Packaging Waste Reduction

Case Studies in Packaging 

Efficient Transport Packaging and Distribution Systems

Every business and company is unique.  While everyone has the same goal of saving money, there is no "one size fits all" solution. The following case studies are examples of what has worked for specific companies. Of course, each business has to determine what packaging and distribution system will work most effectively. Perhaps you'll find a golden idea for you!

We welcome your case study, too! Just follow our instructions for submitting case studies.

Case Studies

• 100 Percent Recycled Stock Box Line (THARCO)--recycled content corrugated boxes
• Doing More With Less (3M)--reusable packaging for videotapes
• Implementation of Korrvu® Packaging for Soho Products (Cisco Systems, Inc.)--packaging redesign
• A Pallet Recycling Success Story (Dole, Fresh Vegetables, Inc.)
• Reduce or Reuse or Recycle or, Even Better, "Eliminate" (Dole, Fresh Vegetables, Inc.)--corrugated waste reduction
• Returnable/Reusable Packaging for Produce Shipments (International Food Container Organization)
• Use of slip sheets
  • A retailer's perspective--Home Depot
  • A vendor's perspective--ICI Paints
• Steel Drum Recycling Program (Dow Corning)
• Steel Drums, Steel Pails, and Tinplate Cans (Courtaulds Aerospace)
• Stretchable Tape (3M)
• Waste Polystyrene Packaging Collected from California Businesses and Recycled into New Packaging (FP International)--packaging "peanuts"

MORE case studies from the Indiana Institute on Recycling.

See a list of California businesses that reuse packaging.

Other Resources

• Corrugated Packaging Council. The successful recycling of old corrugated containers (OCC) in a range of site applications has been documented in the these case studies.
• Case Studies in Reducing and Reusing Transport Packaging. Contact the National Recycling Coalition at (703) 683-9025 for more information (NRC may charge fees for these materials).
• A very comprehensive list of packaging Web site links can be found on Hewlett Packard's packaging Web site.
• See the CIWMB list of Slip Sheet Manufactures.
• Use our Waste Prevention Information Exchange. Here you can search for articles, reports, and other materials covering waste prevention (source reduction) related topics.

Do you have information or educational materials that may assist others? Write us at wpinfoex@ciwmb.ca.gov. Cycle us some of your info so we can share it with others!

The identification of individuals, companies, and products in this Web site does not constitute endorsement by the Integrated Waste Management Board and is provided for informational purposes only.