Design packaging to minimise waste
How to use waste minimisation techniques to reduce packaging use and waste, and its overall impact on the environment.
Designing your packaging to minimise waste is usually the most cost-effective option and the best for the environment. You can do this in a number of ways.
Techniques for reducing production losses include:
- choosing a package shape that minimises waste material
- using computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems to plan more efficient packages or component layouts
- using fewer, larger pack sizes instead of a greater number of smaller ones
Techniques for eliminating packaging include:
- reducing packaging to zero
- eliminating unnecessary layers of packaging
- reducing or eliminating the use of adhesives and tapes
- using embossing or in-mould direct printing to avoid using labels
Techniques for reducing packaging voidspace fillers include:
- reducing unnecessary voidspace in containers - for example where there is a cartonboard pack around plastic inner packaging
- avoiding using fillers - such as expanded polystyrene blocks or bubble-wrap
- considering using air as the packing medium to protect fragile products
Techniques for lightweighting and downsizing include:
- eliminating one or more layers to reduce the overall package weight
- replacing blister packs with cardboard packs
- not using plastic film windows
- using double-walled instead of triple-walled corrugated board when strength is needed
- strengthening individual materials to allow you to reduce overall material use
- reducing the average thickness of the packaging where possible
- using CAD/CAM and associated tools
- avoiding putting strength into secondary transit packaging if this is not necessary
Techniques for reducing energy include:
- using low melting-point adhesives
- considering alternative inks, adhesives or coatings
- reducing the sealing temperature for films
Techniques for improving transport efficiency include:
- choosing packaging shapes that will maximise case and pallet utilisation and transport efficiency
- considering using distribution pack sizes that maximise pallet use and transport efficiency
- adapting packaging to slightly underhang if the pallet dimensions are not exact multiples of the pack dimension
See how to design packaging for easy distribution.
Actions
Also on this site
Content category