Government-funded environmental advice body Envirowise has called for packaging professionals to re-consider the role of design in packaging to optimise resource efficiency and save money.Pointing out that packaging can represent a significant proportion of production overheads, it says these costs can “easily be reduced” by “minimising in-process packaging waste” and making changes to the types of packaging and methods of use. With petrol prices also up, reducing or re-designing materials can help optimise pallet loads, enabling businesses to combat rising transport costs by moving a large volume of goods at any one time, the organisation emphasises.Envirowise's key tips for reducing packaging costs include: undertaking an initial review to assess how products are currently packaged and how much packaging is actually required; using “simple measures” to reduce the need for padding and fillers, such as drawing on air pressure or altering box design; ensuring pallet loads are fully utilised - by keeping to ISO standard box footprints or investing in palletisation software to optimise the load; considering whether a box is actually necessary - Envirowise argues that in some cases shrinkwrap can be more efficient while offering the same protection level of cardboard at 30% of the weight; and re-using packaging where possible.Dr Martin Gibson, Envirowise programme director, says: “Our experience has shown most businesses can achieve significant savings through straightforward resource efficiency measures, without compromising the integrity of their end product.”For free Envirowise guidance and advice telephone: 0800 585 794 or visit: www.envirowise.gov.uk
