Government-funded environmental advice body Envirowise has called for packaging professionals to re-consider the role of design in packaging to optimise resource efficiency and save money.
Pointing out that packaging can represent a significant proportion of production overheads, it says these costs can “easily be reduced” by “minimising in-process packaging waste” and making changes to the types of packaging and methods of use. With petrol prices also up, reducing or re-designing materials can help optimise pallet loads, enabling businesses to combat rising transport costs by moving a large volume of goods at any one time, the organisation emphasises.
Envirowise’s key tips for reducing packaging costs include: undertaking an initial review to assess how products are currently packaged and how much packaging is actually required; using “simple measures” to reduce the need for padding and fillers, such as drawing on air pressure or altering box design; ensuring pallet loads are fully utilised – by keeping to ISO standard box footprints or investing in palletisation software to optimise the load; considering whether a box is actually necessary – Envirowise argues that in some cases shrinkwrap can be more efficient while offering the same protection level of cardboard at 30% of the weight; and re-using packaging where possible.
Dr Martin Gibson, Envirowise programme director, says: “Our experience has shown most businesses can achieve significant savings through straightforward resource efficiency measures, without compromising the integrity of their end product.” He cites the example of a company bottling wine, which saved £45,000 annually from improving its resource efficiency and reducing waste production from packaging. The company reportedly found it could reduce the amount of shrinkwrap it used to the tune of 15 tonnes per year, also reducing cardboard use by 19 tonnes annually by optimising packaging and saving 2.5 tonnes / year in packaging materials by reusing spacers.
For free Envirowise guidance and advice telephone: 0800 585 794 or visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk
