Packaging and the Internet - multi-channel delivery systems
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Packagin
g and
the Intern
A guide t
et
o packag
multi-cha ing goods
nnel deliv for
ery system
s
Increase
resource-e
Reduce e fficiency
nvironme
ntal impa
Save mon ct
ey
Foreword from UK Government
We are delighted to be able to support this guidance. We recognise the importance of
reducing the amount of unnecessary packaging and thereby saving valuable resources
and reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
Encouraging a more common approach may also help reduce the costs of unnecessary
packaging faced by businesses. This is especially true in rapidly growing areas like
e-commerce, where optimisation of packaging will ultimately help to support a more
sustainable use of packaging materials.
We commend the excellent progress in the reduction of excessive packaging to date;
however, more can be done. We would like to see more consistency in the materials used
for packaging and their recovery from waste. The optimisation of packaging means retailers
can reduce the amount of waste and, as a result, minimise the burden on householders and
local authorities. All of us are committed to making it easier for householders to recycle more.
We also welcome that, in producing this guidance, a number of local authorities,
manufacturers and retailers have worked together. We want to encourage more
joint working to ensure waste packaging is minimised; especially as more and more
consumers switch to buying online or mail ordering items.
We challenge retailers and producers to take on board the good advice in this guidance
booklet.
The Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment
SoanePoint, 6-8 Market Place
Reading RG1 2EG
Tel: +44 (0)1189 255 991
Email: info@incpen.org
Rt Hon Grant Shapps Lord Taylor Mr Mark Prisk MP,
www.incpen.org MP, Minister of State of Holbeach, Minister of State
for Housing and Local Parliamentary Under- for Business and
© INCPEN March 2012 Government Secretary for Defra Enterprise, Department
ISBN 1 901576 65 5 for Business,
Innovation and Skills.
1
Foreword from UK Government
We are delighted to be able to support this guidance. We recognise the importance of
reducing the amount of unnecessary packaging and thereby saving valuable resources
and reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
Encouraging a more common approach may also help reduce the costs of unnecessary
packaging faced by businesses. This is especially true in rapidly growing areas like
e-commerce, where optimisation of packaging will ultimately help to support a more
sustainable use of packaging materials.
We commend the excellent progress in the reduction of excessive packaging to date;
however, more can be done. We would like to see more consistency in the materials used
for packaging and their recovery from waste. The optimisation of packaging means retailers
can reduce the amount of waste and, as a result, minimise the burden on householders and
local authorities. All of us are committed to making it easier for householders to recycle more.
We also welcome that, in producing this guidance, a number of local authorities,
manufacturers and retailers have worked together. We want to encourage more
joint working to ensure waste packaging is minimised; especially as more and more
consumers switch to buying online or mail ordering items.
We challenge retailers and producers to take on board the good advice in this guidance
booklet.
The Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment
SoanePoint, 6-8 Market Place
Reading RG1 2EG
Tel: +44 (0)1189 255 991
Email: info@incpen.org
Rt Hon Grant Shapps Lord Taylor Mr Mark Prisk MP,
www.incpen.org MP, Minister of State of Holbeach, Minister of State
for Housing and Local Parliamentary Under- for Business and
© INCPEN March 2012 Government Secretary for Defra Enterprise, Department
ISBN 1 901576 65 5 for Business,
Innovation and Skills.
1
CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
T
2. Executive summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
he way we buy things is see it piling up in their bins. They rightly
3. Packaging’s role in e-commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 also object to products being excessively
changing. The convenience packaged.
4. Packaging and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 and competitiveness of
5. Specifying packaging for e-commerce goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 being able to shop via the However, packaging is not a major cause
of environmental damage, compared to,
6. The Essential Requirements Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Internet is altering the retail for example, home heating (20 times the
7. References and links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 landscape. ‘Click and collect’ impact of packaging) or personal transport
services are growing rapidly. (30 times packaging). Overall packaging
has a net positive impact. It protects far
Most retailers offer some form of home more resources than it uses and prevents
delivery or click-and-collect service. In far more waste than it generates.
many cases shops have become little more
Foreword from the Trading Standards Institute There is, however, always room for
than a showroom with goods delivered
The Trading Standards Institute welcomes and endorses INCPEN’s guidance on through a ‘fulfilment’ service. Packaging improvement and opportunities to design
packaging goods for multi-channel delivery systems. Trusted guidance endorsed by needs to respond to these developments. packaging to make supply chains more
industry and regulators plays a crucial role in creating an economic climate that allows resource-efficient.
enterprise to thrive and grow whilst ensuring compliance and good practice is exercised As always, packaging’s most important
by the whole market. Businesses have a vital role to play in sustainable development and role is protection of goods from farm or Companies need to manage their use of
this guidance will assist them in that journey. factory to the user. packaging because:
Trading standards professionals throughout the country are playing a crucial role in However, packaging performs lots of • packaging is costly and there is
bridging consumer expectations and business responsibilities. Trading Standards other roles including carrying information, potential for saving
and Industry experts will know that packaging optimisation is far from being a mere marketing the product, enabling handling, • consumers expect products and
regulatory compliance issue but one that can stimulate genuine cost savings for storage and use of goods. services that meet their needs with the
businesses, enhance packaging performance and increase brand reputation. lowest environmental and social impacts
Not all of these roles are needed for
TSI and our trading standards professionals look forward to bringing our unique mix of goods delivered direct to homes and via
legal and technical experience in helping businesses on this important journey which has ‘click and collect’ systems and there are
the potential to realise environmental, social and economic outcomes for businesses and
consumers alike.
other functions that are required. This
guide explains the differences.
Cost-effectiveness
and environmental
Consumers assume that goods and food
will reach them undamaged and in perfect sustainability
condition. The fact that packaging has
helped ensure this is not always obvious. are two sides
Andy Foster, Operations & Policy Director, TSI
Consumers only notice packaging once of the same coin.
its contents have been used and they
2 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 3
CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
T
2. Executive summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
he way we buy things is see it piling up in their bins. They rightly
3. Packaging’s role in e-commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 also object to products being excessively
changing. The convenience packaged.
4. Packaging and the environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 and competitiveness of
5. Specifying packaging for e-commerce goods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 being able to shop via the However, packaging is not a major cause
of environmental damage, compared to,
6. The Essential Requirements Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Internet is altering the retail for example, home heating (20 times the
7. References and links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 landscape. ‘Click and collect’ impact of packaging) or personal transport
services are growing rapidly. (30 times packaging). Overall packaging
has a net positive impact. It protects far
Most retailers offer some form of home more resources than it uses and prevents
delivery or click-and-collect service. In far more waste than it generates.
many cases shops have become little more
Foreword from the Trading Standards Institute There is, however, always room for
than a showroom with goods delivered
The Trading Standards Institute welcomes and endorses INCPEN’s guidance on through a ‘fulfilment’ service. Packaging improvement and opportunities to design
packaging goods for multi-channel delivery systems. Trusted guidance endorsed by needs to respond to these developments. packaging to make supply chains more
industry and regulators plays a crucial role in creating an economic climate that allows resource-efficient.
enterprise to thrive and grow whilst ensuring compliance and good practice is exercised As always, packaging’s most important
by the whole market. Businesses have a vital role to play in sustainable development and role is protection of goods from farm or Companies need to manage their use of
this guidance will assist them in that journey. factory to the user. packaging because:
Trading standards professionals throughout the country are playing a crucial role in However, packaging performs lots of • packaging is costly and there is
bridging consumer expectations and business responsibilities. Trading Standards other roles including carrying information, potential for saving
and Industry experts will know that packaging optimisation is far from being a mere marketing the product, enabling handling, • consumers expect products and
regulatory compliance issue but one that can stimulate genuine cost savings for storage and use of goods. services that meet their needs with the
businesses, enhance packaging performance and increase brand reputation. lowest environmental and social impacts
Not all of these roles are needed for
TSI and our trading standards professionals look forward to bringing our unique mix of goods delivered direct to homes and via
legal and technical experience in helping businesses on this important journey which has ‘click and collect’ systems and there are
the potential to realise environmental, social and economic outcomes for businesses and
consumers alike.
other functions that are required. This
guide explains the differences.
Cost-effectiveness
and environmental
Consumers assume that goods and food
will reach them undamaged and in perfect sustainability
condition. The fact that packaging has
helped ensure this is not always obvious. are two sides
Andy Foster, Operations & Policy Director, TSI
Consumers only notice packaging once of the same coin.
its contents have been used and they
2 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 3
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
T
• packaging regulations must be he growth in e-commerce presents demands on packaging and present
complied with. an opportunity to assess the whole new challenges and opportunities.
supply chain, to consider new types of The challenge is to design and choose
Companies that continually monitor their packaging and to ask some key questions. packaging which is cost-effective,
use of packaging can achieve savings, protects the goods and helps make the
make supply chains more sustainable and • Can the retail (sales) pack be simplified supply chain as resource-efficient as
for home delivery? possible. This means considering:
reduce environmental impacts.
• Are there alternative delivery systems or • The complexity and variability of orders.
Cost-effectiveness and environmental packaging options that reduce impacts Orders can be for single or a number of
sustainability are two sides of the same and costs? items and the goods may be delivered
coin. from more than one depot.
• Can the outer (secondary grouping and
Packaging has to be designed in the transport) packaging be eliminated or • The need to include supporting
minimised? paperwork.
context of the protection required by the
product, the strains and stresses of the • Is there a role for re-usable packages? • Putting in place a systematic approach
distribution chain, and the needs of the to new pack selection.
• Can the outer dimensions be changed
end user. to improve pallet fill? • Assessing the packaging as part of the
product and its supply chain, not in
Simple rules cannot be applied to supply • Is the packaging designed for ease of
isolation.
chains, which are complex and uniquely handling and opening?
designed. • The trade-off between having many
• Are the material sources, especially different outer pack sizes or just a few.
paper, certified as ‘sustainable’?
This guide outlines the issues involved • The training and management of the
in choosing packaging for e-commerce • Is the packaging designed according to packing staff.
goods. It sets out a voluntary approach ‘good practice’ for recycling?
and shows the general direction to take, • Putting in place simple indicators and
New supply chains place different management controls.
not a detailed road map.
Simple rules cannot be
applied to supply chains,
which are complex and
uniquely designed.
4 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 5
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
T
• packaging regulations must be he growth in e-commerce presents demands on packaging and present
complied with. an opportunity to assess the whole new challenges and opportunities.
supply chain, to consider new types of The challenge is to design and choose
Companies that continually monitor their packaging and to ask some key questions. packaging which is cost-effective,
use of packaging can achieve savings, protects the goods and helps make the
make supply chains more sustainable and • Can the retail (sales) pack be simplified supply chain as resource-efficient as
for home delivery? possible. This means considering:
reduce environmental impacts.
• Are there alternative delivery systems or • The complexity and variability of orders.
Cost-effectiveness and environmental packaging options that reduce impacts Orders can be for single or a number of
sustainability are two sides of the same and costs? items and the goods may be delivered
coin. from more than one depot.
• Can the outer (secondary grouping and
Packaging has to be designed in the transport) packaging be eliminated or • The need to include supporting
minimised? paperwork.
context of the protection required by the
product, the strains and stresses of the • Is there a role for re-usable packages? • Putting in place a systematic approach
distribution chain, and the needs of the to new pack selection.
• Can the outer dimensions be changed
end user. to improve pallet fill? • Assessing the packaging as part of the
product and its supply chain, not in
Simple rules cannot be applied to supply • Is the packaging designed for ease of
isolation.
chains, which are complex and uniquely handling and opening?
designed. • The trade-off between having many
• Are the material sources, especially different outer pack sizes or just a few.
paper, certified as ‘sustainable’?
This guide outlines the issues involved • The training and management of the
in choosing packaging for e-commerce • Is the packaging designed according to packing staff.
goods. It sets out a voluntary approach ‘good practice’ for recycling?
and shows the general direction to take, • Putting in place simple indicators and
New supply chains place different management controls.
not a detailed road map.
Simple rules cannot be
applied to supply chains,
which are complex and
uniquely designed.
4 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 5
3. PACKAGING’S ROLE IN E-COMMERCE
M
ost packaging for goods is In that case, both the retail and outer
designed for sale through shops. pack need to be assessed together
and each needs to take account of the
functions required.
At some point in the distribution chain, a
pallet of goods will be broken down; outer The retail pack for home delivery:
packages will continue their journey until
• Needs to provide physical protection
they too are broken out into individual
of the product in combination with the
sales units and sold to the customer.
outer pack.
Each element of this packaging system
• Needs to provide legal information
must fulfil its purposes – protection,
handling, providing information and so on. and instructions for consumers.
The requirements of a home delivery or • Needs to be strong enough to survive
automated and manual handling. through a more complex and less E-commerce is growing so rapidly
click-and-collect system have substantial predictable distribution system. that packaging may continue to be
differences from a conventional model. overlooked. However packaging is a
• Does not have to guard against the
risk of shop-lifting. • Needs to prevent retail packs shifting critical part of any delivery system and it
Retail packs are seldom specifically within the outer packaging. is important to ensure it is designed not
designed for home delivery because it
• Does not need to provide point-of- only to protect the product but also to be
is not commercially or environmentally • Might be designed to be re-usable.
sale marketing. resource efficient.
sensible, or logistically feasible to
manufacture and pack two different types. • Must allow for the return of unwanted/
Whether the standard retail pack or a Some businesses have thought about
faulty goods
specially designed home delivery system packaging but others seem to be using
However, if e-commerce grows as it is
is used, there are a number of features • Needs to provide protection against far more packaging than is necessary or
expected to it may become feasible.
involved in designing the outer pack. in-transit theft. not enough and, as a result, are incurring
large costs through damage to goods.
The outer pack for home delivery: • Should be easy to open by the This may be because of the expense of
The requirements of a • Might have to contain a number of consumer re-tooling or because of low volumes.
home delivery or click- goods of different sizes and shapes.
Home delivery often starts as a minor
and-collect system have • Needs to include individual addresses, ‘add on’ to normal retailing and the
design of the packaging may not have
distribution tracking and order
substantial differences information been considered. As a result, the retail
pack may have functions that are
from a conventional • Has to comply with courier-specific unnecessary.
retail model. requirements
The type of outer pack may be specified
• Needs to provide protection of goods by the courier company.
6 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 7
3. PACKAGING’S ROLE IN E-COMMERCE
M
ost packaging for goods is In that case, both the retail and outer
designed for sale through shops. pack need to be assessed together
and each needs to take account of the
functions required.
At some point in the distribution chain, a
pallet of goods will be broken down; outer The retail pack for home delivery:
packages will continue their journey until
• Needs to provide physical protection
they too are broken out into individual
of the product in combination with the
sales units and sold to the customer.
outer pack.
Each element of this packaging system
• Needs to provide legal information
must fulfil its purposes – protection,
handling, providing information and so on. and instructions for consumers.
The requirements of a home delivery or • Needs to be strong enough to survive
automated and manual handling. through a more complex and less E-commerce is growing so rapidly
click-and-collect system have substantial predictable distribution system. that packaging may continue to be
differences from a conventional model. overlooked. However packaging is a
• Does not have to guard against the
risk of shop-lifting. • Needs to prevent retail packs shifting critical part of any delivery system and it
Retail packs are seldom specifically within the outer packaging. is important to ensure it is designed not
designed for home delivery because it
• Does not need to provide point-of- only to protect the product but also to be
is not commercially or environmentally • Might be designed to be re-usable.
sale marketing. resource efficient.
sensible, or logistically feasible to
manufacture and pack two different types. • Must allow for the return of unwanted/
Whether the standard retail pack or a Some businesses have thought about
faulty goods
specially designed home delivery system packaging but others seem to be using
However, if e-commerce grows as it is
is used, there are a number of features • Needs to provide protection against far more packaging than is necessary or
expected to it may become feasible.
involved in designing the outer pack. in-transit theft. not enough and, as a result, are incurring
large costs through damage to goods.
The outer pack for home delivery: • Should be easy to open by the This may be because of the expense of
The requirements of a • Might have to contain a number of consumer re-tooling or because of low volumes.
home delivery or click- goods of different sizes and shapes.
Home delivery often starts as a minor
and-collect system have • Needs to include individual addresses, ‘add on’ to normal retailing and the
design of the packaging may not have
distribution tracking and order
substantial differences information been considered. As a result, the retail
pack may have functions that are
from a conventional • Has to comply with courier-specific unnecessary.
retail model. requirements
The type of outer pack may be specified
• Needs to provide protection of goods by the courier company.
6 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 7
4. PACKAGING AND THE ENVIRONMENT
P
ackaging contains, protects and Packaging as part of the product Reuse
preserves, and carries information and its delivery system Reusable outer packaging can sometimes
safeguarding those who use and/or be a good option. This is particularly
Packaging is one part of a system. This
handle the contents. likely where a business tightly controls
includes the product itself and the type
of delivery. The packaging also interacts the distribution chain or there is a ‘collect
The challenge for companies is to from store’ or local collection point such
with warehousing, vehicle loading, ease
identify packs that are ‘fit for purpose’ as pubs or corner shops.
of handling, automated procedures and
at minimum cost and with minimum
many more factors.
environmental impact. Setting performance indicators
There is no point selecting an improved It is a good idea to visit suppliers and
A thorough analysis of the environmental pack if this is offset by losses elsewhere in customers periodically to see how
impacts of a package is a complex and the business. packaging is manufactured and how it
expensive exercise and is actually rarely performs in practice.
suitable for everyday application. Simple Minimisation
practical approaches are the best guide Simple performance indicators, based on
It may be possible to eliminate some
information that already exists, should be
to the selection of packaging. packaging layers. Reducing packaging
can use less energy than is used to introduced.
weight will reduce the cost of the
packaging and is likely to also reduce the produce packaging from virgin raw
Companies that are obligated under the
environmental impact. materials. However, recycled materials
Producer Responsibility regulations will
A thorough analysis of the must meet quality criteria.
already know their use of packaging.
Choice of materials
environmental impacts All types of materials – glass, metal, paper,
It is not feasible to set a level of recycled
content because this usually depends on
Data on how much is spent on packaging
and number of orders processed and
of a package is a complex plastics – and mixtures of materials are
used for retail packs. Paper and plastics are
the availability of secondary material and,
despatched will also exist. These can be
like virgin materials, this is affected by
and expensive exercise the principal materials used for outer packs. supply and demand.
converted into metrics such as:
Neither material has a clear-cut advantage
and is actually rarely over the other. There will often be a choice Recyclability
• Packaging spend / value of
despatched goods
suitable for everyday of suitable types, such as a plastic bag, Jiffy
bag, corrugated box, solid board box.
Theoretically, most materials can be
recycled. In practice, small details in the
• Average pack weight per parcel
despatched
application. Simple It is important to know where materials
packaging specification can have a major
• Percentage of parcels returned
influence on whether or not it is actually
practical approaches come from and to use sources with recycled. as damaged
proven certification.
are the best guide to the For example, the excessive use of printing
• Value/incidence of thefts in transit
Recycled Content
selection of packaging. Incorporating recycled material into
inks, incompatible label materials or
adhesives, wire ties and adhesive tapes
Another useful benchmark is to compare
your own packaging with that used by
packages may have benefits. Recycling can all hinder recycling. competitors and comparable businesses.
8 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 94. PACKAGING AND THE ENVIRONMENT
P
ackaging contains, protects and Packaging as part of the product Reuse
preserves, and carries information and its delivery system Reusable outer packaging can sometimes
safeguarding those who use and/or be a good option. This is particularly
Packaging is one part of a system. This
handle the contents. likely where a business tightly controls
includes the product itself and the type
of delivery. The packaging also interacts the distribution chain or there is a ‘collect
The challenge for companies is to from store’ or local collection point such
with warehousing, vehicle loading, ease
identify packs that are ‘fit for purpose’ as pubs or corner shops.
of handling, automated procedures and
at minimum cost and with minimum
many more factors.
environmental impact. Setting performance indicators
There is no point selecting an improved It is a good idea to visit suppliers and
A thorough analysis of the environmental pack if this is offset by losses elsewhere in customers periodically to see how
impacts of a package is a complex and the business. packaging is manufactured and how it
expensive exercise and is actually rarely performs in practice.
suitable for everyday application. Simple Minimisation
practical approaches are the best guide Simple performance indicators, based on
It may be possible to eliminate some
information that already exists, should be
to the selection of packaging. packaging layers. Reducing packaging
can use less energy than is used to introduced.
weight will reduce the cost of the
packaging and is likely to also reduce the produce packaging from virgin raw
Companies that are obligated under the
environmental impact. materials. However, recycled materials
Producer Responsibility regulations will
A thorough analysis of the must meet quality criteria.
already know their use of packaging.
Choice of materials
environmental impacts All types of materials – glass, metal, paper,
It is not feasible to set a level of recycled
content because this usually depends on
Data on how much is spent on packaging
and number of orders processed and
of a package is a complex plastics – and mixtures of materials are
used for retail packs. Paper and plastics are
the availability of secondary material and,
despatched will also exist. These can be
like virgin materials, this is affected by
and expensive exercise the principal materials used for outer packs. supply and demand.
converted into metrics such as:
Neither material has a clear-cut advantage
and is actually rarely over the other. There will often be a choice Recyclability
• Packaging spend / value of
despatched goods
suitable for everyday of suitable types, such as a plastic bag, Jiffy
bag, corrugated box, solid board box.
Theoretically, most materials can be
recycled. In practice, small details in the
• Average pack weight per parcel
despatched
application. Simple It is important to know where materials
packaging specification can have a major
• Percentage of parcels returned
influence on whether or not it is actually
practical approaches come from and to use sources with recycled. as damaged
proven certification.
are the best guide to the For example, the excessive use of printing
• Value/incidence of thefts in transit
Recycled Content
selection of packaging. Incorporating recycled material into
inks, incompatible label materials or
adhesives, wire ties and adhesive tapes
Another useful benchmark is to compare
your own packaging with that used by
packages may have benefits. Recycling can all hinder recycling. competitors and comparable businesses.
8 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 95. SPECIFYING PACKAGING FOR
E-COMMERCE GOODS
Retail sales packaging Ideally, the pack would be specifically Trends in product ranges or average
As e-commerce grows, it may be possible designed for each order. In practice,
though, this is impossible since it would
number of items per order should be
regularly reviewed. Some companies
Producing a separate box
to use simpler retail packs, make them
smaller, leave them unprinted or perhaps require an infinite number of shapes have found there is a trend to more for every order would be
and sizes. Companies use a number frequent, smaller orders. A bag may
remove them entirely. Blister packs, for
example, may be replaced by a simpler of packaging options and whoever is be more appropriate than a box. far more environmentally
compiling an order needs to use their own
and smaller option.
judgement to select the most appropriate. It is also important to consider negative than using a
The law requires a significant amount of
The number and type of outer packs
seasonal variations. For example at
Christmas time more staff need to
bit more board and
the labelling and information on packaging.
It is important to check what labelling will
stocked is a challenging decision which
has to take account of a number of
be taken on to deal with the higher transporting more air.
need to be added to alternative packaging number of orders.
variables.
if a retail pack is not used.
The dimensions of outer packaging
Theoretically, at one extreme, the can be selected to give a good pallet
The need to enclose a receipt or
business might use just one type. Most fill, if this is relevant. A good fit on the
other documentation may provide
orders would then be contained in a very 600x400mm module ensures that all
an opportunity to enclose marketing
oversized outer package. usual pallets will be efficiently utilised.
materials and order forms for future use.
At the opposite extreme, each order Custom packaging
Outer pack would be fitted into a specific pack, so
One appeal of e-commerce is the ability that there is minimal void space. The variety of orders needs to be
to purchase products not stocked by examined. It may be that there are
a local shop. Each order is a unique The choice of pack will also be influenced
some predominant types of order
collation of a number of retail packs. by the automation of the packing lines.
that would justify a customised
The practical requirement is to arrive at a
packaging.
sound business compromise.
Producing a separate box for every
Staff training Strength of outer pack
order would be far more environmentally Even if a company has a suitable It is difficult to predict the strength
negative than using a bit more board and range of outer packaging, the staff required from an outer pack used for
transporting more air. compiling orders need to make home delivery because supply chains
appropriate choices. Training staff and are varied and unpredictable.
There is also the option of splitting one providing them with suitable guidance
order across several smaller outer packs. and supervision is essential. Traditional distribution systems are
It is important for companies to explore more predictable and so criteria and
alternatives with suppliers and logistics Temporary untrained staff taken on test methods have been established.
partners in order to achieve an overall at busy times will also need basic Home delivery systems will rely more on
best solution. training. experienced judgement.
10 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 115. SPECIFYING PACKAGING FOR
E-COMMERCE GOODS
Retail sales packaging Ideally, the pack would be specifically Trends in product ranges or average
As e-commerce grows, it may be possible designed for each order. In practice,
though, this is impossible since it would
number of items per order should be
regularly reviewed. Some companies
Producing a separate box
to use simpler retail packs, make them
smaller, leave them unprinted or perhaps require an infinite number of shapes have found there is a trend to more for every order would be
and sizes. Companies use a number frequent, smaller orders. A bag may
remove them entirely. Blister packs, for
example, may be replaced by a simpler of packaging options and whoever is be more appropriate than a box. far more environmentally
compiling an order needs to use their own
and smaller option.
judgement to select the most appropriate. It is also important to consider negative than using a
The law requires a significant amount of
The number and type of outer packs
seasonal variations. For example at
Christmas time more staff need to
bit more board and
the labelling and information on packaging.
It is important to check what labelling will
stocked is a challenging decision which
has to take account of a number of
be taken on to deal with the higher transporting more air.
need to be added to alternative packaging number of orders.
variables.
if a retail pack is not used.
The dimensions of outer packaging
Theoretically, at one extreme, the can be selected to give a good pallet
The need to enclose a receipt or
business might use just one type. Most fill, if this is relevant. A good fit on the
other documentation may provide
orders would then be contained in a very 600x400mm module ensures that all
an opportunity to enclose marketing
oversized outer package. usual pallets will be efficiently utilised.
materials and order forms for future use.
At the opposite extreme, each order Custom packaging
Outer pack would be fitted into a specific pack, so
One appeal of e-commerce is the ability that there is minimal void space. The variety of orders needs to be
to purchase products not stocked by examined. It may be that there are
a local shop. Each order is a unique The choice of pack will also be influenced
some predominant types of order
collation of a number of retail packs. by the automation of the packing lines.
that would justify a customised
The practical requirement is to arrive at a
packaging.
sound business compromise.
Producing a separate box for every
Staff training Strength of outer pack
order would be far more environmentally Even if a company has a suitable It is difficult to predict the strength
negative than using a bit more board and range of outer packaging, the staff required from an outer pack used for
transporting more air. compiling orders need to make home delivery because supply chains
appropriate choices. Training staff and are varied and unpredictable.
There is also the option of splitting one providing them with suitable guidance
order across several smaller outer packs. and supervision is essential. Traditional distribution systems are
It is important for companies to explore more predictable and so criteria and
alternatives with suppliers and logistics Temporary untrained staff taken on test methods have been established.
partners in order to achieve an overall at busy times will also need basic Home delivery systems will rely more on
best solution. training. experienced judgement.
10 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 116. THE ESSENTIAL
REQUIREMENTS REGULATIONS
T
Rapid feedback about damage and theft be unpacked at the point-of-delivery he UK Packaging (Essential There have been a few prosecutions but
levels is needed. One approach is to or left until the next delivery, when the Requirements) Regulations implement there have been many instances where
adopt a ‘safe‘ specification at the outset European law. Packaging must meet companies have been required to modify
‘empty’ is retrieved. They may also be
and then to progressively lightweight, its requirements before it can be used in their packaging through a mediation
appropriate for click-and-collect systems. process. Home delivery packaging is one
making sure to monitor performance. Europe.
area that has been challenged.
Providing for a return route Companies can choose how to comply.
Filling the void The business has to respond to a
For some products there is a need to They may do so by meeting a set of
Outer packages usually contain voids standards (see references and links). challenge from Trading Standards within
provide for their return to the distributor.
which need filling to prevent the contents 28 days, demonstrating compliance;
moving during transit. Some items for example need a periodic Local authority Trading Standards Officers otherwise products may have to be taken
service. In these circumstances, the (TSO) are responsible for ensuring that off the market.
Reusable outer containers packaging needs to be strong enough companies comply.
to survive more than one trip. Alternative Trading Standards Services receive some
Reusable containers can be useful
The law requires packers and fillers of complaints directly from the public or from
where regular repeat orders to the same ways of returning items should be
packaging, and importers to ensure that: companies.
customer are made. The packaging can considered.
• Packaging contains less than 100ppm They also carry out independent
in total, of lead, cadmium, mercury or investigations and sampling projects,
The pros and cons of stocking a small for example, purchasing a similar
hexavalent chromium.
or large number of outer pack sizes product from a number of suppliers and
• Essential requirements are met comparing the packaging.
Few Pack Sizes Large Number of Pack Sizes regarding:
Lower cost to buy packaging Higher cost to buy packaging
• minimising packaging volume and
because bigger orders but … because more, smaller orders but …
weight in line with safety, hygiene
bigger average pack size so higher smaller average pack size so lower and product/consumer acceptance
cost per product. cost per product.
Less inventory to stock. • designing packaging to permit
More inventory to stock.
Less complexity of storage, recovery or reuse and recovery
More complexity of storage.
handling, packing systems.
• minimising the impact of packaging
More void space in the pack so Less void space in the pack so less
waste on the environment
more filler required. filler required.
Simpler choice for order-picking More complex choice for order- • manufacturing packaging to
staff. picking staff. minimise the presence of hazardous
More orders may appear excessively substances in emissions, ash or
Fewer orders likely to be
leachate when packaging waste is
packaged. excessively packaged.
incinerated or landfilled
12 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 136. THE ESSENTIAL
REQUIREMENTS REGULATIONS
T
Rapid feedback about damage and theft be unpacked at the point-of-delivery he UK Packaging (Essential There have been a few prosecutions but
levels is needed. One approach is to or left until the next delivery, when the Requirements) Regulations implement there have been many instances where
adopt a ‘safe‘ specification at the outset European law. Packaging must meet companies have been required to modify
‘empty’ is retrieved. They may also be
and then to progressively lightweight, its requirements before it can be used in their packaging through a mediation
appropriate for click-and-collect systems. process. Home delivery packaging is one
making sure to monitor performance. Europe.
area that has been challenged.
Providing for a return route Companies can choose how to comply.
Filling the void The business has to respond to a
For some products there is a need to They may do so by meeting a set of
Outer packages usually contain voids standards (see references and links). challenge from Trading Standards within
provide for their return to the distributor.
which need filling to prevent the contents 28 days, demonstrating compliance;
moving during transit. Some items for example need a periodic Local authority Trading Standards Officers otherwise products may have to be taken
service. In these circumstances, the (TSO) are responsible for ensuring that off the market.
Reusable outer containers packaging needs to be strong enough companies comply.
to survive more than one trip. Alternative Trading Standards Services receive some
Reusable containers can be useful
The law requires packers and fillers of complaints directly from the public or from
where regular repeat orders to the same ways of returning items should be
packaging, and importers to ensure that: companies.
customer are made. The packaging can considered.
• Packaging contains less than 100ppm They also carry out independent
in total, of lead, cadmium, mercury or investigations and sampling projects,
The pros and cons of stocking a small for example, purchasing a similar
hexavalent chromium.
or large number of outer pack sizes product from a number of suppliers and
• Essential requirements are met comparing the packaging.
Few Pack Sizes Large Number of Pack Sizes regarding:
Lower cost to buy packaging Higher cost to buy packaging
• minimising packaging volume and
because bigger orders but … because more, smaller orders but …
weight in line with safety, hygiene
bigger average pack size so higher smaller average pack size so lower and product/consumer acceptance
cost per product. cost per product.
Less inventory to stock. • designing packaging to permit
More inventory to stock.
Less complexity of storage, recovery or reuse and recovery
More complexity of storage.
handling, packing systems.
• minimising the impact of packaging
More void space in the pack so Less void space in the pack so less
waste on the environment
more filler required. filler required.
Simpler choice for order-picking More complex choice for order- • manufacturing packaging to
staff. picking staff. minimise the presence of hazardous
More orders may appear excessively substances in emissions, ash or
Fewer orders likely to be
leachate when packaging waste is
packaged. excessively packaged.
incinerated or landfilled
12 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 137. REFERENCES AND LINKS
General Guidance on Packaging Design and the Environment Other sources
1. Responsible Packaging – Code of Practice. INCPEN, the Industry Council for General
Packaging and the Environment. http://www.incpen.org/displayarticle.asp?a=37&c=3 The Industry Council for Packaging
2. ‘Packaging Design and the Environment’: Reducing Costs and Quantities. A Manual and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.incpen.org
published by the government advice centre, Envirowise, now part of WRAP (Waste
and Resources Action Programme) The French Packaging Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.conseil-emballage.org
http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/uk/Our-Services/Publications/GG360R-Packaging-
Valpak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.valpak.co.uk/home
design-for-the-environment-Reducing-costs-and-quantities-Revised-in-
February-2008.html
Waste and Resources Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.wrap.org.uk
This report also lists other Envirowise publications.
PublicationGG482 deals with transit packaging - Trade Bodies
http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/uk/Our-Services/Publications/GG482-Cutting-costs-
British Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.britglass.org.uk
and-waste-by-optimising-packaging-use.html
Publication GG908, a guide to eco-design, was prepared in conjunction with British Plastics Federation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bpf.co.uk
INCPEN: http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/uk/Our-Services/Publications/GG908-
PackGuide-a-guide-to-packaging-eco-design.html Confederation of Paper Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.paper.org.uk
3. WRAP have a catalogue of publications www.wrap.org.uk Metal Packaging Manufacturers Assn. . . . . . . . . . . www.mpma.org.uk
Guidance on the Essential Requirements Packaging and Films Assn.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pafa.org.uk
1. The regulations – SI 2003No. 1941 – as amended – SI 2004 No. 1188 and amendment
– SI 2006 No. 1492 and SI 2009 No.1504, downloadable from www.legislation.gov.uk The Packaging Federation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.packagingfedn.co.uk
2. The Essential Requirements Standards : EN 13427:2004 and EN 13428:2004,
EN 13429:2004, EN 13430:2004, EN 13431:2004, EN 13432:2000, Regulation
and CR 13695-1:2000 and TR 13695-2:2004. Department for Environment, Food,
and Rural Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.defra.gov.uk
3. BIS, the government department have published useful guidance:
www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/p/11-524-packaging- Department for Business, Innovation & Skills . . . . . www.bis.gov.uk
regulations-government-guidance.pdf (also available through Business Link)
4. Trading Standards Services publish advice on their local authority websites. Environment Agency (England & Wales) . . . . . . . . . www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Visit your local authority website or the Trading Standards Institute website
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk for further information Scottish Environment Protection Agency . . . . . . . . www.sepa.org.uk
5. County Council Trading Standards Offices publish advice. As an example, see that Environment & Heritage Service
issued by Devon County Council (Northern Ireland). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ehsni.gov.uk
www.devon.gov.uk/122149_consumer_-_packaging.pdf
14 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 157. REFERENCES AND LINKS
General Guidance on Packaging Design and the Environment Other sources
1. Responsible Packaging – Code of Practice. INCPEN, the Industry Council for General
Packaging and the Environment. http://www.incpen.org/displayarticle.asp?a=37&c=3 The Industry Council for Packaging
2. ‘Packaging Design and the Environment’: Reducing Costs and Quantities. A Manual and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.incpen.org
published by the government advice centre, Envirowise, now part of WRAP (Waste
and Resources Action Programme) The French Packaging Council. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.conseil-emballage.org
http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/uk/Our-Services/Publications/GG360R-Packaging-
Valpak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.valpak.co.uk/home
design-for-the-environment-Reducing-costs-and-quantities-Revised-in-
February-2008.html
Waste and Resources Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.wrap.org.uk
This report also lists other Envirowise publications.
PublicationGG482 deals with transit packaging - Trade Bodies
http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/uk/Our-Services/Publications/GG482-Cutting-costs-
British Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.britglass.org.uk
and-waste-by-optimising-packaging-use.html
Publication GG908, a guide to eco-design, was prepared in conjunction with British Plastics Federation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bpf.co.uk
INCPEN: http://envirowise.wrap.org.uk/uk/Our-Services/Publications/GG908-
PackGuide-a-guide-to-packaging-eco-design.html Confederation of Paper Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.paper.org.uk
3. WRAP have a catalogue of publications www.wrap.org.uk Metal Packaging Manufacturers Assn. . . . . . . . . . . www.mpma.org.uk
Guidance on the Essential Requirements Packaging and Films Assn.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pafa.org.uk
1. The regulations – SI 2003No. 1941 – as amended – SI 2004 No. 1188 and amendment
– SI 2006 No. 1492 and SI 2009 No.1504, downloadable from www.legislation.gov.uk The Packaging Federation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.packagingfedn.co.uk
2. The Essential Requirements Standards : EN 13427:2004 and EN 13428:2004,
EN 13429:2004, EN 13430:2004, EN 13431:2004, EN 13432:2000, Regulation
and CR 13695-1:2000 and TR 13695-2:2004. Department for Environment, Food,
and Rural Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.defra.gov.uk
3. BIS, the government department have published useful guidance:
www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/p/11-524-packaging- Department for Business, Innovation & Skills . . . . . www.bis.gov.uk
regulations-government-guidance.pdf (also available through Business Link)
4. Trading Standards Services publish advice on their local authority websites. Environment Agency (England & Wales) . . . . . . . . . www.environment-agency.gov.uk
Visit your local authority website or the Trading Standards Institute website
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk for further information Scottish Environment Protection Agency . . . . . . . . www.sepa.org.uk
5. County Council Trading Standards Offices publish advice. As an example, see that Environment & Heritage Service
issued by Devon County Council (Northern Ireland). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ehsni.gov.uk
www.devon.gov.uk/122149_consumer_-_packaging.pdf
14 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 15INCPEN is a research organisation, which draws together an influential group of
companies who share a vision of the future where all production, distribution, and
consumption are sustainable. It aims to:
• ensure that policy on packaging makes a positive contribution to
sustainability.
• encourage industry to minimise the environmental impact of packaging
and packaged goods and continuously improve packaging.
• explain the role of packaging in society.
INCPEN Members
Amcor Flexibles • Asda • Ball Packaging • Boots • Britvic Soft Drinks • Coca Cola
Colgate Palmolive • Consol Glass • CROWN • Diageo • Dow
DS Smith • Elizabeth Arden • Kellogg’s • Kraft • L’Oreal • LINPAC Group
Marks and Spencer • Nestlé UK • Procter and Gamble
Red Bull • Rexam AB • RPC • Sainsburys • TATA Steel Packaging
Tesco • Unilever • UFLEX • Warburtons
INCPEN Charter Members
16 PACKAGING AND THE INTERNET 17The Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment SoanePoint, 6-8 Market Place Reading RG1 2EG Tel: +44 (0)1189 255 991 Email: info@incpen.org www.incpen.org © INCPEN March 2012 ISBN 1 901576 65 5
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