Our move to sustainable packaging

Packaging is vital in protecting products during transport and provides product information however, packaging (plastic in particular) has been identified as one of the biggest contributors of pollution. In fact, globally 40% of all plastic produced globally is used for packaging which is usually only used once, and then discarded after the customer gets the product home.

Consumers are well informed about the impact of packaging on the environment and this is increasingly influencing their purchasing decision. With all this we have developed a sustainability framework which includes reducing the amount of plastic we use in our products, removing plastic packaging, waste reduction, reusing and recycling where possible and more.?

We embarked on a market research project where we set up stalls and conducted face to face interviews in stores, shows, and events in New Zealand, Australia, and North America.

Our research told us:

• There is a general feeling of wanting to do the right thing for the environment
• The ability to recycle is difficult due to lack of facilities and living in remote locations
• There isn’t much tolerance for wasteful packaging
• Product type and customer knowledge affects how much information is required on the packaging
• Packaging has limited use post-purchase
• Cardboard is seen as the easiest material to dispose of.

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With our research we chose to begin packaging trials with our 100-150 insulators as they were packaged in large polybags.

First off instead of packaging up our insulators we trialed a bulk bin solution. For larger purchases this was not feasible so we then investigated cardboard packaging to replace the polybag. This trial also demonstrated an easier packing process and tidier presentation in store.

We are now working through our wider fencing range to move all items currently in polybags to a more sustainable solution.

We then moved onto our Solar Energizer range, which were originally encased in blister packaging.

The reason for replacing the blister packaging was because it produced the most plastic by weight, and the products are reasonably fast moving. For some Energizers we moved the packaging completely to a front label and for the small items we placed in a cardboard carton.

By moving our fencing products and solar range to plastic free packaging we will be saving around 24,000kgs of plastic from landfill per year.

But our work doesn't stop there! We still have lots more to do so watch this space for more details or visit our website: https://am.gallagher.com/About-Us/sustainability-project

#PlasticFreeJuly #TeamGallagher #ProjectSustainability #ReduceReuseRecycle