"The $4 million we're saving in 1997 is in materials only," says 3M's Jerry Niles. "Added savings come in labor reduction. It used to take 10 people to package these reels and now it takes three. And on top of all that is increased efficiency in dockage. We used to need five dock doors to handle the bulky packaging materials we used before. Now all we need is a single dock door." The 1/2"-wide bulk videotape produced by 3M is wound into reels about 14" in dia. Before the new Reusable Pak was designed, workers used to put eight of these reels into a one-way package consisting of 11 separate components including, among other things, two expanded polystyrene end caps, paper dunnage, and shrink wrap. "Each of these bundles generated about one cubic foot of waste," says Niles. Some customers, he says, tried to recycle the components, but rarely could they recycle more than 22% of the total package. And even that amount required workers spending valuable time sorting and separating. The new Reusable Pak consists of two identical panels, each having two living hinges, and a core on which the rolls of tape are mounted. Though all three are made of high-density polyethylene, the core is extruded and the panels are extrusion blown.
3M saves bundles with new bundle
The Audio and Video Products Div. of St. Paul, MN-based 3M Co. has scored an impressive victory in packaging source reduction. This leading producer of bulk videotape for the film duplication industry designed a returnable and reusable package for its products that: * eliminates 1.4 million cu' of waste annually, * reduces the number of packaging components from 11 to three, * reduces the variety of packaging materials from five to two, * reduces labor costs not only in 3M's Hutchinson, MN, plant but at its customers' plants, too, and, * saves $4 million annually in packaging costs.
Nov 30, 1997
How AI is reshaping CPG manufacturing operations
Today’s CPG companies are faced with mounting challenges in their manufacturing operations. You have the data that could help you, but can you turn that data into knowledge? See how artificial intelligence can help. Learn what’s working for Pfizer, Post, and Smithfield.
Read MoreNew ebook focused on cartoning equipment
Read about the various types of cartoning equipment, how to select the right one, and common pitfalls to avoid. Plus, read equipment advice from CPGs for ultimate cartoning success.
Read More