Chris HillyerUsername: chrish |
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DesignerRecent Discussions
Better Box?
I am currently working on a "better shoebox" concept that I'd like to gather some feedback on. To date, nearly all shoes are delivered in cardboard boxes. I'm wondering if there is a better way all together. There are dozens of constraints regarding shoe boxes from how many you can fit into a master carton to stackability to storage footprint at the footwear factory. In all respects, cardboard is cheap, easy to source and conforms easily to addressing many different shapes and sizes. And, it is made from recycled content and recycleable. How much better can we do?
Posted March 6, 2009
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Paradigm
This is where the retail side clashes with the manufacturing side. The writing is on the wall ad eventually we will move towads a "container" which stays at the shop and simply has cards or something to identify what is inside. Why would anyone want to ship cardboard boxes filled with 25% air all the way from China, through a DC and off to stores. Shipping is already expensive. Many companies making slippers and flip-flop sandals are poly-bag only and save thousands of dollars by filling up containers with product rather than cardboard. Unfortunately, most footwear in the US is purchased by "self-service" displays. These retailers won't even buy flip-flops unless they are shipped in a box! I might add that Wal-Mart is included in this category. The shift mentioned in the 2 posts above will only happen if retailers embrace the idea that they will be responsible to place product in re-useable bins upon arrival at their DC or retail store. I think it will happen, but it will need to be driven as an environmental initiative, rather than an acceptable solution which reduces packaging.
sorry
I was referring to the retail box.