10 tips to reduce waste from the warehouse

Reducing waste in the warehouse will help you save money and the environment, as well as create more satisfied customers and employees. A rotten warehouse with lots of nails creates a poor physical working environment for your employees

There are many good reasons to reduce packaging waste in your warehouse:

• Ved å kutte avfall kan du sparen penger og tid, og gjøre virksomheten din mer effektiv.
• More and more customers only buy from companies that can prove that they take care of the environment. Waste that is not disposed of properly can be harmful to the environment.
• Ensure that your employees have the best possible physical working environment and you will have less sickness absence

Here are 10 tips for getting less waste from your warehouse:

1) Use instead of recycle

Recyclable packaging is much better for the environment than non-recyclable packaging. However, it is not optimal if piles of recyclable packaging are left for long periods. Using materials for different purposes, for example using cardboard boxes to store office equipment, helps to reduce waste and prevent unnecessary purchases of products.

2) Use the right type of packaging

A lot of packaging waste can indicate that this type of packaging is not suitable for the purpose. Waste can occur when a product has been packed in the wrong material or packaging product in the wrong size. Please contact RAJA’s customer service for advice on the most suitable packaging for your products

See also the range of green packaging in RAJA’s online shop

3) Give employees proper training

On many occasions, waste is created or not thrown away properly because employees do not know the procedures in place. This may be because administrative staff do not communicate well enough with warehouse staff, or it may be that staff have not received proper training. If the business has established procedures and routines, make sure they are clearly communicated to all employees

4) Use packing material correctly

How many times have you received a package where the packaging seems much larger than necessary for the product inside? Sometimes this is necessary because a smaller box does not protect the product properly, but on other occasions the wrong box or the wrong type of protection has been used. Some types of packing fill are better suited to certain types of goods than others. Using the right type of packing fill will protect the product better and help you pack more optimally.

5) Dispose of waste often enough

It may sound like common sense, but it’s surprising how many companies just have daily waste collection when three or four times a day would be more appropriate to create a safe working environment. Waste can build up throughout the day, and it can become a health hazard if not removed regularly.

6) Cooperate with a local association

If it becomes too time-consuming to remove waste regularly, you can investigate whether anyone might need the waste. Often, well-funded organisations or associations can use the packaging that is left over. Local teams or associations are often looking for cardboard, for example, and may be willing to come and collect it

7) Mark the packaging clearly with print and weight limits

Giving proper guidance to staff on the amount of weight and pressure packaging can take will ensure less damaged packaging and less waste. It may be that the strength of the carton being used can actually contain more products, or that an employee can use a smaller carton for an item.

8) Use stretch film

If you are transporting products around the warehouse, they can be secured using stretch film instead of being packed in large boxes. Stretch film will produce less waste and is also available in environmentally friendly varieties

9) Reward employees who demonstrate good waste management

Rewarding employees for good work in the warehouse is as important as rewarding shop staff for good customer service. They make an extra effort for the business, so reward them and encourage others to do the same.

10) Appoint a “champion” among the employees

Having a “champion” can help make the team more energetic and enthusiastic about reducing waste

If you want more tips from RAJA on how to make your packaging more efficient and environmentally friendly, please contact our customer service on 22 51 40 00 or post@rajapack.no. See also RAJA’s environmentally friendly packaging solutions here