“Packaging logistics”: promoting sustainable efficiency in supply chains

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the aspects of internal and external transformation that take place in each company along the supply chain when a “sustainable packaging logistics” approach is implemented. Before this can be achieved, it is necessary to identify and characterise the principal cornerstones and stages associated with this implementation. Design/methodology/approach – In the paper the combination of “case study” and “action research” techniques have been chosen. It has been analysed the implementation of “sustainable packaging logistics” in the supply chain of Mercadona (one of the largest retailers in Spain), paying special attention to the implementation and evolution in one of its main food suppliers. Findings – To adopt a “Sustainable Packaging Logistics” approach allows for a proactive integration of the efficiency and sustainability in supply chains. The proposal to implement “sustainable packaging logistics”, based on four cornerstones and three stages of evolution is particularly significant, while contributing to improved competitiveness. This implementation constitutes an evolutionary process which is conditioned by how each area, department or company along the supply chain interpret and assess different packaging features over time. Research limitations/implications – The model is based on a single supply chain analysis. Originality/value – This paper may be of interest both for researchers and professionals, because the model can aid companies in improving their global vision of product and packaging design in order to jointly increase sustainability and efficiency in the supply chain.

Sustainable Packaging Development for Fresh Food Supply Chains

“…Furthermore, the limited shelf life of such kinds of products, the need for a controlled temperature during transportation and storage, the customer demand for high quality and the low profit margins make fresh food distribution a challenging activity that has been studied and analysed in literature from various points of view . Several recent studies have focused particularly on fresh food management and the environmental sustainability of distribution …”

“…For this reason, some recent studies promote the development of new sustainable packaging solutions, incorporating an environmental function in addition to the two most traditional functions, marketing and logistics . Moreover, according to some studies, the proposal of such kinds of packaging solutions is one of the most important priorities in designing a new product or its overall supply chain, leading to the introduction of the concept of ‘packaging logistics' …”

Distribution, Transshipment, and Sustainable Logistics for Fashion Products

“…Here, the dependency of logistical and environmental costs is shaped as functions of the 'loss factor,' a parameter adopted to classify means of transport based on loss in transport energy. García-Arca et al (2014) implemented the approach for sustainable packaging logistics to improve the competitiveness of the supply chain. Bing et al (2014) optimized the design of a reverse logistics system, which makes the overall recycling system more efficient and sustainable under the minimization of transportation cost and environmental impact.…”

“Packaging Logistics” for improving performance in supply chains: the role of meta-standards implementation

“…According to proposals by García-Arca & Prado-Prado (2008a) and García-Arca et al (2014, four key aspects could be identified in order to promote the development and implementation of 'Packaging Logistics':…”

“…Past research (e.g., Saghir & Jönson, 2001;Klevas, 2005;Hellström & Saghir, 2006;Verghese & Lewis, 2007;García-Arca & Prado-Prado, 2008a;Azzi et al, 2012;García-Arca et al, 2014) consider packaging as one of the key and global elements that support an efficient and sustainable supply chain. These authors show that supply chain companies have different requirements with regard to packaging.…”