I always get irritated when I have to buy over-packaged products. But the environmental impacts of excess packaging also happen where we can’t even see them – in manufacturing, shipping and warehousing. That’s why smart companies are working to reduce the amount of material (and air) that they ship with their goods, as well as looking for more recycled and recyclable packaging.
Take the recent redesign of the box for the Braun cruZer razor, which resulted in a package that is 65% smaller and uses 66% less PET plastic. A similar redesign for the Multiquick allowed for 167% more units to be shipped per pallet. This change alone will result in saving of an estimated 480,000 litres of fuel in shipping & handling, representing 1,270 tons of CO2 emissions.
Panasonic has also been working to improve packaging. In 2009 they moved from plastic packs on all SD memory Card models, to 2-ply sealed paper Eco packs, reducing PET plastic used by 90%. The same year, they moved from plastic packs to recycled paper boxes for all DSC batteries and in 2010 will do the same for all Camcorder batteries.
Of course the best packaging is no packaging at all. The Sony Vaio W Series Eco Edition laptop not only has a case made from 20% recycled CD plastic material, it ships in a stylish carry case rather than a disposable cardboard box.
Shipping savings and efficiencies aren’t the only things companies respond to. If you think your favourite product is over-packaged, write to the manufacturer or call their 1-800 customer service line to let them know.
Very interesting article. Where do you get your stats from?
Hi Pierre
Well, it’s been a few years now, but I believe those stats came from information sheets the manufacturer sent, and I usually corroborate the information with a visit to their web sites.