Reusable Packaging News
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Anheuser-Busch InBev & DS Smith Plastics Named 2018 Excellence in Reusable Packaging Award Winners by Reusable Packaging Association
- Anheuser-Busch InBev’s comprehensive maintenance, reusable pallet, and logistics redesign
cuts waste, increases reusable packaging lifespan, and reduces CO2 impact by 30%
- DS Smith Plastics collaboration with automotive equipment supplier improves delivered part
quality while reducing truck journeys and CO2 emissions
- Winning submissions will be presented at Pack Expo 2018
- Will take place at the Reusable Packaging Learning Center | McCormick Place Upper Lakeside
Center #6866 | Chicago, IL Tuesday, October 16, 2018 | 3:00 pm CDT
The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) is pleased to announce two winners in the 2018 Excellence in Reusable Packaging award program: Anheuser-Busch InBev and DS Smith Plastics.
Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) won for their design and implementation of a comprehensive maintenance, reusable pallet, and logistics system that significantly reduced waste, increased reusable packaging lifespan, and reduced CO2 impact by 30%.
DS Smith Plastics is being recognized for their collaboration with a supplier to the automotive industry to create a customized reusable transport packaging solution that reduced the cost and environmental impact of transporting components between manufacturing facilities and assembly sites while improving overall material handling and installation labor efficiency.
“Participation in this annual award program continues to grow,” said Tim Debus, President & CEO of the RPA. “The innovation reflected in all the entries was outstanding and the field was very competitive. This year, two applications received the highest marks during the judging process, and we are pleased to announce that both Anheuser-Busch InBev and DS Smith Plastics have received the award for 2018.”
Comprehensive reusable packaging strategy at AB. InBev cuts waste, cost, and CO2 footprint.
Investment in a preventative maintenance program for reusable kegs coupled with pallet redesign allowed AB InBev to consolidate heat-treatment and palletization of ready-to-use kegs at a single location (vs. two previously) and increase pallets per load by 33%. Brewery efficiency increased 8%, transportation of rejected/returned kegs was eliminated, finished goods transportation costs were reduced by 54% and CO2 impact decreased by 30%. This comprehensive approach not only improved environmental and business performance, it also extended the lifespan of the reusable packaging components used by Anheuser-Busch.
“As the world’s largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev is constantly working toward the highest level of quality and service to our customers, while doing so in the most efficient and cost-conscious manner possible,” commented Andrae Kirkland, who manages returnable packing materials for Anheuser-Busch InBev’s North American Zone. “This process change allowed us to more effectively manage a specific flow for our keg float and has impacted other areas of our supply chain as well. Innovative process implementations such as this will be key as we continue striving toward our 2025 Sustainability Goals. We are honored to be recognized by the Reusable Packaging Association for this initiative.”