E-commerce packaging: the importance of optimising the volumetric weight ratio
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30 January 2026- 5 minutes
In e-commerce, packaging is not just a protective material. It directly influences transport costs, logistics performance and customer experience.
One of the major levers for optimisation remains the volumetric weight ratio.
Optimising your e-commerce packaging solutions can reduce shipping costs, improve fill rates and limit environmental impact.
Focus on volumetric weight and its impact on logistics.
What is the volumetric weight of e-commerce packaging?
Volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the volume of a parcel. Carriers generally charge based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
The standard formula used is: (Length × Width × Height) / carrier coefficient.
A box that is too large for its contents artificially increases the invoiced weight, even if the product is light, resulting in additional costs that could be avoided.
Why optimise the volumetric weight ratio of your e-commerce packaging?
Optimising the volumetric weight ratio has several advantages, beyond significantly reducing transport costs.
This method also reduces empty space in packages, limits the use of cushioning materials and thus improves the carbon footprint, as well as optimising warehouse storage.
It is now imperative for brands to know how to balance operational performance and cost control without sacrificing service quality.
Cardboard box review: a strategic step in e-commerce logistics
Streamlining carton formats
A catalogue of boxes that is too extensive complicates order preparation. Conversely, poorly suited formats generate empty space and additional costs.
By analysing the box formats, it is possible to identify the most commonly used dimensions, remove irrelevant formats, and create an optimised grid (e.g. 5 to 8 standardised formats).
The objective behind this method is to offer customised packaging by adapting the cardboard to the product, rather than the other way around.
Reducing empty space in parcels
Packages with 30 to 50 per cent empty space are common in e-commerce. However, this has several consequences, which can prove detrimental.
This process not only increases transport costs, but also leads to unnecessary and costly overuse of packaging materials. It can also have a negative impact on the end customer’s perception of the brand.
To reduce empty space in packages, it is important to choose boxes with variable heights, customised cut-outs, or even to automate packaging in the warehouse.
Rethinking packaging materials
Beyond cardboard boxes, there are other alternatives that can improve the volumetric weight ratio of your e-commerce packaging, such as:
- Reinforced envelopes for small items
- Padded pouches
- Flexible packaging
- Recycled and lightweight solutions
Each product type requires a specific approach to ensure 100% suitable packaging.
The environmental impact of optimising e-commerce packaging
Optimising packaging means ensuring its environmental impact.
By choosing customised packaging that is adapted to the volumetric weight of the parcels, it is possible to increase the number of parcels per pallet and optimise truck loading (thereby reducing transport-related emissions).
Less volume transported means fewer journeys are required for a constant volume.
How can you optimise your e-commerce packaging for more environmentally friendly logistics?
There are several methods for optimising packaging. The first step is to analyse shipping data (dimensions, weight, frequency, etc.), but also to identify discrepancies between parcel volume and product volume.
It is then possible to simulate transport costs using new formats, conduct field tests in preparation for orders, and make gradual adjustments.
This process must be jointly managed by the logistics, transport and purchasing teams.
E-commerce packaging and customer experience: why does it matter?
Beyond the ecological and economic aspects, customised packaging also improves product protection and ease of opening, but that’s not all.
Customised packaging designed for each product also enables better returns management and a better customer experience.
Indeed, oversized packaging can damage a brand’s image, especially in a context of heightened sensitivity to environmental issues.
Reviewing cardboard boxes and other packaging is a practical way to optimise the volumetric weight ratio.
Beyond simply reducing costs, designing effective e-commerce packaging is a strategic approach that impacts logistics performance, profitability and environmental responsibility.
At Dokeraa, we are committed to regularly updating our e-commerce packaging in order to fulfil our commitments to fairer, more ethical and more responsible logistics.
