Packaging’s Strategic Role Within The Warehouse Environment BY WES JONES Understanding the unique dynamics of the retail merchan- dising supply chain is essential in the corrugated and fold- ing carton industries. In my own work, I see this firsthand when partnering with industry leader Costco, where our approach centers on a singular, fundamental objective: driving member value. Succeeding in this environment means recognizing that the retailer is the final entity communicating with the shopper and that packaging must be done right: placed correctly, structurally sound and including the right mes- sage so both emerging and established brands can tell their story and build trust with the member base. The member is always the most important part of the equation. Helping Costo Execute Their “Treasure Hunt” Strategy Costco’s overarching strategy is simple: deliver the best products at the greatest value. This approach helps keep the shopping environment exciting, creating a “treasure hunt” atmosphere that brings members back to discover unique items. Packaging plays a key role in this specific retail setting as it is used to communicate directly with the member. Whether the primary packaging in a bag or box or the secondary packaging in a tray, it communicates the brand’s value directly on the warehouse floor. It displays the product’s size, key attributes and points of differentia- tion, which allows members to quickly assess the product while shopping. Communicating Efficiency As A Point Of Value Communicating value on the floor is only half of the re- quirement; packaging is also a critical point in the supply chain where hidden costs live. Packaging must be engi- neered to efficiently survive a unique supply chain so that a brand can grow and thrive financially. When designing for this environment, the 40”x48” pallet is the white space; a canvas for design. Every packaging structure must fall within the retailer’s compliance parameters, ensuring: • Optimal Pallet Fit: Maximizing space from the brand’s manufacturing or packaging facility to the pallet, so no space is wasted. • Supply Chain Durability: Structurally surviving the jour- ney through the depot system to prevent damages that result in uncaptured front-end costs. Designing for Established vs. Emerging Brands While the physical supply chain and structural compli- ance parameters remain identical, the specific packaging design strategy shifts whether the brand in question is es- tablished or emerging. For products that consistently meet sales thresholds, the goal is operational efficiency with a design focus to build the most efficient pallet configura- tion possible to move large volume through the system without slowing it down. And, that strategy may differ for newer brands, with the retailer potentially choosing to lim- CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com
Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping machines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.
C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com
Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.
EMBA www.embausa.com
The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as ser- vice, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.
EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com
Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours. ESKO www.esko.com ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.
DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com
Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide .
26 August 3, 2026
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