Victor Cheng recently of iLogic recently weighed in on the challenges of managing reusable pallets and packaging. Here is his take: In the past couple of decades, we have worked with many returnable asset managers from various industries. It appears that many of us who are involved in the management face a common set of challenges. (Read more.) … [Read more...]
Toilet Paper, Wooden Pallets, and Costco
May 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Dr. Penn State Extension produces a blog called Go Wood. This thought provoking blog by Dr. Chuck Ray touches on Costco, wood pallets and toilet paper. by Chuck Ray There's a special on CNBC this evening you may want to catch. It's called The Costco Craze: Inside the Warehouse Giant. Costco is a prime mover of a lot of wood products, … [Read more...]
Earth Day and Reusables
April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
With Earth Day taking place on April 22, we see many companies and organizations stepping forward to celebrate their efforts towards achieving sustainability goals. For example, Walmart has posted its Global Responsibility Report, including its top ten achievements, including its top accomplishment, an 80 percent reduction in waste generation. … [Read more...]
The Problem with Pallets
April 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In the linked article, environmentalist Dick McCarrick looks at some of the pros and cons of wood pallets and the issue of pallet disposal. In the final analysis, he suggests that: Pallets may not be the most scintillating of dinnertime conversation topics, but given their ubiquity — along with their associated environmental issues cited in this … [Read more...]
Returnable Packaging Solution for Marine Engines
April 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Customer Case The company is owned by a Japanese family and has a base in Netherlands employing around 200 people. It manufactures marine engines which are distributed to their customer in eastern Germany. They used to employ expendable corrugated packaging and each engine part was packed individually. This was problematic as one of their … [Read more...]
Reusable Grocery Bags and Icky Pallets – It Comes Down to Front Line Behaviors
April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The success of any reusables program hinges on people changing their behavior. Sure it is important to remember, in the case of reusable bags, to bring them with you to the supermarket. But behaviors around managing the sanitation of reusables, such as frequent washing and clean, dry storage, are also critical. And this isn't just about bags. Think … [Read more...]
Managing Outrage and Icky Pallets
April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
“Trust me, I’m the expert.” Have you ever been upset and had someone tell you that you are making a big deal out of nothing? Did it have the desired calming effect on you or did it just get you madder? I’ve been on both sides of that particular conversation, and I’ve dealt myself a losing hand both ways. People get emotional as is … [Read more...]
Mapping Reusables Into Your Supply Chain
April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Editor’s Note : The content of this article was originally delivered as part of the Reusable Packaging Association workshop at PACK EXPO Las Vegas in 2011. By Andrew DeWitt, Senior Business Analyst, TOSCA Ltd., and Reusable Packaging Association Member Reusable packaging can deliver cost savings, … [Read more...]
Clip-Lok Cost Saving Reusable Boxes for Large, Heavy Fabric Rolls
April 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Paper mill suppliers around the world share the challenge of transporting the large rolls of fabric used in paper production. These heavy and awkward rolls must be handled with care and protected from dust and moisture. When Albany International asked Clip-Lok to design a reusable transport box for their fabric rolls, Clip-Lok responded with a … [Read more...]
Nefab Delivers Green Solution For Delivering Filters to OEM
March 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Customer Case The transportation challenge was to ship RBS filters from a first tier supplier to the OEM and requirement was to ship 150,000 filters annually in 11 cycles. Existing packaging consisted of a tri-wall corrugated carton and polystyrene internal fittings. Due to the increased waste costs for cardboard, product damages, and … [Read more...]
