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A number of factors play a role in packaging for cut flowers, namely:
Costs of the packaging
These are the costs of the packaging material. The level of these costs depends on the type of packaging and the load in it. For a good comparison between the various packaging types it is necessary to start from a mutually comparable unit. This unit can be a bunch or a single stem.
It’s also important to know whether the packaging is for single or multiple use. In this case cost of the packaging material per cycle will be decisive. You always have to take account of the drop-out percentage with multiple use – as a number of packages will not be returned. The lower the drop-out percentage, the cheaper multiple use of packaging will be per cycle. The number of cycles that a multiple-use package can undergo also plays a role. Procona is suitable for substantial multiple use. The container and the lid remain; the collar is replaced every cycle.
Transport costs
Self evidently transportation is a major cost factor in moving flowers from A to B. Distances, means of transport and the level of loading are also crucial aspects.
We have already examined the level of loading in the packaging. What’s involved here is the loading of the packaging on the means of transport (pallet or trolley). In general the Procona has a higher load factor than other packaging formulas for cut flowers in water – even non-cylindrically shaped bunches.
There are a number of options to ‘move’ cut flowers: by road, sea or air. Each has its plus and minus points – and there are major differences in costs. Road is the usual option for shorter journeys. Sea or air are the options for long-haul (certainly for intercontinental).
The basic rules here are:
Procona compared with dry boxes.
Procona can take an average of 10-15% fewer stems in conical bunches (e.g. chrysanthemums) and an equal number cylindrical bunches (e.g. iris).
Procona compared with box and bucket.
Procona can carry an average of 20% more stems. With very conical bunches (e.g. bouquets) that’s around 10-15%. With less conically shaped bunches or cylindrical bunches (e.g. irises) that comes to 20-40%.
Labour costs
This heading covers both the costs of packing the cut flowers into the packaging, but also the activities required during transportation and during unpacking. After packing the Procona does not need to be re-packed as the flowers can be sold directly from the container. All you need to do is remove the collar and the lid.
Costs per stem across the entire chain
Comparing packaging cost alone would be too simple. What matters here are total costs across the chain – when the packaging is for single or multiple use.
We will be happy work out the costs differences with you – out in the open. If you’re interested just click on the link and fill in your name, street address, town/city, country and company name. We’ll be in touch and together we can work out the figures based on your situation!
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