As the global automotive industry is in the midst of a seismic shift in terms of the sustainability of the vehicles they produce and manufacturing capabilities, we are seeing a similar shift in how light weight returnable packaging is being purchased.

With sustainability being paramount across the sector, packaging used in the supply chain is now being closely scrutinised from an environmental, financial and efficiency perspective.

It is essential that supply chain professionals, packaging engineers and buyers take an in-depth look at disposable and heavy weight packaging against light weight plastic returnable bins.

What should you consider?

  • Ongoing cost savings when using returnable plastic compared to plastic, cardboard, wood or metal.
  • Disposable packaging provides you with an immediate cost saving when purchasing. What are the costs of handling and disposing of the waste?
  • How do returnable plastic bins help you reduce costs on each and every trip?
  • Associated costs related to packaging – handling costs, waste disposal, pack density, number of journeys required, fuel cost, tyre wear

 

Achieving Sustainability goals through Returnable Plastic Packaging 

When making purchasing decisions on packaging, Automotive OEMs and Tier Suppliers have been solely focused on the “need” and initial cost.

“How much will it costs to ship a part from A to B?”
“What is the cheapest packaging required for that journey?”

With that in mind, single use packaging such as plastic, cardboard or wood is a cheaper solution on the surface of it but it is more expensive when you consider the contributing factors as well as the environmental cost.

Packaging remains a cost driven decision. Only now, there are wider considerations when weighing up how much of a cost saving returnable plastic bins will provide over the duration of vehicle production.

Introducing the IPL Macro EuroBin significantly increases the pack density of parts per bin and number of bins per trailer in comparison to heavy weight packaging such as steel.

 

What does this mean for an OEM or Tier Supplier?

  • Transport significantly more components per journey
  • Reduce the number of trips in the supply chain and associated costs
  • Reduce environmental impact of the supply chain

 

Recover Damaged Packaging

At IPL Macro, we offer the option of recovering your old and damaged plastic packaging through a buy-back scheme.

By recouping the cost of damaged packaging, you are offsetting the cost of purchasing new packaging and doing so in a sustainable manner.

When you see damaged packaging in your plant or warehouse – ask yourself these questions –

  • How much is this worth?
  • How can this material be used in new packaging?
  • What is the cost of removing the items?
  • What are the cost and environmental benefits of selling it back to a plastic packaging manufacturer?

 

Reuse and Recycle Returnable Packaging

By using returnable plastic bins, OEMs and Tier Suppliers are investing in a solution that will last the production lifecycle of a vehicle.

The IPL Macro EuroBin is an investment that reduces costs every time is used from the first until the last trip, unlike single use of heavy weight packaging which incur more costs.

The EuroBIn is manufactured using only plastic parts which are made from 100% virgin polypropelene. This means the bins can be recycled, ground down and reused to produce the next generation of bins you require. This reduces the cost of purchasing new bins as we can use the material from your old bins which you have already purchased.

This is a significant cost saving and an innovative way of improving the sustainability of your operation.

Alternatively, you can recoup investment rather righting down the cost of packaging through the IPL Macro buy-back offer. We will purchase EuroBins from an OEM or Tier Supplier at the end of their lifecycle for us to reuse and recycle.

This removes the cost of disposing of the packaging, further reducing your original investment in returnable plastic packaging whilst doing so in a sustainable manner.

We can help you understand how using plastic returnable bins in your supply chain to reduce your costs and the impact on the environment.