PRODUCTS & PROCESSES
Packaging for Sustainability and the Environment
There is no doubt about it , that the profile of single trip packaging and the awareness of the consumer towards packaging waste issues are key in driving forward changes in the way we view packaging today in late 2021 . The implementation of the Plastic tax in the UK in April 2022 shows the importance governments are giving this issue across the world .
There is no doubt that we do need to reduce the amount of one trip packaging . However , when we look at another key issue for global companies , that of Sustainability and the Environment are we all jumping on the Greta Thurnberg bandwagon too quickly ?
We have to remember that one of packaging ’ s prime functions is to protect the product that is being packaged from the start of the finished products journey to the end user . Also especially today in 2021 packaging should be regarded as a prime protector of our environment and increase sustainability !
What does a damaged product cost a company ? Have you ever thought about it ? In general terms a damaged product will cost 4 times more than the total product costs , approximately !
Take a look at the picture shown bottom of the page of a shipping container arrival .
A company has shipped / exported a hazardous chemical in an unsuitable packaging solution . What has this cost ?
The products are damaged .
Replacement of the product order value . Duplicate production requirements .
Duplicate packaging requirements primary and secondary .
Resend the order , duplicate shipping costs . Increase in product lead-time to the customer .
Potential loss of the order and the customer due to poor decisions .
The clean-up and health and safety costs dockside
The environmental and sustainability impact
Duplication of all of elements connected to the damaged order . Replacement of the Product , the packaging and reshipping – work out the carbon footprint of that ?
The clean-up costs of the damaged hazardous product on dockside .
The disposal costs and environmental impact connected to the damaged products .
Fire and safety personnel attendance on site cost and impact .
Replacement / maintenance of the corroded shipping container . We should be aware that just thinking about the price of the packaging is wrong . If we are truly to be serious about the environment and our sustainability claims we have to change our attitude and look at the complete cost .
If you change the wall thickness on a container or downgrade the specification of your packaging the overall cost due to poor packaging selection will not only cost your company a lot of money in damaged goods but will also have a substantial impact on our environment and your sustainability as a company .
Schoeller Allibert Swiss SARL is located in Romont , Switzerland and since 1968 has manufactured 100 % high grade HDPE pails on this fully UN approved site .
The Ropac ® range of products has been developed over 40 years to meet specific UN regulation requirements . When collecting contaminated products , solid or liquid , you have to check the transportation regulations for the appropriate packaging .
Visit : https :// www . ropac-packaging . com /
Highly flammable liquids Organic pesticides
Sent in a shipping container - Long distance transit route
Protective clothing
Pallet not strong enough for products Too much weight on the bottom layer
Shipping container moved onto Protecive covering – Segregated and isolated
Corrosion evidence
Spill kit absorbents deployed
64 NOVEMBER 2021 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag