How lean management creates value for packaging

Established by Toyota in the 1940s, lean manufacturing pin-points and removes processes that don’t add value. It is a best practice that targets the elimination of waste, delivery of quality, and continuous improvement. From a packaging point of view, these principles promote successful production and support sustainability, which can give you an important competitive advantage.

What makes a packing line “lean”?

Lean packaging plays a strategic role in optimising value, by integrating activities to create holistic, efficient operations that eradicate waste related to: 
 

• Overproduction – Good client/supplier communication coupled with reliable delivery planning with shorter lead times helps to better determine which packages need to be produced and when, so that delivery is just-in-time and surplus losses are avoided. 
• Excess inventory – The Kanban inventory system, which is part of lean manufacturing, aligns needs with actual use to save space and money on supplies, and cut back on damages that can happen in storage.
• Unnecessary motion – Easily accessible tools and ergonomic assembly procedures minimise movement to reduce physical stress and speed up efficiency. 
• Defects – Durable, quality materials and intelligent processes make packaging more resistant and cut costs related to defects. 
• Overprocessing – Smart design applied to both the packaging and the production platform uses only what is needed to decrease material expenses and environmental impact. 
• Waiting – Streamlined work methods, and designs that exclude adding various small components to the package, save time and improve work flow. 
• Transport – Avoiding unnecessary movement in the warehouse before final shipping saves money and protects packaging from damage. 

Better, innovative packaging

Lean thinking removes waste from start to finish, from the sourcing of supplies, to manufacturing and delivery to the customer. It sets a path for better, innovative packaging, while providing real benefits for businesses. 

It is time for you to ask: how lean is your line?