It’s Rollback Time at Chainalytics

by Rob Busse, CPP - Chainalytics

Have you seen the new Walmart commercials, “It’s Rollback Time at Walmart”? They explain practical ways Walmart has reduced costs and improved sustainability. These commercials hit pretty close to home for us here at Chainalytics, especially the ones that relate to packaging materials and logistics.

Check out the first video below – it refers to Walmart’s redesign of the shipping cases used on their Great Value cereals. The Walmart associate in the video realized they didn’t need the full flaps on the shipping cases because they don’t add much value and take up a lot of corrugated (or “cardboard” as said in the video for the non-packaging audience). Walmart changed over to what is referred to as a “gap flap” design, so now the flaps don’t completely meet in the center. By creating this gap they were able to use less corrugated on each case and that savings adds up fast. Walmart reports they are now using almost three million fewer pounds of corrugated, which translates into less greenhouse gases, less waste water, less solid waste and less energy which is great for both the environment and your wallet.

This new case and the rest of the videos below are great examples of the work Chainalytics does each day for our clients. We help our clients identify and implement ways to improve their packaging to save money and improve sustainability.

Walmart’s slogan is “Save People Money so they can Live Better”, but at Chainalytics it’s “Save our Customers Money so they can Increase their Bottom Line and Reduce their Carbon Footprint!" It’s Rollback time at Chainalytics!

Hungry? Have Some Packaging!

by Eric Carlson, CPP - Chainalytics
Intego, who develops and sells desktop internet security and privacy software for Macintosh is shipping their products in packages made from organically-grown, edible materials. Using rice- and soy-based packaging, and vegetable-based inks, all of Intego’s boxes are derived from organic raw materials, and are edible.

Intego’s boxes come in two flavors: the company’s VirusBarrier X6 box will be bacon-flavored, and its Internet Security Barrier X6 box will be roast chicken-flavored. In addition, each box will include packets of low-fat, low-salt, naturally-flavored salad dressing: French dressing for VirusBarrier X6, and blue-cheese dressing for Internet Security Barrier X6. Standard license boxes, good for protecting up to two Macs, will contain two packets of salad dressing; family pack boxes, which protect up to five Macs, will contain five packets.

In addition, nutritional information for the box and salad dressing is printed on the sides of the boxes.

Just to note- only those boxes bearing a logo saying “eat me!” are edible.

A Cure for Wrap Rage

by Rich Lindgren, CPP - Chainalytics
Wrap Rage, at one point or another we’ve all experienced it- a heightened level of anger and frustration resulting from the inability to open hard-to-remove thermoformed packaging, particularly plastic blister packages and clamshells. In addition to the anger and frustration, I think we have all felt the pain as well. Yes, the literal pain of opening the package. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 6,000 people a year end up in the ER after trying to open these packages. Reported injuries include cut fingers and sprained wrists, from tools used to open packages and from the packaging itself. Usually caused by the solid perimeter seal used on these packages often by processes of heat sealing the 2 halves of plastic.
No weaponry needed. This Logitech mouse packaging has a perforated corner you bend, splitting the seam in two. (And clamshells for some batteries are now precut on one side; you just peel the plastic back.)

While many retail store's tamper and theft deterrent policies require a solid seal on these packages, not all products that use this packaging are subject to this. There are many alternative closure methods that do no require the jaws of life to open a thermoformed package. Spot welding or friction fit closures protect the product just as well and keep the package closed until needed to be opened by consumer. Also, on products that require solid edge sealing, perforated back panels can be designed so customers have other options for removing what they really want; the product! Most companies put little thought into the customer experience once you leave the store, just a little thought and design effort would go a long way!!!

Another option to cure Wrap Rage is to purchase a ZIPIt Clamshell Opener. The ZIPIt is a battery-operated, handle-held device designed to tear through those clamshell packaging cases like a hot knife through butter. Check out the commercial for the ZIPit….

Will the Green Police Come After Your Packaging?

by Rob Kaszubowski, CPP - Chainalytics

The Superbowl is traditionally known for two things: great football, and great commercials. During Superbowl XLIV, Audi launched its witty and humorous “Green Police” commercial where consumers are arrested and reprimanded for various environmental violations.

Sustainability, recycling, global warming and saving the environment have all been hot button topics for the past decade. Even though there are no such “Green Police” roaming the streets today, it does beg to ask the question: What “green” packaging violations does your company have?

Here’s a quick list of some possible infringements:

- Using EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam for protective packaging

- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastics

- Poor cube utilization

- Improper material selection

- Under utilized distribution systems and warehousing

How has your company been working to move away from these packaging violations?

If there really were “Green Police” for packaging, what should some of the penalties or fees be?

Small changes in packaging can pay huge dividends in helping the environment and improving your packaging’s overall sustainability rating. Make sure you’re not on the wrong side of the law!

BONUS: If you dig the tunes from the Audi commercial check out Cheap Trick’s “Dream Police” circa 1979. The word “dream” was substituted for “green” for Audi’s “Green Police” commercial.