What Are Packing Benches?
Date Posted:20 May 2025
Learn how packing benches play a critical role in reducing packing errors by creating organised and efficient workspaces.
What are Packing Benches?
Packing benches are purpose-built workstations designed to optimise packaging and shipping operations in a variety of commercial environments. These benches are critical to streamlining workflow, improving ergonomics, and increasing productivity in order fulfilment processes.
Unlike standard tables, desks and how workbenches are traditionally used, packing benches are designed specifically for tasks such as wrapping, boxing, labelling, and weighing goods. They provide a dedicated, organised space where packing tasks can be performed efficiently, reducing the time it takes to prepare products for shipment.
With e-commerce and logistics industries continuing to grow rapidly, packing benches are becoming an essential fixture in modern supply chains.
How Do Packing Benches Work?
A packing bench is a workstation tailored for packaging and dispatch operations. It usually features a durable flat work surface where items can be assembled, packed, and labelled.
Beneath or above the surface, there are often integrated components such as shelving, drawers, roll holders, and compartments to organise packing materials like bubble wrap, tape, and cartons.
Some models include mounts for scales, tape dispensers, or computers to assist in labelling and inventory control. Packing benches are designed to centralise all packaging tools in one location, reducing the need for workers to move around and improving efficiency in busy warehouse or shipping environments.
There are various Types of Workbenches Used in Industrial Workplaces we supply at Verdex, including:
- Stainless steel benches
- Modular workbenches
- Ergonomic workbenches
- Electric height adjustable workbenches
- Heavy duty workbenches
Key Features of Packing Benches
Packing benches are engineered to improve productivity through thoughtful design and versatile features.
- Most include a height-adjustable frame to accommodate different users or packing tasks, promoting better ergonomics and comfort.
- Integrated shelving units provide accessible storage for frequently used items such as boxes, labels, or wrapping materials.
- Many benches also include roll holders for kraft paper or bubble wrap, ensuring materials are dispensed quickly and easily.
- Optional features can include built-in scales, computer monitor stands, power outlets, and LED lighting to enhance visibility.
- Some models come with lockable drawers or cabinets to secure tools and sensitive items.
- For high-volume environments, packing benches may also include conveyor rollers or mobility features to keep up with the speed of operations.
These features combine to make packing benches not only efficient but also adaptable to a range of packing workflows.
Benefits of Using a Packing Bench
Implementing packing benches in a workspace provides several important benefits.
Firstly, they create an organised and centralised packing area, which minimises wasted time spent searching for tools or materials. This increased organisation leads directly to faster packing times and a more efficient workflow.
Secondly, the ergonomic design of packing benches reduces physical strain on workers. Adjustable height options help promote better posture, while well-positioned shelves and compartments reduce unnecessary bending or stretching. Over time, this helps prevent workplace injuries and increases employee satisfaction.
Additionally, packing benches contribute to error reduction. With designated spaces for labels, forms, and packing supplies, workers are less likely to make costly mistakes, such as mislabelling or underpacking goods. The overall result is improved accuracy, fewer returns, and a smoother shipping process.
Common Industries That Use Packing Benches
Packing benches are widely used across industries where packaging and order fulfilment are integral to daily operations.
In e-commerce and online retail, packing benches serve as the central hub for preparing items for shipment, helping fulfil customer orders accurately and on time.
Warehousing and distribution centres also rely on packing benches to manage the high volume of goods moving in and out each day. These environments benefit from benches with conveyor systems or integrated scanners to speed up processing.
Manufacturing facilities use packing benches in their dispatch areas to prepare finished products for delivery.
Meanwhile, industries like pharmaceuticals and electronics use specialised packing benches to ensure delicate or sensitive items are packed according to precise specifications.
Even small businesses and home-based operations make use of compact or mobile packing benches to streamline their shipping process and maintain a professional packing setup.
How to Choose the Right Packing Bench for Your Needs
Selecting the right packing bench starts with understanding your workspace and packaging requirements. Begin by assessing the available floor space and choosing a bench size that fits without restricting movement. Consider the types of items you regularly pack—larger or heavier products may require a more robust bench with greater weight capacity.
Think about the volume of packaging performed daily. High-throughput environments may need benches with multiple tiers of storage, integrated scales, or powered height adjustment. For businesses that handle a range of products, a modular packing bench with configurable components can be ideal.
Also take into account specific tools and packaging materials—will you need space for a computer, printer, or barcode scanner? Do you use large rolls of wrapping or require storage for small components? Selecting a packing bench with the right features will improve productivity and reduce fatigue in the long run.
See our range of industrial packing work benches supplied at Verdex:
- Ergonomic Industrial Packing Work Bench
- Ergonomic Industrial Packing Workbench (Half-length Panel Starter Kit)
- Ergonomic Industrial Packing Workbench (with back panel starer kit)
- Ergonomic Industrial Packing Workbench (with side panel starter kit)
- Heavy Duty Warehouse Packing Bench
How Packing Benches Improve Efficiency and Workflow
Packing benches contribute significantly to streamlining operations by consolidating all essential tools and materials into one accessible station. This eliminates the need for workers to move around or switch between multiple surfaces during the packing process, cutting down on wasted time and effort.
A well-organised packing bench enables smoother workflow, with designated places for boxes, labels, tape, and documentation. Workers can focus more on the task at hand, rather than locating missing items or dealing with cluttered spaces. This leads to increased packing speed and accuracy, reducing errors like mislabelled shipments or forgotten items.
Additionally, ergonomic features such as adjustable heights and strategically placed compartments ensure staff can work more comfortably, leading to improved morale and reduced injury risk. By optimising packing procedures, businesses can enhance their throughput and overall operational efficiency.
Invest in High Quality Packing Benches For Your Workplace
Investing in a high-quality packing bench can drastically improve your packaging operations. From improved organisation and reduced error rates to enhanced worker comfort and faster throughput, packing benches are essential tools in modern shipping and distribution environments.
They offer a cost-effective way to streamline daily tasks, particularly for businesses managing high volumes of orders or a variety of packaging materials. With so many customisable features available, there’s a solution to suit nearly any industry or workspace.
Evaluate your current setup, identify inefficiencies, and consider how a well-designed packing bench could support smoother workflows and more accurate shipping processes.
Get in touch with us today by:
- Calling our toll-free number, 1800 750 500
- Emailing us on sales@verdex.com.au
- Filling out our contact form
FAQs
What is the difference between a packing bench and a regular workbench?
A packing bench is designed specifically for packaging and dispatch tasks, with integrated shelves, storage, and accessories tailored to the process, whereas a standard workbench is typically more general-purpose.
Can packing benches be customised for specific products or tasks?
Yes, many packing benches offer modular components and accessories like scales, tape holders, and monitor arms that can be tailored to your packaging needs. Try our workbench configurator for a customised solution.
How do packing benches help improve packaging efficiency?
They centralise all tools and materials in one accessible space, reducing time spent looking for supplies and increasing accuracy in order preparation.
What features should I look for in a packing bench for high-volume packing?
Look for features like multi-tiered storage, integrated conveyors, roll holders, power access, and robust construction to support sustained high-volume use.
Are packing benches suitable for small businesses or home offices?
Absolutely. There are compact models available that fit small spaces while still offering organisation, comfort, and efficiency benefits for lower-volume packing.