For well over ten years now, UK based company PPS (Plastic Packaging Solutions) has provided environmentally friendly returnable plastic container solutions. Our goal is to reduce the need for ‘one trip’ packaging used within the logistics industry, through the use of hygienic equipment washing and therefore providing business’ sustainability.

Originally started solely as PPS Midlands back in 2002, the company was set up as a plastic pooling business. However, as our range of products increased, we decided to expand into both the rental and hygienic washing of our equipment. Our reusable crates are used for transporting fresh produce in an attempt to replace cardboard boxes and expanded polystyrene that are heavily harmful to the planet. Our crates are then recollected and hygienically restored to meet standards; reducing our businesses carbon footprint whilst also being cost-effective. Aside from fresh produce, our packaging is also used for things such as office moves and removals.

Reasons for Going Greener

The limelight now has never been more heavily focused on the environment, and rightfully so, and as PPS recognised this, we actively moved towards more sustainable alternatives to the traditional methods of packaging solutions. Unfortunately, even to this day, the majority of food and retail manufacturers still rely on harmful ‘one trip’ packaging for their distribution. This means it’s disposed of after a single use, creating unnecessary waste and increasing the carbon emissions from both production and transportation.

Cost Saving Benefits to the Business

The use of our Returnable Packaging has seen considerable reductions in carbon emissions. Previously we conducted an experiment which involved selecting two single use packaging products (a cardboard box and an expanded polystyrene container) against returnable products (a plastic crate and fish box) to highlight the benefits of using plastic crates over cardboard/polystyrene. The results highlighted the carbon emissions that occur throughout the product lifecycle from the manufacturing process and once it’s been recycled. The 20kg crates in comparison to cardboard resulted in savings of 52% and 89% against polystyrene in carbon emissions.

Client Benefits

Returnable Packaging is also considerably cost-effective, and over the years we have gained experience in helping our customers change from single-use cardboard boxes to returnable plastic crates.  We have discovered that this will provide a cost saving of approximately 30%. For example – one of our customers was a UK meat producer who dispatched 12,000 cardboard per week. PPS’ returnable crates decreased costs by approximately 35% for this business. By changing to the PPS returnable crate the processor reduced his packaging costs by over £150,000.

These findings positively show that plastic crates are cost-effective, durable and eco-friendly, in comparison to single-use packaging.

Lead By Example

It is time all businesses moved towards greener futures. The first step should involve mapping your company’s overall environmental impact to determine areas that require improvement. Researching materials is key for manufacturers; switch to a material you can trust is sustainable but that you can guarantee will also maintain product quality standards. Looking into minimising your transportation miles is also essential for reducing your carbon emissions.

Joanne Moss
Managing Director
PPS
www.ppsequipment.co.uk
01283 821 502