A Green Supply Chain Means Sustainable Packaging
Jul 08, 2011
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Packaging and repackaging is ubiquitous along every step of the chain, from product design, prototyping, procurement production, distribution, consumer end use and post consumer end-of-life management. And the more parts that are in use in making of a product, and steps along the way to deliver the parts, the greater the packaging (and hence environmental footprint) involved along that chain.Meyer quotes an Accenture study that proves retailers can reduce their supply chain costs by between 3 and 5 percent. Manufacturers of items from computers to kitchen gadgets can save money with a discerning look on the role packaging plays throughout their supply chains--a focus of an article of mine that will release soon. As Meyer highlights, companies are wise to find ways to reduce packaging at so many levels because it is “the key element that consumers can see, touch, and feel.” While companies have little control over what happens to packaging once it ends up in consumers’ hands, they can influence consumer behavior, reduce the amount of materials that end up in packaging materials, and use materials that at least can are fit for recycling--and assist municipalities with their waste diversion initiatives. It used to be that companies competed against their peers based on features, quality, and price. Look for packaging to be a locus for competition as more and more brands tout the sustainability and efficiency of their packaging materials. Learn more about Dave Meyer, an expert on issues including change management, sustainability, and supply chain management, here. Follow him on Twitter.
[...] they use for presenting and shipping their products. Sustainable packaging, quite simply, is hot and a money saver. REI has been a trailblazer on the packaging redesign front. The company [...]
[...] they use for presenting and shipping their products. Sustainable packaging, quite simply, is hot and a money saver. REI has been a trailblazer on the packaging redesign front. The company has [...]
[...] they use for presenting and shipping their products. Sustainable packaging, quite simply, is hot and a money saver to [...]
[...] Finally, companies should work with their vendors and demonstrate not only the environmental benefits of reduced packaging, but the costs saved in freight, fuel, and resources. It is not an easy task when you have hundreds, or even thousands, of suppliers, but Costco is a model of how companies can improve their sustainability performance while pocketing green, allowing such benefits to trickle down its supply chain. [...]
[...] rising costs and increasing legislation to curb emissions of greenhouse gases have all driven the development of deeper sustainability standards for the packaging industry. OCTAL continues to monitor and [...]