Containers, Packaging, and Packing Supplies

NATO Supply Group 81: The Backbone of Packaging and Shipping

What is it?

NATO Supply Group (NSG) 81, also known as Federal Supply Group (FSG) 81 in the United States, encompasses a comprehensive classification system for containers, packaging, and packing supplies. It categorizes a vast array of items essential for protecting, storing, and transporting goods across diverse industries.

What does it include?

NSG 81 covers a wide range of products, categorized by their specific functions and applications:

• Bags and Sacks: This class includes various types of bags, such as burlap sacks, plastic bags, and woven polypropylene bags, used for bulk storage and transportation of goods like grains, sand, and other materials.
• Boxes, Cartons, and Crates: This category encompasses rigid containers made from cardboard, wood, or plastic, commonly used for packaging and shipping individual items or groups of products.
• Drums and Cans: This class covers cylindrical containers made from metal, plastic, or fiberboard, often used for storing and transporting liquids, chemicals, and other materials requiring specific protection.
• Barrels and Kegs: This category focuses on larger, typically wooden, containers with rounded sides and tops, primarily used for storing and transporting liquids like beverages and food products.
• Sealing and Closures: This class includes various items like tapes, straps, seals, and closures used to secure and protect containers during transportation and storage.
• Packing Materials: This category encompasses diverse materials like cushioning, padding, and void fillers employed to protect items within containers during transport, preventing damage from shocks and vibrations.

Benefits of using NSG 81:

• Standardization: NSG 81 establishes a common language across the global supply chain, facilitating communication and collaboration between manufacturers, distributors, and end users.
• Efficient Procurement: Standardized classifications enable clear identification and sourcing of specific packaging and shipping materials, streamlining the procurement process.
• Improved Logistics and Safety: Using appropriate packaging materials classified under NSG 81 helps ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods, minimizing damage and potential losses.
• Global Understanding: This standardized system fosters international trade by providing a common understanding of packaging materials and their functionalities across different countries and regions.

In essence, NATO Supply Group 81 plays a fundamental role in the global supply chain by establishing a standardized language for packaging and shipping materials. This system facilitates efficient communication, simplifies procurement, and promotes safe and reliable transportation of goods worldwide.