize innovative processes to deliver solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supply chain packaging does Kiva Container make?

We make returnable corrugated plastic totes, bins, dividers, pallet sleeves, and plastic pallets for supply chain and distribution applications. We also produce automation-compatible containers for conveyor, AMR, and ASRS environments.

When does returnable plastic packaging make financial sense vs. cardboard?

Returnable plastic packaging typically pays off in 12-24 months compared to single-use cardboard, depending on trip frequency and cardboard cost. The break-even accelerates with higher volumes, shorter routes, and reliable return logistics. We can help model the economics for your program.

Does Kiva Container make totes compatible with automated conveyor and ASRS systems?

Yes. We design and fabricate totes, trays, and bins for automated material handling systems including conveyors, AMRs, VLMs, and ASRS equipment. We engineer to the specific footprint, height tolerance, and weight requirements of your system.

Can Kiva Container design totes with custom printing and barcodes for supply chain use?

Yes. We offer digital flatbed printing and silk screening on corrugated plastic totes. Printing can include barcodes, QR codes, routing indicators, part IDs, and company branding, all directly on the corrugated surface.

What is the typical volume for a returnable packaging program with Kiva Container?

Programs range from a few hundred totes for a small closed loop to tens of thousands for large distribution networks. We work with programs at all scales. Contact us with your loop size, part weight, and routing to get a cost and lead time estimate.

What corrugated plastic thicknesses are best for supply chain totes?

For most supply chain picking and tote applications, 4mm to 6mm corrugated polypropylene provides the right balance of rigidity, weight, and cost. Heavier loads and more demanding environments may call for 8mm or 10mm. We will recommend the right gauge for your load and use case.

Does Kiva Container make packaging for cold chain and outdoor storage environments?

Yes. Corrugated plastic is inherently moisture-resistant and will not degrade from humidity, rain, or cold storage environments the way cardboard does. We regularly supply totes for outdoor, cold chain, and agricultural distribution applications.

Can Kiva Container supply packaging for retail distribution centers?

Yes. We produce corrugated plastic totes, bins, and dividers for retail distribution centers, including custom-sized containers for shelf and rack systems and picking totes for order fulfillment operations.