How a Recycling Plant Reduced Their Costs by Reducing Their Gauge

Case Study: Recycling Plant

Overview

A recycling plant from Hamilton, Ontario reconnected with Crawford Packaging prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss automating their packaging process for their new project. We were reconnected with this customer through an article in the Hamilton Spectator – our Packaging Specialist came across the article and reached out the customer right away. Unfortunately their new project went under during the pandemic – the customer then continued operating in their primary industry.

 

After the project went under, the customer then later inquired for a different solution. They originally were looking for automated equipment to support the new project – in turn, they were looking to purchase a high performing stretch film. After supporting their stretch film needs for some time, the customer then began to ask about pricing with different polyethylene mailers.

The customer was originally purchasing 4mil polyethylene mailers from another supplier but, they were having issues with supply as well as pricing. Our knowledgeable Packaging Specialists educated the customer by recommending a 3mil polyethylene mailers as they were just as durable, and the price was most competitive.

 

At Crawford, we can generate stocking agreements with our customer and suppliers to ensure we have the forecasted packaging materials for the customer. Specifically with this customer, they were ordering months worth of products at once when suddenly, their production ramped up and couldn’t keep supply on the floor. Now with the stocking agreement, we keep a certain amount of the product their order in the warehouse and can have a new order fulfilled within 24 hours.

Challenge

The customer had reached out to Crawford to inquire about automated equipment to support their new project but unfortunately, the project went under during the pandemic – the customer then continued operating in their primary business industry. After supporting their stretch film needs for some time, the customer then began to ask about pricing with different polyethylene mailers. The customer was originally purchasing 4mil polyethylene mailers from another supplier but, they were having issues with supply as well as pricing.

Process

Our knowledgeable Packaging Specialists always stay in touch with customers after purchase to ensure the product is working for them. Since our Packaging Specialists were ensuring the stretch wrap was performing, that’s how the conversation on pricing for poly mailers started.

Solution

Our team recommended a 3mil polyethylene mailers from our Vendor as they were just as durable, and the price was more competitive and the lowest. As well, we provided the customer with a stocking agreement – we coordinate with our vendor and the customer to carry stock and have it readily available when they run out of product.

 

This solution directly aligns with one of our core values as a company – reducing costs. Reducing costs is one of the largest variables that can affect a business’s bottom line however, our Packaging Specialists can reduce costs by implementing innovative packaging solutions.

Results

Reduced Costs

The customer continues to be happy with both the stretch film as well as the polyethylene mailers. Reducing their costs and creating the stocking agreement has allowed them to have ease day-to-day while completing their operations.

Crawford Packaging is a full-service packaging company located in London, Brampton and Waterloo, Ontario. From packaging to packaging equipment, installation and upgrades, and in-person equipment training and repair, we’re focused on your business success every step of the way.