Send me a messageHappy Friday folks, and in today's podcast episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had the pleasure of delving deep into the fascinating world of packaging with Phillip Akhzar, CEO of Arka.We kicked things off discussing the common missteps businesses make with their packaging - from not having the right suite to not being timely with their packaging. If you've ever received a package and thought, "Why such a big box for a small item?" Phillip breaks down the reasons and how businesses can avoid these pitfalls. 📦One key takeaway? The right packaging doesn't just save space and materials; it's critical for your brand's reputation in the age of social commerce. Think about it: a product sent in an oversized box might end up as a negative review online. Meanwhile, a product that arrives in a box perfectly tailored to its size becomes a social media moment. 🌟And speaking of boxes, remember when Apple announced the packaging shrink for the iPhone 15? We dove into that and how sustainable packaging not only reduces waste but also shipping costs. Phillip even dropped some insights about Apple's move being a brilliant example for businesses, big or small!Ever thought about branding on your packaging? 🎨 It's not just about aesthetics; it's a marketing spend. As Phillip emphasizes, your package is the first physical interaction your customer has with your brand. And hey, Apple fanboys, we shared a special moment about the art and beauty of Apple's packaging! 🍎As we wrapped up, Phillip enlightened us on the various materials Arka uses, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of making the right choices. Whether it's moving to 100% PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled material) or focusing on paper over newer materials, Arka is pushing the envelope (pun intended!).For anyone in the e-commerce Elevate your brand with the ‘Sustainable Supply Chain’ podcast, the voice of supply chain sustainability.Last year, this podcast's episodes were downloaded over 113,000 times by senior supply chain executives around the world.Become a sponsor. Lead the conversation.Contact me for sponsorship opportunities and turn downloads into dialogues.Act today. Influence the future.Support the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's generous supporters: Alicia Farag Kieran Ognev And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent episodes like this one.Podcast Sponsorship Opportunities:If you/your organisation is interested in sponsoring this podcast - I have several options available. Let's talk!FinallyIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - feel free to just send me a direct message on LinkedIn, or send me a text message using this link.If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover it. Thanks for listening.