When beginning the process of transitioning to Returnable Transit Packaging, speaking to PPS will help to ensure the process is easy as possible, identifying the right products and services for your business by utilising our years of industry expertise.
To start, it is important to understand what Returnable Transit Packaging is to help determine how it will work for you, ensuring the services and products provide the maximum value for you.
What is Returnable Transit Packaging?
Returnable Transit Packaging (RTP) is a term used to describe packaging that can be re-used time and again over a number of years without compromising on its performance. Because of the nature of RTP, the products tend to be made from durable materials such as plastic. This differs from single-trip packaging, for example cardboard, which is easily damaged in transit and is often discarded after one trip.
Examples of RTP are plastic crates and trays, plastic pallets and pallet boxes which are designed to be durable and often used in demanding sectors and industries. RTP is uniform in shape, is generally capable of withstanding a rigorous, deep cleaning process and can be repaired if any damages are incurred.
Which industries use Returnable Transit Packaging?
Returnable Transit Packaging can be used in any industry, and by any business that requires the continuous and on-going transportation of goods throughout the supply chain.
Typically, sectors that rely on RTP are automated environments, or environments that require durable equipment that can be washed before returning to use. The food sector relies heavily on various RTP products such as plastic trays to transport produce from food processors through the supply chain to supermarkets and consumers, whilst the automotive industry relies on the consistent, uniform shape that RTP provides.
What are the benefits of Returnable Transit Packaging?
Cost Saving:
Switching to Returnable Transit Packaging can reduce capital expenditure considerably. When pooling or renting from PPS you get all the benefits of RTP without the upfront costs of purchasing. Simply determine the volumes of equipment you need with help from PPS and pay an ongoing rental. Not only does this alleviate the capital expenditure of purchasing your own RTP but it also often works out cheaper than continuously purchasing and discarding single-use packaging such as cardboard. Our rental service is also completely flexible, so you can tailor it to meet demand.
Sustainability:
It is a common misconception that plastic is inherently bad, and whilst that is of course true of single-use plastics, taking advantage of Returnable Transit Packaging in your supply chain actually minimise your company’s environmental impact considerably.
First and foremost, the average life span of RTP provided by PPS is 7-10 years. For every one of those pieces of equipment, a single-use item would have been discarded to waste millions of times over. RTP however can be re-used time and again, repaired when damaged, and recycled when no-longer fit for purpose – adhering to the principles of the waste hierarchy.
Secondly, RTP is created with transport in mind. Generally RTP products stack well when in use and nests when empty. This provides a space saving, allowing more goods to be transported in each trip, which in turn reduces vehicle movements and carbon footprints.
Finally, the durability of RTP means that product damages in the supply chain are significantly decreased. This reduces the waste associated with transporting products in easily-damaged packaging, a problem that is particularly prevalent in the food industry. In 2018 alone the UK experienced food waste arisings to the value of £19 billion, with a considerable portion of that owing to goods damaged in transport. This wastage is a huge environmental issue that RTP can help to tackle.
Summary of benefits:
- RTP is re-usable, reducing waste and carbon from the continuous production of single-use packaging
- Minimises the amount of packaging and materials being sent to landfill
- Can be repaired if damaged, and recycled at the end of its life
- Reduces CO2 through efficient transit of goods
- Durability ensures greater protection of goods as they move through the supply chain, reducing waste and spoilage.
