From Afterthought to Strategy: The Changing Role of Packaging in Automotive Supply Chains

For many years packaging was treated as a technical detail — something addressed late in a vehicle program or only when problems appeared.That is beginning to change.In this LConnect webinar, based on insights from the 2025 Automotive Packaging and Container Management Survey, senior automotive supply chain leaders discuss why packaging is increasingly being treated as a strategic element of supply chain design.The discussion brings together experts from Volvo Cars, Nissan and Yazaki, alongside packaging specialists, to explore how packaging decisions made early in product development can influence the efficiency of the entire supply chain.Topics include:• Why packaging must be considered early in vehicle and component design• How packaging strategy can improve transport density and logistics efficiency• The growing collaboration between engineering, logistics and suppliers• Ownership and management of returnable packaging loops• The role of packaging in supporting sustainability and CO₂ reduction goalsOne theme emerged clearly from the discussion:Packaging is no longer just about boxes — it is about designing smarter supply chains.