B&Q cuts packaging costs and waste

B&Q has replaced the cardboard packaging used to transport kitchen components to customers’ houses with a multi-trip packaging system called Longspacs, a move that slashes its annual cardboard packaging usage by 435 tonnes and cuts costs by around £80,000 a year.

The packaging, which has been developed over two years by B&Q and logistics specialist Ceva, is now being used to transport components such as plinths, pelmets and cornices from B&Q’s showroom fulfilment centre based in Branston, Staffordshire.

A Longspac is a 3m long polypropylene box which is covered in a woven polypropylene fabric and fitted with handles. It can be opened at both ends is rain proof, rugged and easy to handle.

Its development follows B&Q’s introduction in 2008 of the Carrierpac, a reusable cover used to transport B&Q’s kitchen worktops to customers. Both the Carrierpac and Longspac were developed by Ceva in consultation with environmental organisation WRAP, design consultants Outpace and flexible intermediate bulk container manufacturer Storesack.

‘Cost-effective’

Kevin Corby, Ceva’s business improvements manager and project manager for Carrierpacs and Longspacs, said: “We fully supported B&Q’s desire to replace single-use packaging with a greener, cost-effective and sustainable multi-use packaging format, and this has resulted in the recent move to Longspacs.”

“Anyone embarking on a major project like this needs to show they have the determination and can think in a different way; it goes without saying that an absolute commitment to succeed is essential. For the project to be a success Wrap’s support was vital. ”

As well as cutting the amount of cardboard waste ending up in the waste stream, the project has also meant that transit damage rates have been reduced.

“Although transit-damage rates were already low, and not the major consideration, we have also enjoyed an improvement in this area,” Corby added.

‘Multi-trip packaging’

B&Q stockless manager Matt Woolley said: “The introduction of this multi-trip packaging meets our aims of excellent corporate social responsibility, exceptional product care, and reduced costs.

“Our customers are thrilled, too: they see Longspacs as very visible evidence of our values and no longer have to deal with a substantial amount of cardboard waste following their delivery. Well done to Ceva for this excellent success.”

Source : Packaging News.co.uk
www.packagingnews.co.uk/uncategorized/bq-cuts-cardboard-waste-by-over-400-tonnes-per-year-through-packaging-innovation/