Introducing the Concept of Design for Packaging Logistics

Product design, packaging and logistics have a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains. The packaging design is usually limited by the product characteristics hence influencing possible logistical solutions. A need has been recognized to consider packaging and logistical issues early in the product development process. Case studies involving companies from the Swedish industry has been conducted to explore how packaging and logistics issues are considered in the product development process. The implications for the supply chain are described and analyzed. The paper aims at providing a first attempt to introduce a concept based on DFX methods and the packaging logistics approach