Packaging Waste Case Studies

General Motors Corporation, Wilmington, DE

Objective

Reduce the volume of packaging waste generated as a result of shipping parts and materials to the assembly plant.

Actions taken

• Various shipping aids were returned in a neat and clean condition to vendors for reuse (mirror wraps, Styrofoam, wood products, plastic caps and other shipping aids).
• Other packaging materials were recycled with efforts being made to firstly reduce waste at the source. This was done by notifying vendors of packaging that was difficult to recycle, and inviting them to select alternatives.
• Vendors were found who would recycle all cardboard, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, paper products and rubber materials, as well as most plastics, including HDPE, LDPE, stretch wrap and plastic banding.
• Bubble wrap and polystyrene sheets are reused for shipping purposes.

Outcomes

Shortly after the program was introduced, the Wilmington Plant had reduced land-filled packaging waste to 1.8kg per vehicle, an 86% reduction in less than six months. From recycling cardboard, wood and plastics, the plant made cost savings of nearly $US149,000 in avoided landfill fees in 1994.

Source: Delaware Industries- http://www.dnrec.state.de.us/newpages/genmtr1.htm

Myer Grace Bros, Australia

Objective

Reduce the 30 million hangers going to landfill each year.

Actions

Myer Grace Bros. developed a standard range of quality hangers that offered the maximum amount of plastic recycling and ensured that all clothing suppliers participated in new system.

Outcomes

As a result, the plastic material was reground for moulding into new hangers. This resulted in reduced disposal cost savings of $250,000 per annum. Myer Grace Bros. also saved $6,000,000 on staff salaries, no longer needed for hanging and re-hanging garments.

Source: EcoRecycle, Victoria, Australia.

Sheraton Towers, Southgate, Victoria, Australia

Objective

Wanted to conduct all of its operations in an environmentally responsible manner by reducing, reusing and recycling waste and educating and encouraging staff.

Actions taken

• Asked suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging waste.
• Bought cleaning products in bulk.
• Recycled cardboard

Outcomes

As a result of the introduction of these and other initiatives, Sheraton Towers has been able to make annual cost savings of $19,000.

Source: EcoRecycle, Victoria, Australia.