Question

Supply chain questions:

- We are often told that packaging is a major problem for waste disposal. Why is there so much packaging, and how can the amount be reduced?We are often told that packaging is a major problem for waste disposal. Why is there so much packaging, and how can the amount be reduced?

- Automation is bound to give the most efficient warehouses, so everyone should move in this direction. Will all workhouses eventually be automated?

- Why is the layout of warehouses important? Supermarkets are really one type of warehouse, so the same factors will be important in each. Is this true?

Answer 1

We are often told that packaging is a major problem for waste disposal. Why is there so much packaging, and how can the amount be reduced?

The packaging is necessary to keep the products sold by a company in good condition and to keep them away from elements such as heat, sunlight, and air which can spoil the quality of the product. However, the packaging of the product poses a big threat to the environment. There are many ways companies can reduce the amount of packaging and help the environment in the process. Let us discuss a few of them.

Using recyclable or reusable materials for packaging can help in reducing waste disposal. By encouraging the users to reuse the packagings such as bottles, cloth bags can help the environment. Also, materials that can easily be recycled such as biodegradable materials help in limiting the damage the packaging has on the environment.

Often, we see products use packaging materials that are too large for the quantity inside them. A prime example of this is the chips packet available in the market nowadays. By using just enough amount of packaging material required, the amount of wastage gets reduced to a large extent.