Prepping for a job and throwing away all this garbage from packaging just has me thinking about how much waste we cause.
Just wondering what the cost for typical camera packaging is as well? It would be nice if we had the option to buy in packages that could potentially cut cost and waste? Maybe its not possible
It is interesting to think about, and many brands clearly express identity and market through packaging, especially in the consumer market. Unboxing videos are a thing, and everyone wants to look their best...
The 'old fashion' view of packaging puts the cost at a percentage the replacement value of the product. That is, a company spends $x on packaging for a product that costs $xxx to produce and ship it safely, with the packaging costs being justified as protection against breakage, returns, and DOAs.
I know that some cam manufacturers have only cardboard package designs...thus the entire box can be tossed in a recycle bin.
Things get tricky for the larger cams as the weight will cause more stress on the packaging design. It can be done...but you would end up with a larger package and thus incur a larger shipping cost.
As with many things, it is a balancing act.
Some manufacturers implement environmental certifications.
We (Videotec) achieved the ISO 14001 Environment Management System standard.
This takes the form of limiting energy consumption linked to various activities through correct and responsible use of natural resources, and reducing the amount of waste products created.
By seeking to decrease the environmental impact of each step of a product's lifecycle - from collection of raw materials through to product disposal - Videotec is determined to improve its environmental performance in all areas of production
All the new packaging of our products is made of recycled material for the products we deliver.
Packaging is very cheap, it is usually in the lower half of the dollar. However it does protect the product when shipped. Unless you know a local manufacturer that you can just pick up the product unpackaged it still needs to be protected. Packaging it correctly does have its inherent advantages.
Let say you have no idea of the product and walk down the distributor's aisles, if you have something that catches the eye than it makes the biggest difference in the world.
Or even the sales counter people who walk by it everyday at work, they will notice it enough on the design to have it in their head when customers ask for a recommendation.
Ubiquiti sells cameras in 5 packs if you want to go that route....
Ask questions and get answers to your physical security questions from IPVM team members and fellow subscribers.
