When your Corrugated Supplier reacts to one in the right way!   Corrugated increases have become so regular throughout 2017 that the next one due (very soon!) could breed complacency. Everyone understands that they can’t be stopped, most have some idea of why they are happening and we almost expect the letter to come…

So what should happen?  Well a good corrugated supplier has over 3,600 options on cartons spec to hand, variations in Grade, Flute, Print, Style and more.  They know the latest developments out there and they know how to apply them.  If reputable, they can call on a strong, global supply chain to get together the best option for a given application quickly.  When an increase comes along, it should breed innovation and value engineering.  They should make us look at the big picture – space savings and cash flow advantages.

So what should you expect from your corrugated supplier?  And when does it not happen?

An offer to look at the whole picture

Your supplier should have either already carried out a Value Engineering project, or be offering to do so for the next increase. Increases often have to be applied as a set percent, but often each product is different in terms of costing or supply chain.

Bringing new ideas to the table

Your supplier should bring the latest ideas and innovations to the table to see if they can be applied.  New styles, new methods and new ideas

Why should that not happen?

Aside from your supplier just not caring, which we would trust is unlikely – there are two things that a supplier needs to be able to offer the above.

• Expertise.  Your supplier needs to have at least one, preferably more, people in the company that have the latest knowledge and know how to apply it.  The stereotypical sales person after just the order is not going to fit the bill in this day and age.

• Resource.  A strong supply chain with manufacturers of differing abilities is essential.  Manufacturers often specialise in a set type of carton to maximise machines.  One manufacturer may not be able to offer the best value on all your range.  If your supplier is limited in manufacturers or is a manufacturer, the options may be reduced.

How does your supplier react to a corrugated increase?  Yes, they have to apply it, but it’s the innovation that comes out of the increase that counts.  Find a supplier that can do that… and this next increase just could save you money!

If you think that your current packaging could do with being reviewed, please contact our packaging specialists at [email protected] or 0151 486 4800 who will be happy to help