New packaging
introduced to help
penetrate US markets
WHEN IT comes to garment packaging, FedEx Express Southern Africa has the market sewn up in a manner of speaking.
The company has introduced special packaging to help local garment exporters penetrate US markets. "Following on the boost the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) has given the industry, the mooted Agoa II will go even further in stimulating exports from the region, especially if Botswana and Namibia are brought in," says Sameer Wadhwa, manager - marketing and e-commerce.
"When the first year of Agoa ends this month, beneficiaries are expected to have used less than 20% of the quota. This reflects the time it takes to gain US customs approval as well as prudence in capacity investment.
"We expect take-off if Congress ends limits on quantities and broadens the duty free categories," says Wadhwa. "Shippers have been playing wait-and-see. Agoa II will offer them the comfort they need."
The range of packaging was developed at the FedEx Packaging Design & Development Laboratory in Memphis, following a detailed study of export packaging requirements. It is supplied free of charge and is space efficient to keep costs down.
"Some garments travel better hanging and others folded," says Wadhwa. "The range of sizes and shapes caters for all needs and there are special sleeves for rolls of fabric, linen or carpeting."
The packages are recyclable and printing and sealing is done with non-toxic inks, varnishes and adhesives. The boxes are compact, self-seal, easily assembled and self-locking. They are manufactured from special ply corrugated sheet for added strength and are delivered flat to economise on factory space. They are robust in use, having passed drop tests and other simulated stress, says Wadhwa.
"The fashion world has always been in a rush. Now exporters can meet tighter deadlines without sacrificing cargo care."
