♻️10 tips: reduce packaging waste in the warehouse

Reducing packaging waste should be a priority for everyone working in a warehouse, whether they are administrative staff, managers or warehouse workers. Wasting materials is not only bad for the environment and profit margins, a cluttered warehouse with too much waste also creates a poor physical working environment for your employees.

Here are 10 tips to reduce waste in your warehouse.

1. Recycle is good, reuse is better

Recyclable packaging is much better for the environment than non-recyclable packaging, but it still requires processing and piles of recyclable material can be left lying around for long periods of time. Reusing materials for different purposes, such as using leftover cardboard boxes to house office equipment, helps to reduce waste and prevent unnecessary product purchases.

2. Get it right from the start – choosing packaging materials

If you have a lot of packaging waste in your warehouse, it could be a sign that the material you are using is not the best for the purpose. Unnecessary waste can occur when a product has been packaged in the wrong material or in the wrong size box, for example. Companies like RAJA offer their customers expert advice on which packaging is best in each situation, so that unnecessary waste can be avoided. Reach out to us by phone at 010 – 33 08 200 and we will help you.

3. Train your employees

One reason why packaging waste is created unnecessarily or not disposed of properly may be that employees are not aware of the processes in place. This could be because administrative staff are not communicating properly with warehouse managers, or because staff have not received appropriate training. If your company has proper processes and procedures in place, you need to make sure they are clearly communicated to all employees.

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4. Understand fill material

How many times have you received a package at home where the packaging appears to be 10 times larger than what is required for the item inside? Sometimes this is necessary because a smaller box doesn’t protect the item properly, but other times the wrong box or the wrong type of filler material has been used. Some types of fillers and protectors are better suited to certain types of goods than others. Using the right type of packing filler protects the product better and helps you pack more optimally.

5. Review the frequency of waste collection

It’s surprising how many companies only have daily waste collection when three or four times a day would be more appropriate to create a safe working environment. Of course, this depends on the size of the organisation, but what many don’t consider is that waste builds up during the day and can become a health hazard if not removed regularly.

6. Work with a local association

Look at your local area, perhaps someone could use the packaging waste created in your warehouse? Local associations are often on the lookout for materials such as leftover cardboard boxes and may be willing to come and collect it from your organisation themselves.

7. Clear information about the characteristics of your packaging

Providing proper guidance to staff on how much weight and how much pressure different packaging can withstand will lead to less damaged packaging and less waste. Perhaps a carton is strong enough to hold several products, or perhaps a smaller box can be chosen for a particular item.

8. Use stretch film to secure goods in the warehouse

When moving products around the warehouse, you may be able to save packaging materials and energy by securing them with stretch film instead of packing them in large boxes. Stretch film takes up less space in the bin, and there are also environmentally friendly versions.

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9. Reward employees who are waste conscious

Rewarding employees for environmentally conscious efforts and initiatives in the warehouse is as important as rewarding store employees for good customer service. They go the extra mile for the company, so find ways to reward them and encourage others to do the same.

10. Appoint a “waste champion” in the warehouse

A waste champion will help to make the team more energetic and enthusiastic about reducing packaging waste. Simon Howes, waste champion at RAJA UK comments:

“We currently have 2 waste champions in place. When someone becomes a champion they are very quick to jump on anyone who doesn’t follow the rules, as they rightly should. Since implementation it has taken very little time for staff to notice and work with the recycling process. My feeling is that it is very quickly becoming a normal working condition with more and more individuals becoming aware of the importance of waste management without having to put in much effort.”

Need help reviewing your processes or choosing the right packaging?

RAJA are specialists in packing tape, packaging and wrapping. Please contact us for tips and advice on how your packaging choices affect the environment. The number is 010 – 33 08 200 and we are open weekdays 07:30-17:00.

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