Transforming packaging with added-value solutions
The four main axes of reducing usage
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Plastic waste has received considerable attention in recent years as a significant environmental threat.
At Givaudan, our strategy focuses on the four main axes of reducing usage: designing our packaging to be more circular, increasing the renewable materials content and improving the system for the end of life of our plastics. Our value engineering approach demonstrates our ability to challenge conventional practices and drive positive change in environmental sustainability.
Reducing virgin PE plastic
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Reducing virgin PE plastic
Our Naarden site in the Netherlands provides a solid example of how we are reducing our usage, step by step. The 25- and 30-litre jerrycans used at the site were previously delivered in plastic bags containing up to 8 jerrycans each.
These bags, used solely for handling purposes, were immediately thrown away by operators unloading the pallets at the automatic filling line, where jerrycans are primarily used. On a single pallet upon delivery, the bags and the foil covering the jerrycans were previously weighed with an average of 1,500 grams of plastic. Working in close collaboration with our packaging supplier, we have been able to reduce that plastic weight by 88% to a mere 175 grams per pallet.
The secret to success was removing those bags and optimising the wrapping that holds the jerrycans securely in place on the pallets. Because the Naarden site receives more than 7,000 pallets of jerrycans each year, this simple change is nonetheless effective – it allows us to reduce our consumption of virgin PE plastic by a minimum of 9 metric tonnes.
Managing plastic in a responsible way
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Managing plastic in a responsible way
After implementation at the automatic filling line, we were able to address the challenge of finding a viable approach for other departments still using jerrycans in bags. A series of workshops and the full commitment of both the production team and packaging supplier allowed each affected department to come up with innovative solutions.
Jerrycans without bags also had a positive impact on our operations, particularly at the automatic line, which now profits from reduced handling for waste management and improved efficiency.
Our achievements showcase the importance of teamwork in addition to a conscious commitment to managing plastic in a responsible way. We are proud of having met stakeholder expectations while promoting a change in mindshift towards everyday practices.