Macfarlane Packaging and Lancaster University have created software intended to cut packaging overuse.
The project received funding through a UK Government applied research collaborations (ARC) grant.
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The software forms the basis of a Packaging Minimiser service available only to Macfarlane customers.
An algorithm examines shipments to identify unused space, excessive packaging and instances where unsuitable materials are being used.
Macfarlane can then propose alternative packaging arrangements aimed at reducing costs, material use and carbon emissions.
The system is intended to reduce the time needed for assessments and improve their accuracy.
The service is intended for manufacturers, distributors, third-party logistics companies and retailers managing large volumes of products with varied and complex packaging requirements.
Testing by Macfarlane’s Innovation Labs found that the service reduced packaging-material use by an average of 15%, as well as reducing unused space and costs.
Macfarlane Packaging national accounts sales director Rachel Fellows said: “This is a gamechanger for customers shipping at scale. With our new Packaging Minimiser we can now assess their needs in days, not weeks — saving them money, cutting their carbon emissions and helping them to stay compliant with every relevant regulation.”
The software can lower parcel weights and transport-related carbon emissions, reduce the number of packaging products required and make packaging easier to store.
It is designed to support compliance with UK and EU packaging waste rules, including EPR and PPWR, and reduce total packaging costs.
Jamie Fairbrother, an operational research lecturer at Lancaster University, led the software’s development team.
Fairbrother said: “This software optimises packaging options for dispatching orders which helps businesses reduce their packaging and courier costs, and in turn is good for the environment. Macfarlane Packaging’s extensive expertise in this field will enable them to maximise these benefits for their customers.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, Macfarlane Packaging introduced the PadPak Guardian 30, a paper cushioning system developed by Ranpak.
The Guardian 30 is designed to serve organisations dispatching more than 50 packages daily.
It offers both single and double-layer paper cushioning and is compatible with several paper types, including Kraft, recycledKraft, and Ecoline papers.
