Procurement Packaging Optimisation
Reduce your packaging costs sustainably by up to 15 % and simultaneously increase your process and logistics efficiency. A strategic Procurement Packaging Optimisation is more than just price negotiation today: Through the combination of material substitution, volume bundling, and technical specification checks, we unlock hidden savings potential throughout your entire supply chain. Kloepfel Consulting supports you in optimising primary, secondary, and transport packaging for economic and ecological future-proofing.
Your solution for sustainable savings in packaging procurement.
- Companies lack transparency in their packaging procurement because departments often make decisions autonomously and without close coordination.
- Packaging budgets are difficult to control, and at the same time, performance and the interplay between machine and material must be guaranteed.
- Pressure arises from legal requirements such as recycling, CO₂ reduction, and sustainability.
- Procurement often has little influence on decisions, limited control options, and rising, difficult-to-plan expenses.
- At the same time, compliance requirements (e.g. recycling guidelines and CSR requirements) must be adhered to.
KLOEPFEL by EPSA creates transparency, reduces material usage and CO₂, optimises costs through global sourcing and logistical efficiency, and is aware of compliance with PPWR, ISO, and EUDR.
Packaging Optimisation
Your partner for holistic cost optimisation in packaging procurement
We have over 19 years of practical experience in the procurement and cost optimisation of packaging. Due to numerous projects, we possess in-depth knowledge of materials, production processes, specifications, and cost structures, enabling us to specifically implement savings potentials.
Our consultants possess in-depth commodity group expertise in the field of packaging. Thanks to cross-industry market knowledge and a robust international supplier network, we identify achievable savings potential while ensuring quality, functionality, and security of supply.
Sie möchten Ihre Verpackungskosten nachhaltig senken und bei Materialien, Lieferanten und Spezifikationen die besten Konditionen erzielen? Ohne Risiko? Dann sind wir der richtige Partner für Sie. Mit unserem 100 % erfolgsbasierten Modell zahlen Sie ausschließlich dann, wenn wir durch unsere Arbeit nachweisliche Einsparungen im Verpackungseinkauf realisieren. Alternativ bieten wir eine Abrechnung auf Tagessatz-Basis für eine planbare Budgetierung an.
We focus on holistic cost reduction through efficient material and design management, optimised supplier and raw material management, and lean logistics and handling processes. In doing so, we ensure sustainability and compliance as an integral part of our solutions. We achieve average savings of 5–25 %.
We support you in optimising costs in packaging procurement
and deliver targeted optimisation solutions.
We optimise paper-based packaging such as folding boxes, corrugated board/cartons, carrier bags, tubes and cut pieces. They combine sustainability with versatile design and meet the highest demands in terms of functionality and recyclability.
Our objective:
- Material reduction Use of lighter corrugated board grades (e.g. E-flute instead of B-flute) or substitution with more cost-effective materials
- Design-to-cost: Standardisation and harmonisation of carton sizes (reduction of complexity)
- Process Optimisation Using standards for optimised gluing or folding processes
- Sustainability: Increase in recycling rate, use of certified raw materials (FSC, PEFC)
We optimise plastic-based packaging such as cups, bags and films, buckets, drums and canisters, bottles, preforms, and closures. This packaging offers high functionality, flexibility in design, and meets all requirements for durability and recyclability.
Our objective:
- Material substitution Use of recycled or bio-based plastics
- Downgauging Reduction of material thickness with the same packaging performance
- Product and Process Optimisation Use of standardised dimensions and packaging processes
- Raw Material Management Establishment of price escalation clauses and the possibility of price fixing
We optimise glass-based packaging such as ampoules, vials, bottles, jars and pots. This packaging offers excellent barrier properties, is ideal for protecting sensitive products and meets the highest demands for aesthetics and recyclability.
Our objective:
- Light glass design Reduction of glass weight with the same stability and performance
- Standardisation Use of standardised bottle shapes and evaluation of reusable concepts
- Supply chain perspective: Regionalisation of glass procurement (CO2 reduction)
- TCO Consideration Considering packaging costs in conjunction with logistics costs
We optimise metal-based packaging such as cups, cans, buckets, drums, canisters, crates, transit packaging, tubes and closures. This packaging offers excellent strength, protection from external influences and is ideal for the safe transport and long-term storage of products.
Our objective:
- Material efficiency Wall thickness reduction, switch to light metal alloys
- Raw material optimisation Use of secondary raw materials (aluminium, steel)
- Supply Chain Optimisation Coordinated multi-site demand planning
- TCO Consideration Considering packaging costs in conjunction with logistics costs
We optimise wood-based packaging such as collar frames and cover frames, crates and pallets. This packaging offers high stability, is robust and ensures safe transport as well as reliable storage. It also represents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution.
Our objective:
- Standardisation Use of standard pallets (EUR, CP, Chep, etc.)
- Material optimisation Use of plywood or blockboard instead of solid wood
- Repatriation systems or quotas Use of reusable circuits or repair concepts
- Procurement optimisation Setting up local suppliers and indexed price agreements
We optimise packaging aids such as adhesive tapes, adhesives and glues, cushioning and filling materials, and strapping materials. These products offer effective protection, ensure secure packaging, and help to minimise transport damage. Furthermore, they are a cost-effective solution for sustainable and efficient packaging.
Our objective:
- Material substitution Switch to alternative materials (e.g. paper tape)
- Consumption optimisation Article standardisation and material usage
- Logistics integration Reduction of article variety, stocking and warehousing concepts
- Contract management Bundling by Product Groups and Suppliers (Product and Process Cost Optimisation)
- Process OptimisationUsing web shops and reducing administrative costs
Central measures and tools for optimising indirect purchasing
Cost optimisation
- Implementation of immediate cost reductions
- Development of category strategies
- Optimisation and bundling of purchasing volumes
- Supplier relationship and risk management
- Use of own category management
- Sustainable support in indirect purchasing
Digitisation
- Digitalisation of procurement processes
- Using advanced eProcurement tools
- Improving internal approval processes
- Maximising existing framework agreement conditions
Classic purchasing levers
- Direct negotiations with suppliers
- Demand consolidation and volume bundling
- Conduct market analyses and design tenders in a structured manner
- Organisation of supplier days and conferences
- Consolidation and optimisation of the supplier base
- Detailed analysis of cost structures
- Implementation of global sourcing strategies
- Use of auctions and game-theoretic approaches
We have competence teams for all product groups in packaging procurement.
Cost optimisation in packaging purchasing
Hotel toiletries
Our client, a globally operating, medium-sized manufacturer of hotel cosmetics, was faced with the challenge of replacing expiring packaging material patents while simultaneously optimising products and costs. The previous manual process of inlay assembly by suppliers led to long cycle times and increased unit costs.
The aim was to replace the manual production step with an automated production line, enabling more efficient utilisation of staff capacity and significantly reducing cycle times.
Through our measures, a significant cost reduction of 25–30 % could be achieved.
Dried fruit
For our client in the food industry (dried fruit), a procurement cost optimisation project was carried out in the purchasing department. The procurement of raw materials and packaging materials had previously been spread across various suppliers and specialist departments.
The objective was, among other things, to review current conditions, identify alternative suppliers, and establish a second-source structure for risk mitigation. Additionally, transparent pricing models were to be developed and conditions secured through sliding scale clauses. For our customers, we achieved savings in main product groups in the double-digit percentage range, among other benefits.
Your experts for efficiently reducing packaging costs
With over 19 years of experience and more than 1,000 successful projects, we are the experts in optimising packaging procurement. Our specialised competence teams possess in-depth knowledge in sourcing packaging materials and deliver tailor-made solutions for every company.
Customer satisfaction you can rely on
Satisfied customers from the indirect costs sector
Let's optimise your packaging procurement sustainably together.
FAQ: Important Questions on Procurement Packaging Optimisation
What is the typical saving potential from packaging optimisation?
As a rule, we achieve savings of between 10 %and 20 % through a holistic approach. These result from the optimisation of material usage, the consolidation of the supplier portfolio, and the standardisation of formats.
Does cost reduction preclude sustainability?
On the contrary. Cost savings and environmental goals often go hand in hand. Through material reduction („downsizing“), the omission of unnecessary fillers or the switch to recyclable monomaterials, both material costs and disposal fees and the CO2 footprint are reduced.
Which types of packaging are analysed as part of the project?
We consider the entire spectrum: from primary packaging (direct product contact) and secondary packaging (outer packaging, cartons) to tertiary and logistics packaging (pallets, stretch film, load securing).
How does optimisation influence existing logistics?
Efficient packaging optimisation in purchasing always takes logistics into account. Through optimised dimensions, we improve pallet utilisation and truck space utilisation, which in turn massively reduces transport costs per unit.
Does a change of material jeopardise product safety?
No. Any technical optimisation is carried out in strict compliance with the necessary protective functions. Before a new packaging concept is implemented, we ensure through tests and trials that stability and the level of protection are maintained throughout the entire transport process.