how to reduce packaging waste

Unit 20, Chelworth Park, Cricklade, Swindon, SN6 6HE, GB, TEL: 01793 754 444 | FAX: 01793 754 445 As detailed above, the actual design of your packaging can have a huge bearing on the amount of material used. So, this is one of the easiest ways you can reduce packaging waste. What is often overlooked is that any item integrated into the packaging that is intended to be used and thrown away with it, is still considered packaging (a mascara brush being an oft cited example). These space fillers are another cost to your business and more packaging / material that can be easily removed. It means there’s less waste that needs to be burned or buried in the ground and, therefore, fewer potential pollutants will be released into the environment. Looking for a new way to bring joy into your living space? Mixed unprepared fruit and veg could be supplied in returnable plastic crates. These biodegradable gloves provide a green alternative to synthetic rubber. Get your free guide for all the information you need to ascertain if and how you need to comply with the Packaging Waste Regulations. For most industrial, manufacturing and even retail companies, packaging will come in the form of corrugated boxes, plastic bags and wraps, films, protective foams and void fill. Invest in custom size packaging to reduce material use. Food packaging is a major problem in today’s society, but this post is going to focus on how to reduce packaging waste from gifts, online shopping, and non-consumable items like housewares. Take wrapped cucumbers. If we reduce our packaging waste, there will be less waste finding its way into waterways, rivers, streams, or … If you are concerned that you are using too much packaging – or a simply worried about the costs – then please speak with a member of the team at GWP. Consumers want sustainable packaging. …comply with the Packaging Waste Regulations. There is one major problem with this however. You can even take your own mug or thermos when you get coffee or carry containers to restaurants if you think you might take home leftovers. Packaging Waste Regulations – please click here for further information. Here are 10 stories of women who recognized and used their…. Nor are disposable items (that don’t fulfil a packaging function) such as plastic cutlery or drinks stirrers sold at the point of sale. Just 2g of packaging keeps them fresh for 14 days rather than three. foam), Find a dual use for your packaging (e.g. the entire Things You Kinda Know series here, 15 Skin and Beauty Gifts We Could All Use This Year, Talk Cozy to Me: The Best Loungewear of 2020, 12 Reasons Dancing Your Butt Off Is the Most Badass Mind-Body Workout. This way you’ll avoid having resort to single-use items when you’re on the go. A more circular approach is needed, where we not only use less packaging, but design the packaging we do use so it can be reused, recycled or composted. Specialist Products A final point to consider is the packaging generated by your suppliers or others in the supply chain. Take the time to do your part—and don’t forget to get your friends and coworkers involved too. EMAIL: [email protected], Business Hours: 08.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, Privacy Policy Saying that, the real challenge here is what is referred to as “part density”. For example, in many applications the use of foam inserts in unavoidable (particularly for very high value or very fragile products). How Does Nefab Help? Plastic is particularly harmful to the oceans. While this isn’t always within your control, one study found that if residents in a Minneapolis-size city purchased the most minimally packaged versions of 10 common household products, the city could eliminate 150,000 tons of trash annually. Are companies just cutting corners? The Problem: With five percent (5%) of the world’s population, the United States generates 40% of its packaging waste. This may entail a specific focus on the environmental drivers behind your decision, or could even take the form of a holistic overview of your entire packaging processes to drive cost and productivity efficiencies too. If you are simply using stock boxes sourced from a packaging merchant (as opposed to a designer / manufacturer) then the opportunity is even bigger. It’s not always possible, but try to avoid disposable options and choose longer-lasting versions instead. Buy loose products, such as fruits and vegetables, instead of pre-packaged packs. A full packaging audit is free and completely no obligation. ecommerce returns), Train staff to select and use packaging inventory correctly, Reduces storage requirement (less packaging / material volume), Reduces transit costs (being more space efficient) and CO2 levels, Offers a key benefit (environmental responsibility) to specific markets / demographics, Can improve the perception and brand positioning of your company, Can aid productivity (e.g. If you’ve bought a bottle of water anytime over the last few years, you might have noticed a change. This can be everything from advising the correct box style, through to the most appropriate recycling icons to print on your packs. This couldn’t be more untrue – with excess foam actually offering less protection and adding to costs as well. dividers) to ensure efficiency of handling and transit. Further, this will reduce environmental costs by reducing the per-unit amount of waste that is being shipped off to a landfill. In addition to generating tons of waste, producing packaging negatively impacts the environment in several ways: All of this explains why more and more consumers are starting to tire of excess packaging and demand eco-friendlier options instead. A great example of this is the use of a corrugated tray to hold multiple products, like bottles of water, wrapped in polyethylene (PE) for security. This is where GWP come in. A similar principal can also apply to dunnage used in line-side and supply chain containers. A 2018 study by the Paper and Packaging Board and IPSOS found 63% of consumers are more likely to buy products in cardboard or paper because the packaging can be reused. Being cisgender or straight all comes down to your gender identity and sexual orientation. If you think that reducing packaging could improve your businesses environmental credentials, your ongoing costs, or indeed both, please get in touch with a member of our team today. 7 ways packaging is changing to reduce plastic waste. ), Buy in bulk from suppliers where possible, Use optimum amounts of material to achieve performance required (e.g. See if they affect your business, and what to do if you have a legal obligation. This is because, using off the shelf sizes, you will always need to select the option that is just large enough to accommodate the product. Use packaging materials that are either reusable or recyclable. Everyone laughs when Amazon or another ecommerce retailer sends a tiny product in a huge box, but this occurs because unengaged picking and packing staff simply send out the product in whatever packaging they have to hand. Consider integrated fittings to minimise material use, Increase part density in transit (e.g. And strong reasons exist for both circular and noncircular options. Shop the full Made to Matter line here. It is even possible to create boxes, such as those with crash lock bases that help to reduce the use of tapes and other closure material too. Yes, when you’re at the airport, you need to buy a bottle of water. Buying in bulk can help reduce waste as you can choose how much of an item you need, so that less of it will be thrown out. Again, this can reduce material usage, prevents the shipping of fresh air (and the economic / environmental costs of doing so) and even makes production lines and handling more efficient. Invest in custom size packaging to reduce material use, Use tailored packaging to improve space efficiency in transit (reducing C02), Minimise void fill and secondary packaging materials. Going beyond this, a good packaging designer can also create fittings and fixtures that are integrated into the outer transit carton. Every year I plant a few tomato plants and can crushed tomatoes, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, soup, ketchup, and tomato paste that lasts me the whole year. A separate idea for reducing material use is to analyse your packaging and reduce any unnecessary elements. You can’t improve if you don’t measure. Divider Sets / Vac Formed, Anti-Static / Conductive When it comes to plastic packaging waste – there may be some emphasis on reducing the unnecessary use of single use and short life span plastic packaging in the first place – which is going to lead to less waste to manage, and less littering as a result. Foam Dunnage Click below to discuss your upcoming requirements, difficulties you are facing or to simply get advice from one of our experts. This is again where an experienced design engineer is crucial, as they will be able to advise strategies and guidance on reducing material use whilst maintaining acceptable levels of performance during transit / handling. Although you may feel you have little control over this, it may be possible to order in larger volumes. To find out more, please read our. And if you do decide that your packaging isn’t up to scratch, GWP can not only design your new packaging but manufacture it ourselves to the highest standards at a modern conversion facility. This isn’t the only issue this causes however. Canning your excess garden produce is another fantastic way to stock up for the year and reduce food packaging waste. It drains natural resources (including water and oil). The less often you have to buy a product, the less packaging you’ll encounter. Instead, you could send your customers an e-card to express your gratitude for their support. She holds a … Be a voice for more eco-friendly methods, such as using sustainable and recyclable materials. Calm in a Cup? As you can imagine, reducing packaging benefits human health and the environment in the form of: Less packaging might also result in cost savings for consumers. (Of that, nearly two-thirds is food packaging.) If you’re really looking to go the extra mile, get involved. Will your new packaging perform as expected? And something as simple as moving from a range of stock boxes to packaging that is tailored to your specific products can realise surprisingly large benefits. University of Toronto; Katherine Martinko is a writer and expert in sustainable living. Bring your own containers: Whether you’ll need a water refill while at the park or are looking for ways to take your restaurant leftovers home, you can reduce packaging waste by bringing your own reusable containers like glass water bottles, stainless steel coffee mugs, and collapsible food containers. This helps with buying in bulk and reduces your use of plastic or paper bags (essentially another form of packaging). Working with an experienced, knowledgeable designer is the easiest and quickest way to achieve packaging reduction. Using less material in your packaging will also greatly reduce the cost of production and will require less fuel to transport items. In many cases, reducing the amount of packaging is a viable option that can save a ton in both cost and the waste created. Our sustainable packaging initiatives reduce waste and make it easier for customers to remove products from packaging. A quarter of all domestic waste is packaging, which can be difficult or impossible to recycle. And companies are taking note—hence the slimmer water bottles with smaller caps and recycled labels. The need to combat climate change and to use limited resources wisely drives motivation to reduce packaging waste. Plastic products and packaging are integral to modern daily life. One of these which is becoming particularly popular is “light-weighting”. Easier said than done, of course, but thinking before you buy is never a bad idea. This reduces the amount of packaging per unit that a given business will need to purchase. Now that’s a detox we can get behind. Click below to download your copy now. © Copyright 2006-2020 GWP Group | Company No. How can you do this whilst ensuring that your packaging is fit for purpose? Glass, aluminum, paper, and most plastic can be recycled. But when you’re at home or the office, try using a glass or reusable water bottle. Take your own bags and containers when shopping. © 2020 Greatist a Red Ventures Company. Utilise packaging design that eliminates or … Printed, Retail & POS Download it now! Packaging makes up about one third of the waste that we generate. When something breaks, view it as an opportunity to learn a new skill (refrigerator repair, anyone?) GB535876017 | Packaging Design & Manufacture | Page Last Updated: GWP Group use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you relevant content / advertising. Plastic packaging waste represents an $80-$120 billion loss to the global economy every year according to the World Economic Forum. 12 tips to reduce packaging waste at your business. GWP Invest in LED lighting to reduce carbon footprint, Recycling Symbols on Packaging: Explanation & Free Icon Downloads. Are all of the dividers and inserts really required, or could they be simplified? Gifts To many people, gift giving is a very important tradition to show you care. Led lighting to reduce plastic waste generates surplus waste this isn ’ t the only issue causes! Solve a variety of challenges packaging work harder can actually reduce the symptoms and duration those... Of June 16, 2019, Amazon has apparently stopped accepting requests via email for reduced in! 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