Exporta, the UK’s product handling experts, offer their insight on how to mitigate supply chain disruptions in 2022. “We know the challenges of 2020 continued into 2021 for many, and the logistics and supply chain industries were no different. Whether it was increased consumer demand, the impact of Brexit, materials shortages, or disruptions to the global shipping networks (looking at you Suez Canal), it was a year that tested everyone’s resilience. So, looking ahead to next year here are our top tips to prepare for avoidable delays in the supply chain world.”John Wilkin – Supply Chain Manager Exporta
Reuse and recycleÂ
In line with sustainability goals, the demand for returnable packaging solutions will rise in 2022. Reusable, recyclable materials make returnable packaging an ideal solution for businesses looking to embrace a more eco-conscious quality product.
As well as being a more sustainable option, these products, i.e. recyclable Plastic Pallets or Folding Crates, provide better security of goods and minimise damage in transit which provides better long-term value, and will prevent you from losing stock in the supply chain which will cause unnecessary delays. We all need to be thinking about the benefits of returnable packaging as a long term, sustainable solution.
Check the documents you require to transport goods through the EU
Any SME that already transports goods to the EU, will know a lot has changed over the past year. For that reason, ensuring your documents, permits, licenses are all correct is an essential part of exporting and mitigating disruption to your supply chain. This includes carrying the right operator license. A UK license for the community is something that should be automatically issued when driving abroad, but make sure all drivers are carrying one.
Map your supply chain
It’s always a good idea to understand the journey your products take, whether that’s through importing or exporting. This will allow you to assess potential risks to your supply chain and identify where any issues might arise i.e. those of rising transport costs, the hangover from Brexit and other political or world health issues that could derail your product. Making your supply chain as efficient as possible is one of the best ways to avoid delays.
Bypass the ISMP15 regulation by using recycled plastic pallets
Sustainability isn’t usually associated with the word plastic. But you might be surprised by how much more environmentally friendly plastic is than wood. Plastic Pallets are recyclable – and they’re often made from recycled materials, offering a much better lifetime value in comparison to other materials. Plastic is also more hygienic and as such, bypasses the ISMP15 regulation that was introduced at the start of 2021 due to Brexit, which required all wooden pallets being used to ship goods out of the UK to Europe to be heat treated. This caused a huge rise in demand for these pallets and saw shortages across the network. By using plastic, not only do you eliminate the need for the ISPM15 consideration but it’s also less likely to be impacted by the materials shortage and price rises we saw relating to wooden products.
The Robots are coming
With the labour shortages seen across the sector and a rise in repetitive and chronic strains relating to the manual nature of warehouse jobs, alongside the boom in online buying habits and COVID-19, the need to introduce automation and robotics can no longer be ignored.
The acceleration of automation within the sector will result in fewer delays from human absence. COVID-19 has sadly meant that we’re all too familiar with delays due to cases spreading and this is particularly true of large shared workforces, like those operating in warehouses. Automation will help minimise the impact of the virus on these workforces.
