Case Study

Reusable Transit Packaging

Date: April 2007
Documents: Case Study: Reusable Transit Packaging Overview Apr 07
(156 kb)
Case Study: Reusable Transit Packaging sofa bag Apr 07
(149 kb)
Case Study: Reusable Transit Packaging kitchen worktops Apr 07
(142 kb)
Report: RTP Large Kitchen Appliances Apr 07
(2722 kb)
Report: RTP kitchen worktops B&Q Dec 07
(2499 kb)

WRAP supported three projects to investigate the feasibility of replacing current single use packaging with bespoke reusable packaging. These projects involved trials with Argos and B&Q on upholstered furniture and kitchen worktops respectively, and a feasibility study with John Lewis and Electrolux for large kitchen appliances.

Thousands of tonnes of transit packaging are disposed of every year in the UK, so reusable systems offer significant business and environmental benefits compared with single-trip packaging. The success of such systems depends not only on fit-for-purpose packaging, but also on effective control and management of the closed loop system.

B&Q has subsequently taken the trial forward and has ordered over 5,000 bags - it is estimated that if each bag is used 15 times the system will save the retailer £300,000 per year in packaging costs alone.

B&Q is also investigating other opportunities for multi-trip packaging, particularly where there are high rates of product damage. Kitchen panels and kick rails, white goods, doors and radiators are opportunities where using reusable packaging could result in cost savings and environmental benefits.

Read the case studies to find out more.