Smart logistics solutions for reusable packaging

In previous years, we wrote about what trends were predicted in the industry, and yet no one could predict what the past year would be like. Despite such an unexpected year, several industries are not afraid to look ahead. Packaging and load carriers cannot be classified under one specific industry, perhaps logistics is the closest. Still, load carriers come in all shapes and sizes and are used in many sectors. In this article we describe the trends for 2021 in different sectors.

Floriculture: digital is the norm

Trends and developments are researched every year, including those in floriculture. Based on the research of the RaboBank, we have taken the main points from this study and listed them:

– The import of flowers and plants is stable. In 2019, the wholesale trade in flowers and plants realized 7 billion euros.

– In the coming years, there will stay a wide variety of sales channels, regions, assortment, purchase motives and functions.

– In 2027, it is expected that there will be three main types of floriculture trade: total suppliers, specialized traders and service providers.

– A recovery growth of 17% sales is predicted in the floriculture industry.

As in previous years, digitalization also continues to be important in the sector. In fact, digital is the norm. Exchanging data is more important than ever for working efficiently. By sharing information between retail, trade and production, organizations in floriculture can better serve their customers. In 2020, digitalization increased due to the rise of online shopping. This required retailers to become more visible online. This also increased digitization, retailers were forced to convert physical sales to online sales channels.

With the predicted growth in sales in the floriculture sector, Danish carts, CC carts and barrels are also being used more. This combined with an increase in digitalization, we can’t help but recommend the use of the packaging platform TrackOnline, which allows floriculture growers to collaborate more efficiently by having a grip on their packaging flows.

Retail

In the retail sector, the following trends can be observed.

– Over the next five years, online sales of (fresh) food are expected to increase by 29%.

– In the meat industry, there is a focus on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, consumer demand is changing, which is something this sector needs to respond to. However, this requires change, which is sometimes difficult to implement. The expectation is that supply chain initiatives will win from regulatory reform.

– According to Rabobank research, it is expected that more bread will be sold through supermarkets in the coming years. With rising demand, the production process is intensifying and business processes are being reviewed. Digitalization and automation are replacing manual work, which is increasing the effectiveness of business processes.

With the expected increase in online sales and food products, including bread, product processes are increasing. Therefore, to transport products, load carriers, also known as reusable packaging, are used. Controlling the flow of reusable packaging is therefore a requirement, considering that load carriers are sometimes more expensive than the food they transport. This can easily be done with TrackOnline, the platform to register and manage reusable packaging.

General trends

In addition to the trends in these sectors, there are also general trends that play a role in the use of packaging.  For example, consumers’ priority for COVID-19 was plastic-free packaging and concern about climate change. During the pandemic, many companies became more aware of their actions and the environmental impact. For example, in 2020, companies believe that sustainability contributes to success as well as consumers’ concern for sustainability. TrackOnline is the platform that encourages companies to use reusable packaging, such as plastic pallets and bulk containers.

Going along with the trend as a true trend setter? Or are you not sensitive to this, but do you want to contribute to the environment by making more use of reusable packaging and have a grip on it? We show you how you can get started. Would you rather have customized advice, please contact us.