Packaging is meant to protect a product during transportation and possibly provide information— but what happens after that? Due to old habits, packaging is often seen as worthless and is discarded quickly.

More and more companies are working to ensure that their packaging doesn’t end up as waste. Instead, it is designed to remain a valuable resource, such as by keeping its properties in a circular loop. There can be significant savings to be made by improving the collection, sorting, and processing of what might initially seem like packaging waste.

New Supplier and Focus on Waste

Colour Compagniet A/S in Kibæk has had some interesting packaging experiences and has already reduced their annual packaging costs by more than DKK 20,000.

The company offers surface treatments for materials like wood, plastic, and metal, both on flat and 3D items. Their vision is to be the preferred sustainable partner in surface treatments, achieved by creating environmentally-friendly solutions that increase product value.

At the beginning of the last quarter, Colour Compagniet changed packaging suppliers. The collaboration had lasted for several years, but it was clear that other players in the market had a stronger focus on the green agenda—without it being more expensive to source.

At the same time, Colour Compagniet put the spotlight on packaging waste. They work on reusing as much of the packaging from customer deliveries as possible. As a result, they now know which packaging items can especially be reused in their own packing area: corner protectors, wooden slats, bottom/top plates, and certain types of plastic film.

The savings are tangible. Perhaps packaging can also be reused in your business?