they typically include product protection, the flow of information, volume and weight efficiency, right amount and size, handleability, and other value-added properties. Both physical and informational logistics flows are covered. Beyond the logistics scope, packaging also performs functions related to marketing and environmental/societal features.
Published in Chapter:
Packaging Trends in International Transportation and Logistics
Bernd Philipp (ESCE Grande Ecole de Commerce, France & INSEEC Business School, France), François Fulconis (Avignon University, France), and Thomas Zeroual (ESCE Grande Ecole de Commerce, France & INSEEC Business School, France)
Copyright: © 2020
|Pages: 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-1397-2.ch004
Abstract
Traditionally, the importance of packaging for international supply chains is most often underestimated. This is surprising for such a complex phenomenon, situated at the interface of different functions (logistics, marketing...), different decision levels (operational, tactical, strategic), and different logistics flows (physical and informational). This chapter questions the traditional design and typology of packaging used within international supply chains in the light of two main drivers: (1) its circular/closed-loop requirements and related performance notion and (2) omnichannel trends, including e-commerce, and new customer delivery services. Mobilizing the spanning concept of “logistics functions of packaging” (LFP), this chapter proposes a conceptual framework enabling to trigger adequate novel packaging solutions matching these new expectations. Recent business cases occurring within international supply chains illustrate and deepen our reflection.