AMCOR BEVERAGE CANS SUPPLY CHAIN INFLUENCE
  ON PACKAGING DESIGN (PROVIDING
  POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES) AWARD

This category recognises initiatives where the supply chain influence on packaging design has provided positive environmental outcomes.

As industry adapts to a more carbon constrained world, many companies are looking to minimise the environmental impact of the whole supply chain, from the producer through to the consumer.

This requires taking a complete assessment of the supply chain to maximise transport efficiencies, minimise space and storage requirements - meaning fewer journeys required and less CO2 emitted - and packaging manufacturers developing new technologies to make packaging lighter, stronger and more efficient to produce.

WINNER: VISCOUNT PLASTICS

FOR: SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCIES FOR FOODSTUFFS (WELLINGTON)

DESCRIPTION: Initially a project to reduce the amount of waste and supply chain inefficiencies that Foodstuffs was experiencing with significant emphasis on its chicken products.

Viscount Plastics worked collaboratively with Foodstuffs Wellington and their suppliers to design and manufacture the first dual height crate to be marketed in NZ.

The dual height concept has avoided the need for two crate inventories providing maximum flexibility for Foodstuffs and their suppliers.

At least 150 deliveries per day have been removed from the supply chain. The need for 7-day clearance of contaminated cardboard has been eliminated, also saving almost 200 tonnes of cardboard whose only disposal option was landfill.

Foodstuffs are achieving around a 15% improvement in distribution efficiency.

Full inventory control with a bar code system ensures complete traceability of crates at all times throughout the supply chain.