Featured discussions

How does tracking containers help green our supply chains?
Drew Merrill, Vice President Business Development & Strategic Planning,
Container and Pooling Solutions, Consultant

How does tracking reusable containers (as opposed to just the contents) help green our supply chains? Package tracking technology is by no means a new concept, however many companies don’t have a tracking solution, and several of those that do, don’t use them effectively. The result? Our first thought is typically container loss or container damage without any means to assign accountability. But what about the environmental impact? Improved container visibility through tracking avoids unnecessary transportation (and gas emissions) through planned routing and cube optimization of the trailers. A well-managed fleet of containers will allow a company to reduce its safety stock of expendable packaging, a drain on natural resources. If utilization and container velocity are improved through tracking, you could argue that less containers are needed in the system. These are just a few, but what other impacts could tracking solutions have on businesses and the environment?
Read 2 responses to this question: greenerpackage.com/node/1553

Stress cracking a key concern when exploring environmental optimization for HDPE bottles
“Waterboy,” National Packaging Manager, DS Waters, Packager

I need some help. The rule of thumb is that high-density polyethylene bottles are at higher risk of stress cracking in the summer months due to higher heat/humidity. Can anyone tell me what actually happens to the plastic to make it more susceptible in the summer? How does the heat and humidity weaken the plastic? This is a key question going forward as we look for more environmental optimizations for this bottle. I would like to take material out and/or add recycled content, but do not want to get into a leaker situation in the field. I feel if I could at least understand why HDPE becomes more vulnerable, then I would be able to make better and safer informed decisions on how to proceed.
Read 1 response to this question: greenerpackage.com/node/1603