Lindum helps beverage supplier reduce plastic use by 35%

One of the UK’s largest own-brand tea and coffee manufacturers has reviewed its pallet-wrapping processes and reduced its plastic packaging by 35%.

The review managed by Lindum, was prompted after the company noticed that a growing number of boxed goods were being crushed and damaged during the packing and palletising process, costing the business time and money, as well as causing food waste.

Rick Sellars, Sales Manager at Lindum says: “They asked us to investigate why the stretch film used to secure their pallets seemed to be crushing the product. With so many beverage goods being palletised, and shipped daily, smooth and efficient packaging operations are critical.

“Our comprehensive audit revealed that the stretch film that they were using was too tough for the job. This means that the film used was too thick and a film with a lower micron thickness, with more stretch capacity would suit the operation better. In addition, when the film was being applied by the pallet wrapping machine, it was being incorrectly applied to the pallets with too much ‘lay on’ tension.”

Taking Lindum’s advice, the beverage manufacturer switched to a pre-stretched 12mu nano stretch film which is flexible yet robust and offers high puncture-resistance and excellent cling to the product without causing any crushing on application.

Rick adds: “It was a case of finding the right film for the job. Damaged products entering the supply chain can have a big impact on businesses, including rejected goods, repacking, adverse customer satisfaction, and food waste – all problems that were solved here too.

“Switching to a nano film means much less film is required to wrap a pallet, especially when compared to their previous film. Therefore, by making the switch, they achieved a significant cost saving through eliminating damaged goods, and reduced the amount of plastic used by 35.4%.

“We specialise in saving companies money, reducing plastic and CO2 emissions, and improving packaging performance. This is a great example.”