What is Dunnage and Why is it Important?
Imagine receiving a shipment of valuable parts or equipment, only to find them damaged upon arrival due to inadequate packaging. Custom dunnage is the solution to prevent that scenario. Dunnage consists of materials or devices used in packaging and shipping to secure and protect products during transportation and storage. Rather than merely packing material, it plays a crucial role in safeguarding goods. This results in significantly reduced damage costs and enhances overall logistics efficiency.
Industries such as automotive, electronics, and manufacturing rely heavily on precise and secure product protection. High-value, sensitive items damaged in transit can result in substantial financial loss and operational delays. Dunnage solutions are expertly engineered to prevent shifting, scratching, bending, or breaking—protecting both the physical integrity of your products and your company’s bottom line.
Types and Materials of Custom Dunnage
Custom dunnage can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of various industries and products. The choice of material depends on factors such as product sensitivity, strength requirements, and sustainability goals. It can also be further personalized with specific colors or branding through screen printing, aligning the packaging with your brand identity. Common materials include:
Plastic: Durable and typically recyclable; it ranges from flexible options for less sensitive items to rigid solutions for high-value or delicate parts. Plastic corrugated dunnage with various fluting sizes offers different levels of strength and flexibility.
Foam: Typically used for high-value items that require precise cushioning and stability. Foam can last 3-4 years, handling approximately 18-20 uses before needing replacement.
Fabric: Ideal for protecting products from scratches or abrasion, fabric is highly customizable and sustainable.
Specialized Film or Protective Layers: For items requiring extra surface protection, specialized films can be applied to the dunnage surface. However, these films may impact the recyclability of the material.
Dunnage Racks: Dunnage racks are structural solutions used to support heavy goods, ensuring they stay secure and organized during transport or storage. Materials for dunnage racks often include durable plastics or metals.
Dunnage in Action Across Industries
Extera has delivered notable successes with custom dunnage across various industries. For instance, a water treatment company faced frequent costly losses—up to $150,000 per pallet—due to breakage of wooden pallets. Extera’s solution was to introduce robust, custom plastic dunnage solutions, which dramatically decreased damage incidents and associated costs.
In automotive manufacturing, Extera’s custom dunnage protects highly sensitive auto parts, maintaining precise handling standards. Protective films or fabric layers integrated into designs safeguard these components from scratches or damage throughout shipping.
Another innovative solution involved multi-layered dunnage to protect multiple product layers. After successful delivery, the layers fold conveniently accordion-style for efficient return shipping, further enhancing sustainability and reducing packaging waste.
Reducing Waste, Emissions, and Costs
Plastic dunnage is generally recyclable, which significantly reduces its environmental impact compared to single-use packaging. Fabric dunnage is also a sustainable choice, as its recyclability actively supports circular economy efforts.
Using reusable dunnage drastically reduces the likelihood of product damage, eliminating the need for extra shipments and significantly lowering transportation emissions and overall carbon footprint. Dunnage’s reusable nature means it can often be utilized numerous times, further reducing waste and operational costs. Furthermore, Extera’s leasing options for custom dunnage eliminate the need for disposal or storage, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to single-use solutions.
The Extera Difference: Design, Delivery, and Durability
Extera brings extensive industry experience and expertise to your dunnage requirements, ensuring tailored solutions that perfectly align with your operational needs. We go beyond simply providing packaging—Extera strategically assesses, designs, and produces dunnage solutions that protect your products, streamline your logistics, and enhance your sustainability initiatives.
Key advantages include:
- End-to-End Service: From initial consultation and custom design to production and delivery, Extera manages every step, providing fully tailored solutions.
- Decades of Expertise: Extera’s long-standing relationships with reputable manufacturers in Indiana and Pennsylvania enable the company to combine deep industry expertise with highly competitive pricing.
- Rapid Turnaround and US-Based Inventory: Our sizable inventory enables quick turnaround times, eliminating delays associated with international sourcing.
- Leasing Options: Custom dunnage solutions can be seamlessly integrated into Extera’s container leasing packages, providing convenience and cost efficiency.
Many businesses underestimate the true costs and environmental impacts associated with single-use packaging. Conducting a thorough evaluation of your current dunnage use can reveal opportunities for substantial cost savings, improved efficiency, and significant waste reduction.
Sourcing your dunnage from Extera provides unmatched versatility, comprehensive customization options, and exceptional protection for your products. Don’t leave your logistics to chance—partner with Extera today to enhance your supply chain efficiency and protect your valuable goods.
