Packaging News
A number of retailers came under fire for their packaging in 2016 following media attention from the likes of social media and the BBC’s ‘Hugh’s War On Waste’.
Companies are placed in a tricky situation with packaging. On one hand, consumers often praise Apple for the beautifully designed packaging their latest phone/laptop comes in, whilst others have criticised the company for irrelevant, over-the-top packaging.
This raises the question – which side is right?
The answer… both are
Modern packaging exists for two reasons – to protect the contents as well as providing a much-needed communication channel between the company and the consumer.
A good case in point as to why firms should invest in packaging, if delivered well, packaging can positively contribute to the customer’s impression
Yet, packaging comes at a cost, both commercially and to the environment, especially with regulatory change in recent years aimed at reducing the environmental impact.
In addition to the physical packaging cost, businesses also have to pay levies such as those outlined in the UK Packaging Waste Regulations in 2007, with the current landfill tax rates expected to increase in April 2018.
As such, with packaging becoming an increasingly integral part of the business, firms are having to balance doing their bit to reduce waste – increasingly seen as important to consumers – with using robust packaging that adequately protects the product so that it arrives in perfect condition.
The dilemma is often compounded where no viable alternative is available other than a non-recyclable option, making it difficult for firms to be environmentally friendly, even when you want to.
The economic pressures add to the balancing act between the protective qualities of the packaging with sustainability.
Despite this, there are a number of ways to overcome such challenges, with the best advice being that businesses must rationalise their packaging needs, to potentially reduce costs and improve customer perception.
Five areas worth considering are quality, type, size, mix, and communication.
Packaging communication
Customer confusion is a major problem the industry has to overcome – in 2016, two-thirds of household waste was sent to landfill or incinerated.
Printing icons or recycling messages on the materials used, like corrugate boxes, can help by educating end users on how to recycle the packaging not only highlighting what can be recycled but also by avoiding mixed-material packaging there is a better chance that customers will be able recycle correctly.
In addition, the average cost of waste is usually over 4% of a business’ turnover, yet proven waste minimisation initiatives can easily reduce this by 25%.
By educating staff and raising awareness about your business’ waste policy and procedures, you can ensure the whole company is committed to reducing waste.
Packaging quality
The old proverb ‘buy cheap, pay twice’ is very relevant when it comes to packaging. It’s often the case that cheaper and lower quality materials can easily tear, rip or puncture before leaving the warehouse.
A better option is to pay a little extra for a higher quality product that doesn’t break or become damaged during the packing process.
Packaging type
Make sure you are using the right approach. A DIY distribution company cut waste by 75% after switching from a heat shrink pallet securing method to a semi-automatic pallet wrapper, with the appropriate stretch film.
If you’re using a machine, then make sure you have the right machine-consumable combination.
For example, corrugate boxes with a case erector or stretch film used on a pallet wrapper. One of our clients recently had an issue with an old unreliable case erector that was damaging boxes during build. In fact, 50% of the corrugate that went through it ended up as waste. After installing a new machine, the number of boxes being scrapped has been completed eliminated.
Packaging timing
A common cause of packaging waste is surplus stock, which eventually is thrown out.
To avoid this, analyse sales patterns to prevent over-ordering. Also look at making the switch to just-in-time delivery systems to ensure you only store the minimum amount of stock required.
Packaging size
It may sound obvious but a simple trick is to rationalise your packaging to include the right range of products and box sizes. This then allows you to prevent overuse.
An automated box-sizing machine can help here by eliminating the need for void-fill all together.
This measures the void in a box, creases and folds the edges down to fit the contents snuggly, removing the need to use excessive void fill around a product that is much smaller than the outer box.
You could even choose to move to single unit packaging. For example, The Book People eliminated 50% of their packing materials after installing the IPack automated box sizing machine, leaving only the box to be disposed.
Packaging mix
A key complaint about modern packaging is the mix of materials, leading to customer confusion regarding what can and can’t be recycled.
When rationalising your packaging, make sure you choose products made from similar materials that can be recycled together.
Good examples are paper and corrugate. This makes it easier for you and your customers to store packaging to dispose.
With further tax increases expected in the future, aimed at promoting more packaging recycling and recovery, companies that take the initiative to optimise their processes now can ensure their business is in a strong position to deal with inevitable change in legislation.
John Garner is national business development manager at Antalis Packaging.
