Reusable packs could diminish corrugated demand

That's why reusable packaging is making major inroads. So says a new study, Transportation Packaging & the Environment 1997, just published by Raymond Communications (Riverdale, MD). In addition to Germany's stringent requirements on shipping containers, 13 other European countries now require recovery of this packaging in some form. This has spurred the use of returnable, reusable packaging. It's even fostering interest in standardized crates accessed from crate pools. The report projects this could cut demand for corrugated by as much as 10% over the next five years. While recovery of corrugated is still strong at 45%, a weak market in '96 could cause some recycling facilities to close. Some of these points are emphasized through company case histories, including three Johnson & Johnson Co. plants that save $500ꯠ/yr through the use of a reusable gaylord system. Meanwhile, depressed prices for other recycled materials have caused problems. Companies trying to recycle stretch wrap are having trouble, and Rubbermaid has abandoned its purchases of recycled plastics for both technical and economic reasons. The 112-page report includes sections on environmental labeling regulations, international label language and important symbols. Tables of European recycling regulations are included in the appendix, along with a resources guide with 120 contacts internationally. The study is $99 for subscribers to Recycling Laws Update, $187 for nonsubscribers.