An evaluation model for sustainable packaging systems in supply chains

Henrik Pålsson, Christian Finnsgård, Carl Wänström

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingPaper in conference proceedingpeer-review

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Abstract

Purpose of this paper
The purpose of this paper is to develop an evaluation model comparing a one-way with a returnable packaging system from a supply chain perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical evaluation model for comparing cost efficiency and environmental impact of one-way and returnable packaging systems in supply chains is developed from literature.
The deducted model is subsequently tested in a case study of a supply chain involving Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Logistics Corporation, comparing the use of a newly
developed one-way packaging with the sustainability of a returnable packaging.

Findings
The developed theoretical model showed to be useful to compare the environmental and economic impact of two different packaging systems in a specific supply chain. The
criteria used in the model are 1) packaging efficiency, 2) packaging material, 3) transport, 4) material handling, 5) waste, recycling and reuse, and 6) administration. In the case
study, the one-way packaging resulted in less economic and environmental impact, indicating the importance for companies to question their packaging systems.

Research limitations/implications
The model only has been tested on one component in a case study. The model provides comparative, but not absolute, figures.

Practical implications
Managers can use the packaging evaluation model to compare different packaging systems for a component and determine the most sustainable packaging from an environmental and
economic perspective. The case study indicated that the returnable packaging system commonly used in the automotive industry is not always preferable in terms of
sustainability.

What is original/value of paper
The paper fulfils a need for evaluating the impact of packaging systems on supply chain sustainability, in terms of economic and environmental criteria.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings from the 23rd annual NOFOMA Conference
PublisherHøgskolen i Harstad
Pages1023-1040
Number of pages17
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Event23rd annual NOFOMA conference, 2011 - Harstad, Norway
Duration: 2011 Jun 92011 Jun 10
Conference number: 23

Conference

Conference23rd annual NOFOMA conference, 2011
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityHarstad
Period2011/06/092011/06/10

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Other Mechanical Engineering

Free keywords

  • Automotive
  • Materials handling
  • Model
  • Packaging
  • Return
  • Supply chain
  • Sustainability
  • Packaging logistics

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