Happy New Year 2018!

Decreasing the amount of packaging a firm is using can reduce waste and increase positive public perception of your organization. Ideally, a supply chain will be conscious of the cost-cutting importance of recycled materials. Taking an audit of packaging can reveal ways to “cut the fat” and make the packaging a lean machine that helps to keep the workflow moving along nicely. Many things happen in the supply chain that is hard to control. Technology in the warehouse, in transportation for inventory, and more is incredibly important but there are other smaller, less expensive steps that some companies have been using that not only optimize the chain but also save money and improve public perception. Every supply chain executive has the duty of auditing the process to make changes where improvements are possible. This is a simple plan to integrate into the system with the right packaging option. A common mistake that we find in many supply chains is the tendency to overpack goods for shipping and storage. The goal is to use packaging that delivers flexible options i.e., easy to manage, easy to store, does not generate waste and delivers the best value. When our supply chain is using packaging that the supply chain cannot reuse, we are essentially throwing good money after bad. According to statistics, there were over 35.4 million tons of paper and cardboard generated in 2016 and (16.3 million tons for each of these waste materials in 2016 and that was just in the EU! In the United States, packaging waste is around 77 million tons just in cardboard packaging waste. Even supply professionals who are not well-versed in packaging will understand the importance of using packaging that enhances workflow, and protection and reduces risk. In the perfect packaging scenario, our packaging needs to be recycled in the supply chain. The costs of waste generated by packaging materials are tremendous not just economically but environmentally as well.

It has been found that 27.97 million vaccines are being administered every day. But only 2.3% of people in low-income countries received at least a first vaccine by September 2021, according to official reports from national health agencies, which is collated by Our World in Data. Concerns exist about whether some countries producing vaccines may impose protectionist controls by export restrictions. So that it would stockpile a COVID 19 vaccine for their own population. In June, the Serum Institute of India – a major manufacturer of global vaccines – reached a licensing agreement with AstraZeneca to make 1 billion doses of vaccine for low-and-middle-income countries, of which half of the doses would go to India. This is an issue of supply chain management to manufacture and send it to the end-user.In the United States, restrictions on vaccine eligibility have been lowered. And wealthier individuals from other countries with unhurried vaccination rates were reportedly traveling to the United States to be vaccinated.

Containers are the primary mode of transportation for maritime import and export flows, with 75% of total cargo carried by containers in developed areas of a global shipping network. Containerization allows for efficient distribution processes, and transshipment activities, such as warehousing, are integrated with production, distribution, and competitive supply chain strategies. Global Production Networks (GPNs) have become essential for manufacturers to consider global logistic strategies, governance, transportation, and value-added services. Liner services, such as Maersk Line and MSC, can integrate trade routes, but schedule integrity often compromised because of port terminal congestion. Re-positioning issues of empty containers are a complex issue related to global freight distribution, influenced by trade imbalance, container manufacturing costs, leasing costs, and usage preferences. Port hinterland relations are crucial for port development, as they enable access to cargo bases and create regional load center networks and logistic poles. Environmental constraints and local opposition to port development also play a role in box logistics, containerization, ports In A global shipping network development.