Ever feel like your valuable items are swimming in a sea of unnecessary packaging? Or worse—arriving at their destination with dents, dings, or cracked edges despite all the bubble wrap in the world?
In an era where we’re more conscious than ever about waste, sustainability, and safely shipping valuable goods, there’s a smarter solution than relying on generic, one-size-fits-all packaging.
At AML Crating, we believe the smartest crate is the one that fits just right. That’s why we specialize in custom crating solutions that minimize waste, maximize protection, and support sustainable shipping practices for businesses and individuals across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Intrigued by how custom crating can save you money and reduce your environmental impact? Let’s take a closer look at the art—and science—of a better fit.
Why Fit Matters More Than You Think
Off-the-shelf boxes and standard crates are often oversized, leaving your shipment surrounded by excessive foam, filler, or air pillows—none of which do much to help the planet. These extra materials not only generate unnecessary waste, but they still may not prevent the item from shifting or getting damaged in transit.
Worse, oversized packaging increases your shipping costs. Most couriers and freight carriers use dimensional weight pricing, which means you pay for the size of the crate, not just its weight. That extra space costs you.
Add in the environmental impact of larger shipments—more fuel, more truck space, more emissions—and it becomes clear: bad fit = bigger costs + a bigger footprint.
Sustainability Through Smart Design
Custom crating is about using only the materials needed—nothing more, nothing less. Every crate we build at AML is designed to the precise dimensions of the object it’s protecting, resulting in a tightly tailored fit and significantly less waste.
Here’s how smart design adds up:
- Less filler material is needed—no foam peanuts or excessive plastic.
- More efficient use of wood and padding—every inch has a purpose.
- Reduced single-use plastics—with biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials whenever possible.
Wherever feasible, we use sustainably sourced wood and can incorporate recycled content into our crates. If you’re a business looking to meet environmental targets or simply reduce your footprint, we can help support your goals with low-impact packaging solutions.
Smaller Crates, Smaller Footprint
Custom crating isn’t just about the materials—it’s about size efficiency. With a well-designed crate, you’re shipping less volume, which directly reduces both your shipping costs and carbon emissions.
The benefits of efficient sizing include:
- Lower fuel usage in transport—smaller crates take up less space and require less energy to move.
- More units per shipment—better use of cargo space means fewer trips and lower distribution costs.
- Easier storage and stacking—whether in a warehouse or a shipping container, compact crates maximize every inch.
At AML, we don’t just protect what you ship—we help protect your margins and the environment, too.
Serving Ottawa’s Eco-Conscious Shippers
We’re proud to serve individuals and businesses throughout Ottawa, where more and more people are prioritizing sustainable choices without compromising on quality or care. Whether you’re shipping fine art, antiques, electronics, medical devices, or industrial machinery, our team designs each crate with purpose, protection, and precision.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we also provide:
- Recycled and recyclable packaging options
- Guidance on reducing packaging volume and materials
- Support for businesses looking to meet environmental certification or ESG standards
At AML Crating, we combine craftsmanship with efficiency to help you minimize waste, reduce costs, and ship with confidence.
Let’s build the perfect fit for your next move, shipment, or project—one that protects your items and the planet.
Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about how our Ottawa-based custom crating solutions can work for you.
