“Equivalent” packaging often means thinner, weaker, or cheaper than what you approved. Learn what belongs on a packaging spec sheet and seven steps to verify every delivery matches.
You order 20 inch, 80 gauge machine stretch film. The pallet arrives marked “80ga EQ,” or not marked at all. The rolls look identical. Weigh one, and the film runs closer to 63 gauge. Your wrapper uses more film per load, and your loads hold less.
The same swap happens with boxes, bags, and tape. A written spec is how you catch the swap.
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Packaging |
Spec fields |
|
Corrugated box |
Inside dimensions, style, flute, ECT or burst grade, print, bundle count |
|
Poly bag |
Size, style, mil, resin, additives, closure, print, case count |
|
Foam insert |
Foam type, density, dimensions, cavity drawing |
|
Bottle or vial |
Material, capacity, neck finish, closure, liner, color |
|
Stretch film |
Width, gauge, roll length, roll weight, core size |
Cut a measured section of film, weigh the section, and compare to the weight for the gauge you ordered. Your supplier should give you the target numbers.
A lower unit price on thinner film or weaker board costs more once you count extra film per load, damage, and reshipping. Total cost per shipped unit is the number to report.
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