In order to save logistics costs and optimize the supply chain, packaging and logistics solutions must be designed to be economical and environmentally friendly, while also ensuring high levels of quality. This can be achieved by applying the three main principles of the circular economy-reduce, reuse and recycle.
We live in a rapidly changing world, with new materials emerging, industry expanding and awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals increasing. For the packaging industry, we need more green solutions to optimize the supply chain and help enterprises save costs.
This can be achieved by applying the three main principles of the circular economy (3Rs)-reduce, reuse and recycle. Here's how we can apply these three principles to load efficiency and package optimization while helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
reduction
In the supply chain, reducing the materials used and the resources needed to transport the packaging is the first rule of the 3Rs approach. Companies can save costs in a number of ways, including load optimization and packaging treatment.
For example, folding plywood boxes for the storage and export of industrial products. Its foldable structure and lightweight design help save transportation and storage space, while its easy-to-assemble design saves handling and labor time throughout the supply chain.
Another example of optimizing a supply chain is optimizing stacking solutions. This can significantly increase the carrying capacity of each truck, saving money and environmental costs. Typically, these improvements can reduce fiscal costs by more than 25% and carbon emissions by 20%.
re-use
First, by using a package that can be reused many times. In the event of damage, the ability to repair parts individually, simply and quickly, without affecting the overall quality of the solution, can significantly reduce manufacturing costs and CO2 emissions.
Second, if we can use the same packaging throughout the entire supply chain cycle, for example, it can be opened and repackaged multiple times before reaching the final destination. Cost and resources can be saved, and the operation time of workers can be shortened.
Finally, the use of intelligent packaging technology, the establishment of efficient data acquisition system. By monitoring the packaging in real time, the company can receive alerts for various situations, such as impact, diversion or delayed delivery. With this data, we can also analyze routes, delivery performance, operations, utilization, lead times, and more.
Recirculation
According to the latest research, by 2050, the rate of global waste generation will greatly exceed the population growth by more than twice. Simplifying the recycling of discarded packaging will be particularly important. Packaging manufacturers should provide a variety of sustainable solutions according to the needs of customers. We see the market is currently focused on two options: the use of 100 per cent paper-based materials or recycled materials, such as recycled corrugated boxes or pallets.
By changing the mindset of traditional packaging design, we can reuse materials that were once considered waste and extend their lifespan in a circular economy. In this way, we can completely eliminate the concept of waste not only from the supply chain, but also from the entire packaging market.