Manufacturing and industrial companies have a broad range of options when it comes to packaging materials. From metal to plastic and more, many packagers can create a custom solution to meet almost any need. Still, though, for many companies, the traditional wood crate is still the most effective packaging solution.
While a wood crate may seem like a simple product, it often requires a high degree of engineering and efficiency. If not constructed properly, a wood crate can leave your product vulnerable to moisture, heat, or other threats. An inefficient production process could drive up costs. Insufficient standards could create quality risks or environmental hazards.
There’s no shortage of wood packaging companies available. So how do you determine which packaging partner is right for you?
The packaging company’s certifications are a good place to start. Most reputable packaging companies have been certified for compliance with a range of different standards. Those certifications offer some insight into the company’s commitment to quality and service.
Of course, it’s not always easy to translate certification codes. That’s especially true if the packager operates globally, in which case they may comply with standards for a number of different countries. In fact, international standards are often more stringent than domestic standards because of the fact that the standards have to align with the regulations of multiple countries.
Below are some of the types of certifications you may want to look for in your search for a wood packaging partner. If they don’t have certifications in these areas, they may not have the processes in place to meet your needs in an effective and efficient manner.
☑ Quality Management
The entire purpose of using a wood package is to protect your products, parts, and other assets while they are in transit or storage. If a package that has subpar quality poses a threat to your products, your reputation, and your profitability.
A certification in quality management should top your list of expectations for a wood packaging partner. At Deufol, we are ISO 9001:2008 certified. ISO 9001:2008 is the international standard for quality management systems. To stay compliant with the certification, companies must consistently provide product that meets customer, statutory, and regulatory requirements. Companies must also have a process to implement continuous improvements to their quality management systems. If a company lacks similar certifications, they may not have the commitment to quality that you expect.
☑ ISPM 15
Any packager who is serious about quality should ensure that their packages are in compliance with ISPM 15, which stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It’s an international standard for products made from wood that is thicker than 6 millimeters.
The primary component of ISPM 15 is the treatment of the wood, specifically with regard to insects and infestation. The goal is to prevent the spread of insects and disease through the shipment of wood products. The standard lays out specific steps manufacturers should take to treat certain types of wood. Treated wood is then branded with a logo to certify that it is in compliance with the standard.
If your wood packager isn’t complying with ISPM 15, they could be creating liabilities for you. Your packages could be risks for the spread of insect and disease infestations. That could not only damage your products, but also open you up to legal and regulatory consequences.
☑ Health and Safety Certifications
As is the case in most businesses, packaging quality begins with the actual people doing the work. From engineers to designers to production personnel, the quality of the individuals on the packaging team has a direct impact on the quality of the end product.
Of course, quality employers usually attract quality talent. A packaging company that has a health and safety certification is one that has made a commitment to the well-being of its team members.
At Deufol, we have a BS OHSAS 18001:2007 certification, which demonstrates our compliance with European health and safety standards. As an international packager, we opt to comply with the most stringent standards so we can be sure we’re meeting or exceeding standards in every country in which we operate.
☑ Environmental Management
Do you have sustainability targets? Do you have to meet your customers’ sustainability standards? Packaging is major component in the sustainability equation. If your wood packaging isn’t produced by a company that measures and minimizes environmental impact, you could be in danger of missing your objectives.
The ISO 14001 family of certifications cover environmental impact and management. They require certified companies to have a documented process in place for measuring environmental impact and implementing steps to minimize impacts.
Not sure whether you’re working with the right partner for your wood packaging? Start by examining their certifications. While certifications won’t tell you everything you need to know about a company’s commitment to quality, they certainly provide important insight. 
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