Packaging decisions have implications far beyond the packaging function itself. This session will take a broader look at packaging strategy, exploring how choices around design, quality, materials, and cost reduction affect not only packaging performance, but also warehouse operations, transportation, damage rates, labor efficiency, and overall downstream supply chain execution. Designed for a broader audience than packaging specialists alone, the discussion will help OEMs understand the importance and impact of packaging across supply chain functions. Even where a team may not directly control packaging decisions, they often experience the downstream consequences – whether through handling challenges, wasted space, damage, inefficiency, or service issues. The session will examine tradeoffs between cost, quality, and operational impact, with an emphasis on how packaging choices influence performance across the network. By broadening the conversation beyond packaging experts, this topic creates an opportunity for cross-functional dialogue around a lever that is often underestimated but highly visible in day-to-day execution.