Sustainability in the B2B World
Drew Merrill
Television, radio stations and magazines everywhere are inundating consumers with “green” messages, including how to save energy, reduce waste and recycle … and for the most part, it seems to be catching on. Whether it’s seeing consumers using reusable grocery bags, recycling plastic and paper, or utilizing energy saving light bulbs – consumer awareness is becoming more prevalent.
These may be solid steps forward for our environment … but how do we do the same on the business end of things? Consumers are beginning to reach out to ask companies to do more.
So far, the majority of companies have only focused on consumer packaging, allowing them to promote their “environmental brand”. Sun Chips is a perfect example of this, and their efforts are no doubt helping the environment.
But what about B2B transport packaging?
Nearly every step in the manufacturing process before reaching the consumer packaging stage offers up a chance to “green” their supply chains, however the majority of companies avoid these opportunities because they are not visible to the consumer.
Taking pages from Walmart’s book could truly impact our environment on a massive scale. Walmart is the thought leader in the area of implementing B2B green packaging, along with providing metrics and accountability. By utilizing reusable transport packaging for a variety of their products, they’ve not only increased operational efficiency, but are significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
It’s a great start, but there’s more to be done. There are hundreds or thousands of companies out there that claim to be green, but what true measurement of green do we really have?
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Very true, but steps are being taken
Adam Pawlick
Very good, post and I would definitely agree that a majority of the visible steps that are being taken are on consumer packaging. The Sun Chips is a great example, but so are ConAgra Foods' development of rPLA for shrink films, rPET in CPET trays on frozen dinners, Pepsi's redesign of the Propel water bottle, Kashi claiming reduced packaging on the front of their package, and many others.
While these are definitely the most visible there are a lot of activities that are on-going in B2B packaging, they just are less visible and less talked about. There are a couple of reasons they aren't discussed as much, including; these typically directly impact a company's cost structure so they don't want to disclose that, it may be something unique that is a competitive advantage, and most communications coming from companies truly do focus on the consumer (that is where the time and money spent on them get their ROI).
Some examples of improved B2B packaging are:
1. Returnable packaging....this industry has existed for quite a while and does have sustainable benefits when done appropriately
2. Large packaging suppliers building recycling arms (Sonoco and Smurfit are the primary two), they help customers recycle as much material as possible in their facilities.
3. Elimination of shippers...cans, bottles, cartons, cases, etc typically don't come in shippers any more, just bulk palletized.
4. Reusable cores
5. Bulk products being shipped in either 2,000 pound totes or rail car where possible rather than 40 lb cases.
There are undoubtedly many more than I am listing here and there is definitely more we can do, but it has started somewhat and is continuing to increase.
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