The distribution environment also has a significant impact on the environmental equation, because attitudes and policies vary greatly from one country to the next. In addition, some countries require that manufacturers take responsibility for the cost of disposing, reusing or recycling their products' used packaging. As a result, it is important to choose a packaging material that will meet the environmental expectations of a variety of distribution environments. Another factor that is essential to the equation is cost. Packaging suppliers and industry trade groups can offer distributors a wealth of information about packaging requirements and reuse options available.
Distributors can share their exact packaging needs and expectations.
This sharing of information ensures the design and use of the most effective and efficient forms of packaging possible, saving money and, ultimately, reducing waste. There is no question that recycling plays an important role in protecting the environment, but recycling is just one factor to be considered. The OEM survey indicates that decision makers consider a variety of factors when choosing a packaging material. Of course, one important factor is the bottom line. But packaging decisions are also based on the effects that performance, distribution environment, and cost have on the environmental equation.