PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Expanded Polystyrene/Expanded Polypropylene (EPS/EPP) are derived from oil. Although not biodegradable, both can be recycled. EPS/EPP packaging materials are robust, lightweight and adaptable for use with a wide range of goods, often offering significant advantages over other forms of packaging, including those derived from renewable sources. Taking account of its many useful packaging applications, the most environmentally sound practice is to promote the maximum re-use of EPS/EPP followed by recycling. Directive 94/62/EC lays down requirements for management of packaging waste. It specifies that by 30 June 2001, at least 50% of packaging waste should be recovered and 25% recycled. This project was established to assess the technical and economic viability of greater re-use of EPS/EPP packaging by conducting a pilot study in the consumer electrical goods sector. It was proposed that the study would establish a viable scheme based upon the development and use of high quality, preferably standardised, EPS/EPP packaging materials. Working internationally in partnership with industry, the project also aimed to devise a practical model recovery scheme, enabling manufacturers and retailers to re-use a high proportion of their packaging materials and so reduce their overall packaging costs in the medium term. Reusable Packaging International ltd. would manage the project. If it proved successful, the company planned to facilitate the wider implementation of an independent, accredited, self-financing scheme for the manufacture and use of reusable EPS/EPP packaging materials.
OBJECTIVES
In partnership with industry, to conduct a pilot study to develop and assess reusable EPS/EPP packaging, initially for large electrical goods. Utilising the pilot study results, to devise a viable (pan-European) model operational scheme to facilitate the wider use of reusable EPS/EPP packaging, with consequential reductions in waste, and in the consumption of energy and non-renewable resources. The Principal aims of the project were to: Promote improved application of the EU Waste Management Hierarchy Reduce the environmental impact of the manufacture and use of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) packaging materials by devising innovative, viable, reusable packaging schemes Benefit industry, manufacturers and retailers through lower utilisation costs for packaging; reduced liability for packaging levies; and increased standardisation. Establish a sustainable future for the EPS/EPP packaging manufacturers. Encourage consumer responsibility through awareness of and participation in reusable packaging schemes
RESULTS
The pilot study was based on one product line of which 180 units were due to be delivered from the manufacturer to the wholesaler/retailer. In fact, only 126 units were delivered and in the process, the opportunity to fully evaluate stacking potential during transport was lost. Among the outcomes, a major disappointment was that 60% of the packaging items were not returned. The reasons for this seem to stem mainly from a lack of awareness or diligence by those delivering the products and at the distribution points. Some items will inevitably not be returned if customers are not ready for the item to be unpacked on site, but this should only represent a small minority of deliveries. Some packaging components may also get damaged in the unpacking process. However, the high proportion of un-returned packaging appears to indicate inadequacies in the operation of the scheme rather than inadequacies in the packaging itself. Analysis of the returned packaging, coupled with the reports of those who handled it indicate a high degree of satisfaction with its performance and that it was considered to be easier to handle and unpack while giving better overall protection. Initial conclusions that can be drawn from the Pilot Study are as follows: - The reusable packaging can perform satisfactorily at a technical level and so provide adequate levels of protection. - Not all components will be reusable, but these can be limited to a very small percentage of the value/volume of the packaging used - The viability of any scheme will depend on a substantial majority of the reusable packaging being returned undamaged - adequate levels were not achieved in the Pilot Study, but there is reason to believe that a substantially better performance could be achieved in future - At present, the stacking capability of the test packaging is still uncertain and requires further analysis - A further trial with a high-volume product model should be conducted over a shorter period and in a less dispersed manner The pilot study was based on one product line of which 180 units were due to be delivered from the manufacturer to the wholesaler/retailer. In fact, only 126 units were delivered and in the process, the opportunity to fully evaluate stacking potential during transport was lost. Among the outcomes, a major disappointment was that 60% of the packaging items were not returned. The reasons for this seem to stem mainly from a lack of awareness or diligence by those delivering the products and at the distribution points. Some items will inevitably not be returned if customers are not ready for the item to be unpacked on site, but this should only represent a small minority of deliveries. Some packaging components may also get damaged in the unpacking process. However, the high proportion of un-returned packaging appears to indicate inadequacies in the operation of the scheme rather than inadequacies in the packaging itself. Analysis of the returned packaging, coupled with the reports of those who handled it indicate a high degree of satisfaction with its performance and that it was considered to be easier to handle and unpack while giving better overall protection. Initial conclusions that can be drawn from the Pilot Study are as follows: - The reusable packaging can perform satisfactorily at a technical level and so provide adequate levels of protection. - Not all components will be reusable, but these can be limited to a very small percentage of the value/volume of the packaging used - The viability of any scheme will depend on a substantial majority of the reusable packaging being returned undamaged - adequate levels were not achieved in the Pilot Study, but there is reason to believe that a substantially better performance could be achieved in future - At present, the stacking capability of the test packaging is still uncertain and requires further analysis - A further trial with a high-volume product model should be conducted over a shorter period and in a less dispersed manner
