Packaging Trends in International Transportation and Logistics

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.