Packaging is ubiquitous in the supply of products. Many times, when we talk about sustainable packaging, we focus on its retail aspect. However, trade and wholesale supply chains also generate a significant volume of packaging waste.
Companies and manufacturers are always seeking ways to innovate with packaging solutions to make the industry’s supply chain more sustainable.
As part of the Packaging Partnership Programme Training Series, the fourth training held on 31 March 2021 focused on helping the industries understand the common concepts around packaging in supply chains and benefits of a circular economy. The training also covered challenges faced by the logistic industry, as well as case studies and solutions to help companies improve their operations.
There were more than 60 business representatives from different industries, packaging producers, testing and certification companies, food manufacturers as well as pharmaceutical industry players present.
Ms Mathilde Dumoulin, Sustainability Development Manager at Bollore Logistics (Singapore), introduced the packaging trends, especially in supply chain. She touched on common concepts around packaging in supply chains, how Bollore calculates their environmental footprint. Finally, Ms Dumoulin presented the approach which Bollore used in its pursuit of packaging reduction, such as using eco wrap and alternatives to air pouches. Finally, Ms Dumoulin emphasised that every member of the supply chain had a role to play in lowering the impact on the environment.
Mr Lee Ming Hui, Partner and Head of Operations at MOOVAZ, shared on the importance of packaging in the global relocation business and the challenges faced in achieving sustainability, as well as their exploration current international solutions. One key challenge was how the company was unable to collect back packaging once it has been sent overseas.
Mr Paul Gabie, CEO of ecoSPIRITS, shared on ecoSPIRITS’ mission to end single-use glass and to become a leader in circular packaging technology for the wine and spirits industry. Mr Gabie gave an overview of the current economy and footprint of the wine and spirits industry. Mr Gabie then went on to share onthe ecoSPIRITS closed loop technology, as well as, ecoSPIRITS’ sustainability programmes. He shared how the technology saved cost from reduced use of packaging materials. While reducing the carbon footprint of spirits distribution, the technology protects the liquid while maintaining the brand experience for the end user.