From mailbox to banding

TR8COMM was facing a growing packaging dilemma. Their small products were being packed in oversized boxes, leading to a lot of unnecessary material waste and rising costs. Richard Goulooze, the owner of TR8COMM, knew they needed a more sustainable solution, but he wasn’t sure where to start. That’s when the game-changing packaging demo arrived. After just one demonstration, Richard made the switch to a smarter packaging solution. The results were immediate: their process became more efficient, material waste was cut down, and their ecological footprint shrank significantly. It was a simple change, but one that made all the difference for TR8COMM.

TR8COMM’s journey began as a small trading company, sourcing hardware like phones, tablets, and SIM cards. But it didn’t take long for them to scale up, catching the attention of major clients like supermarket chain Albert Heijn and the international health and beauty retailer A.S. Watson. TR8COMM’s task was clear: package SIM cards and deliver them to stores all across the Netherlands. While the collaboration with their partners was seamless, there was one challenge that kept cropping up: the packaging.

Excessive packaging and high costs

The SIM cards would arrive at TR8COMM in bulk shipments from China or Indonesia. Once they were in, the task was to repackage them into sets of five before sending them off to retailers like Albert Heijn. To handle this, Richard had been relying on mailbox boxes—but it quickly became clear this wasn’t the best solution.

For one, the boxes had to be folded by hand, which was a time-consuming process. On top of that, they took up a lot of space and were way too big for the five small SIM cards they were meant to hold. This meant wasted materials and higher transport costs. And once the boxes made their way to Albert Heijn, they weren’t reused; they were just tossed out, adding to the waste pile.

It was obvious that a more sustainable and efficient packaging solution was needed. But when Richard considered alternatives like plastic bags, paper wraps, or shrink wrap, none of them aligned with his vision for sustainability.

“We use less material, the process is faster, and we need fewer hands on deck”

While searching for more sustainable and efficient packaging options, Richard stumbled upon banding. Curious about its potential, he dove into some online research, which led him to Jan, one of Bandall's account managers. Jan recommended a demonstration with a standalone banding machine, giving Richard the chance to experience its benefits firsthand and see if it could meet his packaging needs.

The demo was a game-changer. Richard immediately recognized how banding could revolutionize his packaging process, making it not only more efficient but also more eco-friendly. With Jan's expertise, he saw the sustainable, cost-effective advantages that banding could bring to the table.

By making the switch to banding, TR8COMM no longer needed to package SIM cards in individual boxes. Instead, they could reuse the original shipping boxes from their suppliers. Bundles of SIM cards were repackaged and sent to Albert Heijn stores in these same boxes, now allowing for far more SIM cards per box. This move cut out the waste from excessive packaging, making the entire process leaner and greener.

Benefits across the entire chain

The impact of TR8COMM’s new packaging solution extended far beyond Richard’s company. It rippled through the entire supply chain. Albert Heijn, too, was pleasantly surprised by the switch to banding, seeing the immediate benefits of reduced material usage and improved efficiency. As a company committed to sustainable and cost-effective packaging, the banding solution aligned perfectly with Albert Heijn’s values and goals.

But the advantages didn’t stop there. The new packaging also saved valuable time for their shelf stockers. With the band easily removed from the stack of SIM cards, restocking shelves became quicker and more efficient. It was a true win-win situation, benefiting everyone involved.

Financial gains and sustainability benefits

Investing in the banding machine quickly paid off and continues to deliver impressive returns. By making the switch to banding, Richard has dramatically reduced packaging material, energy consumption, and labor costs. What once took excessive time and resources has now been streamlined, leading to significant monthly savings.

The reduction in packaging costs and the improved efficiency of the process have given TR8COMM a distinct competitive edge. At the same time, this shift has made a meaningful impact on sustainability—reducing waste and lowering their carbon footprint.

The blend of cost savings and environmental benefits has turned the move to banding into a strategic win, not just for the business, but for the planet as well.

Make a difference. Go banding.