Packaging redesign – benefits for the environment and the community

Abstract

This paper aims to underline the importance of the packaging redesign process and the potential benefits that can be derived from this for both the environment and the community. The research demonstrates that the redesign of paper corrugated packaging has cost savings for most links of the supply chain such as the industrial customers, retailers, wholesalers and final consumers. In addition, an applied case study will be used that aims to provide evidence that the redesign process could further offer weight and transportation benefits, provide better environmental performance and finally offer better protection for the packaged products. The alternative packaging suggestions made in the research refer to the secondary paper corrugated packaging since the objective is to show the value of the redesign process. The research provides the tools for a packaging designer, on how to estimate, analyse, redesign and compare different approaches, finding the way to a more sustainable packaging supply chain.

Keywords:

• Packaging redesign
• environment
• transportation
• cost benefits
• sustainability

Notes

1. According to the warehouse director of the packaging company under study, overhang is the term used to describe the exceeding portion of a unit occupying the dimensions of a pallet, i.e. its length and/or width, which is likely to lead to loading, unloading and storage difficulties, thus reducing the performance of the unit and causing damage. Another case of ineffectiveness could be attributed to Underhang, which means that the conveyed containers are not fully occupying the dimensions of the pallet, leaving unoccupied space.