Enhancing Efficiency in the Holiday Supply Chain with Industrial Coatings

Published : 26-Nov-2024

Black Friday, an American post-Thanksgiving shopping tradition, is now a global phenomenon that drives massive spending. With the rise of e-commerce, the shopping experience has shifted from in-store to online, resulting in a more complex and strained supply chain. 

In 2023, American consumers bought a record $9.8 billion worth of goods online, a 7% increase from the previous year. During the 2023 holiday shopping season, U.S. shoppers spent an astounding $222 billion online, requiring the delivery of more than 850 million packages, according to the United States Postal Service.

The sizeable and steady growth in e-commerce has significant implications for the shipping and transportation industries that are tasked with processing and delivering a once unimaginable volume of goods in under five weeks.

Bottlenecks in warehouses and fulfillment centers, and delivery delays can disrupt the entire supply chain. Additionally, weather challenges that are common around the holidays can add further strain. At a time when demand is high and delivery times are tight, the business and financial ramifications can be staggering.

To keep pace, every point along the value chain, from manufacturing to transportation, must operate efficiently. Industrial coatings that protect and preserve some of the most important tools in the product distribution network play an important, yet often overlooked role.

Protective industrial-grade finishes help to safeguard machinery in manufacturing plants, enhance the durability of warehouse equipment like conveyor systems and forklifts, and protect trucks, trailers and shipping cartons that transport goods from wear, weather, corrosion and chemicals.

Selecting the Right Coatings for Shelving and Racking Systems

Warehouse shelving, racking, and storage systems are vital components of the e-commerce infrastructure.

Metal components can corrode due to various factors, including exposure to high temperatures, humidity, electrolytes, chemicals, and ultraviolet (UV) light. The appropriate coating can prevent damage from these corrosive elements, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of the systems.

In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of shelving and racking systems in the e-commerce pipeline. Read more about the role of coatings solutions in the supply chain industry >

Shelving in the Supply Chain

The Importance of Containers in Holiday Shopping and Online Commerce

With a thriving ecommerce and global trade ecosystem, shipping containers are helping to make the transportation of goods over long distances faster, safer and more economical.

Typically constructed of aluminum or steel, these containers are designed for easy loading and transfer from ships, trains and trucks, ensuring seamless movement from manufacturers to ports, terminals and distribution centers. These advantages help to accelerate turnaround times and lower handling costs.

Containers come in various types and standardized sizes, each suited for different kinds of goods. For example, refrigerated containers (reefers) are used to transport perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals, while specialized boxes like open-top containers for oversized items and tank containers for liquids, allow the efficient and safe transport of a diverse array of products.

Containers protected with PPG coatings

Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration in supply chain management. Many containers today are designed to be reusable and recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable logistics process. Industrial coatings play an integral part in the rehabbing process of containers, ensuring their longevity and reducing environmental impact.

As e-commerce continues to grow, the role of containers will only become more pivotal. Demand for shipping containers is high and is expected to experience an annual growth rate of about 12% through 2028. By 2031, the market is expected to reach $14.1 billion.

Optimal Freight Protection

One of the main advantages of containers is the protection they provide to the goods inside during transit. Shipping containers are built to withstand even the harshest elements, ensuring that products arrive in good condition, regardless of weather and conditions.

Industrial coatings, such as PPG's high-performance powder coatings, further enhance the protective performance of containers by providing corrosion resistance, UV damage protection and color fastness.

Trusted by shipping container manufacturers, our coatings meet stringent OEM specifications for durability, color harmony and aesthetics, PPG ENVIROCRON® powder coatings are engineered to protect against corrosion, chemicals, UV damage and fading, even in the most demanding circumstances. PPG DURAFORM® TR polyester coil coatings deliver excellent mechanical properties, hardness, stain resistance and affordability with lasting aesthetics, making them ideal for truck and trailer applications.

PPG Transit Protection Solutions

Beyond powder coatings, PPG offers a comprehensive range of transit protection solutions, including fully integrated pretreatment, electrocoat, coil and liquid technologies, all supported by a global technical support network.

These coatings provide lasting color and robust corrosion protection, extending the service life of chassis, shipping containers, trailers, and their components. Leading shippers, logistics companies, carriers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) rely on PPG for weather resistance, corrosion performance, color matching and sustainably advantaged solutions.

As the demand for goods surges during the holidays, the role of industrial coatings becomes even more crucial in maintaining a smooth and reliable supply chain. By investing in high-quality coatings, companies can ensure their operations will run as efficiently as possible, even during the most demanding, busiest times. Industrial coatings protect and preserve essential tools and equipment, ensuring the resiliency and performance of the supply chain infrastructure.

 Learn more about PPG’s shelving and racking coatings >

Tractor trailer protected by ppg coatings