Reusable Packaging increasingly important

Returnable Transit Packaging (RTP) or Reusable Packaging, plays an increasingly important role in the drive towards sustainability and therefore, new developments can have a substantial impact on all areas of the supply chain. Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable increase in the introduction of ‘RTP’ pools across all areas of manufacturing, food processing and within the retail chain. This can include bulk load carriers such as plastic pallet boxes, bale-arm crates, collapsible bins, all types of plastic containers and boxes. This type of secondary packaging was often one trip, such as polystyrene boxes or cardboard packaging, but these types of expensive products are quickly being phased out.

PPS East Limited has provided fish and seafood companies with solutions to support individual Supply Chain sustainability requirements for many years, but is keen to emphasise that their expertise is not just solely available for that specific industry. It is important across all food industry sectors to ensure a sustainable Supply Chain that involves a continual improvement process that considers key issues of environmental protection, economic growth and social impacts. In order to achieve this goal, one must ensure the efficient management and transportation of raw materials, products and services at all stages throughout the chain and also include the type of packaging used. As the life of the RTP equipment is prolonged through effective management it also serves to improve sustainability and further reduce the cost of packaging per trip. The retail sector developments into reusable ‘shelf ready’ packaging incorporates the use of RTP into the retail store display, negating the need for decanting product and eliminating disposable packaging, whilst reducing handling costs. The development of RTP in all sectors continues in an effort to increase lifespan, reduce waste in process and cost, and minimise carbon emissions through reduced packaging disposal and transport. Minimising the transport and logistics requirements, RTP is designed for maximum cubic density in storage and vehicle containers, with optimal nesting or folding for return of empties. In many cases RTP fleets are pooled and shared between users in the same supply chain to reduce the overall amount required. This overview specifically of RTP systems demonstrates they are geared to support total Supply Chain sustainability initiatives and cost savings, ensuring environmental benefits through reduced vehicle and trip requirements.