Consumables

Consumables are items intended for final consumption and used up in the course of operations, service delivery, or daily activities. They differ from durable goods, which provide utility over longer periods and are not regularly replaced. Because they are consumed and require frequent replacement, consumables are usually purchased in high volumes and managed through separate procurement and inventory processes.

Common categories include office supplies (paper, pens, printer cartridges), cleaning and janitorial supplies (detergents, mops), packaging and labeling materials, food and beverages, medical and laboratory disposables (gloves, syringes), and manufacturing or workshop consumables (lubricants, solvents, abrasives). Some sectors also track expired or shelf-life items such as chemicals and food ingredients.

Inventory management for consumables emphasizes turnover, cost control, and waste reduction. Practices include establishing minimum and maximum stock levels, using just-in-time purchasing where feasible, standardizing items to reduce variety, and negotiating supplier contracts. Expiry dates and storage conditions are important for perishable or sensitive items.

In business operations, consumables are essential but typically lower in unit value than durable assets. Proper management reduces stockouts and overstock, lowers operating costs, and supports quality and safety standards. In consumer contexts, consumables can also refer to items intended for single use, such as disposable tableware or batteries.