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Merlin Distribution
Australian Packaging Covenant
Action Plan
March 31st 2011 – October 2012
Contents
Executive Summary – Merlin Distribution Commitment 2
Company Overview 3
Contact Information 3
Company Brands 4
Packaging Supply Chain 4
Implementing the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPG) 5
Packaging types and review of each against the SPGs 5-50
Key Performance Indicators and Targets for 2011-2012 51-52
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Company Overview Merlin Distribution is a privately owned organisation with employees whom have long standing knowledge of the Retail Hardware, Consumer and Trade markets across a broad range of Product Categories.
With a targeted approach to driving forces in society today, all products in the Merlin Distribution range have been inspired by the latest lifestyle trends, as well as by heightened consumer interest towards improved living standards; in regard to safety, greener energy solutions and natural resource
conservation. Merlin Distribution is focused on providing solutions for day to day issues governing the lives of average
Australians. These issues include: • Lifestyle • Safety
• The environment and energy conservation
In order to provide these solutions, Merlin Distribution is committed to providing the most up to date products in terms of product design and technology, at a high quality standard for the safety and enjoyment of its customers.
The diverse product range includes solar garden lighting, solar utility lighting, battery push lights, 12V LED outdoor garden lighting, safety boxes and enclosures, adaptors (including surge protection and energy saving adaptors), timers, powerboards, RCD protection products, extension leads, bathroom
heaters and exhaust fans, energy saving CFL lamps, and 240V halogen worklights. Since becoming a signatory to the APC in 2008, Merlin Distribution has been focused on reducing
packaging waste along the supply chain, working on packaging design and together with overseas suppliers towards the effort of implementing the Environmental Code of Practice for Packaging (ECoPP). This new action plan continues to support improved and sustainable packaging solutions incorporating the new sustainable packaging guidelines (SPG) which came into effect in July 2010
Company Contact Details For all matters pertaining to the Australian Packaging Covenant, the primary contact within Merlin Distribution is:
Katrina Andronas Product & Marketing Manager Phone: (02) 9416 1944
Fax: (02) 8580 5269 E-Mail: [email protected]
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Company Brands Merlin Distribution sells its wide product range under an umbrella of many brands. These brands are: • Solar Magic™
• Magic Garden™ • Solar Wizard™
• Magic Living™ • Excalibur™
• Powerking™
Packaging Supply Chain As a brand owner, all products are imported as finished goods with no manufacturing facilities in
Australia. Below is a simple flowchart outlining the packaging supply chain of Merlin Distribution.
Merlin Distribution
Product Supplier –
off-shore factory
Packaging supplier – sourced by product factory on behalf of Merlin Distribution, supplies packaging material to Merlin Product supplier
Packaging specification issued to Product Supplier by Merlin Distribution
Final packaged product supplied to Merlin Distribution from off-shore supplier and stored in Merlin
Distribution logistic warehouses across Australia
Products supplied to Retailer
Consumer
(End user)
Cartons disposed of - mass landfill
Cartons disposed of - recycled
Product packaging disposed of - mass landfill
Product packaging disposed of - recycled
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Implementing the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (SPG) In order to effectively conduct a review of all packaging against the SPGs, all products within the Merlin range, as per the above mentioned brand names, were categorised according to their packaging type.
Packaging Types Due to the nature of different products and merchandising expectations different customers have,
products in the Merlin range are packaged using a variety of different methods. These include: 1. Colour box packaging 2. Blister and clamshell packaging
3. POS counter top displays 4. Poly-bag with header card packaging 5. Cardboard sleeve packaging
All products are packaged into shipping cartons, with some products also packed into inner cartons
Conducting the SPG review of existing products Using the template and key principles outlined in the Australian Packaging Guidelines, the below table has been developed to review the packaging of existing products. In conducting this review, sustainability design strategies as outlined in the APC, have been used to determine the following:
• Whether all levels of packaging are necessary • Percentage of packaging components used which are not recyclable
• Whether any packaging components can be eliminated • Whether non-recyclable packaging can be replaced with recyclable packaging materials
• Identify packaging where the ‘mobius’ symbol is not used, and revise artwork to include this • Identify packaging where the ‘tidy bin’ symbol is not used (for non-recyclable materials), and revise
artwork to include this The sustainability design strategies as outlined in the APC are:
• Maximise water and energy efficiency • Minimise materials (source reduction)
• Use recycled materials • Use renewable materials
• Minimise risks associated with potentially toxic and hazardous materials • Use materials from responsible suppliers
• Design for transport • Design for reuse
• Design for recovery • Design for litter reduction
• Design for consumer accessibility • Provide consumer information
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1. COLOUR BOX PACKAGING
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary
packaging
Tertiary
packaging Recommendations
Documented
evidence
Minimise materials (source reduction)
Is the packaging necessary?
Yes – to protect the product and also to aid sales by way of providing a platform to communicate key product
features and benefits to the consumer
Yes – to protect the
colour box packaging and provide a means to transport goods
from offshore suppliers, and locally to customers
Yes – pallet wrapping is used for stability in transport the
goods to customers
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed
to minimise the amount of material necessary? Are there options to reduce the amount of packaging?
Yes – e.g. multi-pack items whereby more than one product is packaged within one
colour box, are strategically packed, in most cases with components nestled into one
another, to minimise the amount of inner packaging required to stabilise components, and also to reduce
the overall size of the colour box, therefore minimising materials used for inner packing
and also for the actual colour box
Yes – shipping cartons are always made as compact as
possible and often the colour box size is determined by the
most effective shipping carton size
Yes – pallet wrapping is used for transport,
however no further materials are added to the
packaging for transportation
N/A N/A
Are there any options to further reduce materials?
How would any changes impact product protection and consumer safety?
Possibility of reducing the
number of polybags used inside colour boxes, or reducing the thickness of polybags.
Polybags are used to protect some components inside some colour boxes Further investigation is required
into the impact this may have on product protection
No No
Investigate use of alternative packing
material for inner polybags, and also bubble-wrap bags
N/A Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Maximise water and energy efficiency
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the energy
efficiency of production processes and distribution?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the water
efficiency of production processes?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you considered using
renewable energy for manufacturing?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Use recycled materials
What is the amount and percentage of recycled material?
0% 0% 0%
Investigate the cost
and quality implications of using recycled materials
Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
Could alternative formats or materials incorporate recycled material or offer a better
environmental impact solution? If so, how much, and why were they not selected?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Is it possible to use more post-consumer recycled material? If no, please explain the rationale
Possibly – this would need to
be explored and the impact on cost and levels of product protection will need to be
evaluated
No No
Work with suppliers to determine whether
polybags and bubble-wrap bags could be replaced with
alternative materials for product protection
N/A
Emails and/or reports to be provided by
suppliers
Have you discussed the use of recycled materials with your marketing department and identified any market concerns?
Yes – concerns raise were cost and product protection
Yes – concerns raised were cost and product protection
N/A
Determine the impact
any changes would have on product cost and also the protection for the
product
As above
If recycled content claim is made,
is the minimum level of recycled content use in accordance with AS/NZS 14021?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Use renewable materials
What is the potential for and availability of materials derived from a renewable source?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
What is the potential for
incorporating recyclable materials?
Already considered and in effect for most products. Where
additional product protection is required, e.g. foam packaging, it is not possible to use 100% recyclable materials
All shippers can be recycled
Pallet wrap is recyclable
N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise risks associated with potentially toxic and hazardous materials
Have you applied conventional and conservative risk management principles in the
selection of substances for packaging applications?
Risks associated with foam and polybag packaging for inner
components not investigated
No risks associated with shipping
cartons
No risks associated with
pallet wrap
Investigate risks for polybags and foam
packing used
N/A Emails and/pr reports to be
provided by suppliers
Does the packaging meet Australian and / or international standards in relation to the levels
of potentially toxic and harmful substances?
Unknown Unknown Unknown Report on findings, as
above As above
Use materials from responsible suppliers
Are your raw materials sourced from suppliers who have
documented environmental management systems?
N/A – Raw materials are sourced externally by offshore suppliers
Design for transport
Can the distribution packaging be
reduced or eliminated through redesign of the primary or secondary package?
No – all colour box packaging
and shipping cartons have been designed for optimal efficiency
No No N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Are you currently using shelf ready / retail ready packaging? Is
it being used effectively? If it is not being used effectively has this been communicated to others in
the supply chain?
Yes – currently in use.
Recommendations have been made to the supply chain for improvements to be made
N/A N/A
Recommendations have been made to
the supply chain for improvements. These discussions are ongoing and
confidential
N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Are you fully utilising the transport options such as pallet
efficiency and truck height? Are there any efficiencies that can be achieved?
Yes Yes Yes N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Do you consider back-loading of used packaging or waste products
once deliveries have been made? Can your distribution network aid the recovery of used packaging?
N/A
No
This is not within the capabilities of our distribution network
N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Design for Reuse
Have you considered and compared the environmental
benefits of reusable packaging with single-use packaging?
Not possible No Recyclable paper
pallets considered
Discussions ongoing
and confidential
Advice from
Supply Chain
Is the packaging format applicable for reconditioning once the packaging has fulfilled its
designated purpose? If the product cannot be reconditioned, can the reusable packaging be recycled?
Cannot be reconditioned
Shipping cartons can be reconditioned by
the customer. these can also be recycled
Pallet wrap cannot be
reconditioned by the customer, but can be recycled
N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for Recovery
To what extent are the packaging
material collected for recycling in the geographical area in which the product will be sold?
Most parts of the packaging can be recycled and collected
through curbside recycling The extent of recycling capabilities of different
geographical areas is unknown
100% 100% N/A N/A
How much of the packaging is
recyclable?
Currently for some colour box packaging, polybags, bubble
wrap and foam inserts are used to protect packaged components. It may not be possible to eliminate foam
inserts as they act to protect glass items, however it may be possible to eliminate the use of
bubble wrap and polybags since these are not post-consumer recycled materials
As above As above
Explore alternative packaging solutions to foam, polybags
and bubble-wrap and make necessary changes to packaging where possible
N/A
How many materials are being used for this packaging group? How many of these materials are
recyclable?
Varies depending on SKU Up to 5. Some of these materials
including foam, polybags and bubble wrap are not recyclable
1 – 2 materials 100%
1 material 100%
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed
to minimise the impacts that any components such as closures, labels, sleeves, carry handles, etc, may have on the recycling
process?
N/A
Yes – carton labels
are recyclable and ink used on the shipping cartons do not affect the
recycling process
N/A N/A N/A
Have you developed and
implemented appropriate labeling on packaging to encourage consumers to recycle or compost?
Yes, only on some packaging Yes – only one some cartons
N/A
Assess which
products don’t use mobius symbol and amend artwork where recycling is applicable
N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for litter reduction
Do you understand where, when and how the product will be used
and by whom?
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A
Is the package likely to be consumed away from home and
therefore likely to have the propensity to become litter?
Unlikely N/A N/A N/A N/A
How many separate or easily separable components that could end up as litter does the packaging item have (e.g. screw
caps lids, peel off seals), can they be reduced?
Inner packing materials such as bubble wrap, cable ties and foam
Not applicable to all products
N/A N/A
Explore alternative and make necessary changes to packaging
where possible
N/A
Do you provide advice for consumers on the packaging to encourage appropriate disposal or
recovery?
No, but this could be considered
N/A N/A
Explore possibility of adding ‘tidyman’ symbol to packaging which cannot be
recycled
N/A
What steps have you undertaken to reduce the occurrence of your packaging in the litter stream?
None
Investigation into what recyclable materials can be replaced with recyclable
materials in order to reduce waste
Mobius loop used on many cartons to encourage recycling
N/A
Investigate what recyclable materials can be replaced with
recyclable materials
N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for consumer accessibility
Have you considered whether the level of information on the
packaging ensures the consumer is aware of its contents and how to open the package?
Yes – there is sufficient information on the packaging to
communicate contents, but no need to include instructions on how to open packaging
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Have you considered the demographic of the consumer
who will use the product? Are there any limiting factors typically associated with these consumers?
No limiting factors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Can changes be made to improve the ability of the consumer to use
the packaging without compromising the safety, security or quality?
No – packaging is easy to open N/A N/A N/A N/A
To what extent has your company ever received any complaints in
relation to accessibility of packaging?
No complaints N/A N/A N/A N/A
Could an alternative design be used efficiently to minimise the requirement for tools such as a
knife or scissors?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Provide consumer information on sustainability
What environmental issues have been considered during
development of the product’s marketing strategy, e.g. use of environmental claims, logos and
consumer education?
When making environmental
claims and using accompanying logos, advice is always sought from legal experts
N/A N/A N/A Documentation from attorneys
Has information been used on the packaging to encourage recycling, e.g. the Mobius loop?
Yes, but not on all packaging Yes, but not on all packaging
N/A
Assess which products in the range
do not currently use the mobius loop and amend artwork where the packaging is
recyclable
N/A
If recycling symbols are used on
packaging, have you identified existing systems that will be able to recycle the packaging?
Yes – curbside recycling
Yes – shippers can
be recycled by stores, at their own accord
Yes – pallet wrap
can be recycled by stores, at their own accord
N/A N/A
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2. BLISTER & CLAMSHELL PACKAGING
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise materials (source reduction)
Is the packaging necessary?
Yes – to protect the product
and also to aid sales by way of providing a platform to communicate key product features and benefits to the
consumer
Yes – to protect the colour packaging
and provide a means to transport goods from offshore
suppliers, and locally to customers
Yes – pallet
wrapping is used for stability in transport the goods to
customers
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the amount of
material necessary? Are there options to reduce the amount of packaging?
Yes – blister packaging is
designed to be minimal in size to take up less space on shelf. Product instructions are also printed on the rear side of the
blister card in some cases, eliminating the need for a separate instructions manual,
therefore reducing packaging materials
Yes – shipping cartons are always
made as compact as possible
Yes – pallet wrapping is used for transport, however no
further materials are added to the packaging for
transportation
N/A N/A
Are there any options to further reduce materials? How would any changes impact product protection and consumer
safety?
No No No N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Maximise water and energy efficiency
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the energy
efficiency of production processes and distribution?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the water
efficiency of production processes?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you considered using
renewable energy for manufacturing?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Use recycled materials
What is the amount and percentage of recycled material?
0% 0% 0%
Investigate the cost
and quality implications of using recycled materials
Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
Could alternative formats or materials incorporate recycled material or offer a better
environmental impact solution? If so, how much, and why were they not selected?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Is it possible to use more post-
consumer recycled material? If no, please explain the rationale
No. All materials can be recycled
All blisters are made from either PET or PVC material (class 1 and 3)
No No N/A
N/A Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
Have you discussed the use of
recycled materials with your marketing department and identified any market concerns?
Yes – concerns raise were cost and product protection
Yes – concerns
raised were cost and product protection
N/A
Determine the impact any changes would
have on product cost and also the protection for the product
As above
If recycled content claim is made, is the minimum level of recycled
content use in accordance with AS/NZS 14021?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Use renewable materials
What is the potential for and
availability of materials derived from a renewable source?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
What is the potential for
incorporating recyclable materials?
Already considered and in effect
all materials used can be recycled
All shippers can be recycled
Pallet wrap is recyclable
N/A N/A
Have you applied conventional and conservative risk
management principles in the selection of substances for packaging applications?
Risks associated with plastic blister packs not investigated
No risks associated
with shipping cartons
No risks
associated with pallet wrap
Investigate risks for plastic blister packs
N/A Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise risks associated with potentially toxic and hazardous materials
Does the packaging meet Australian and / or international standards in relation to the levels
of potentially toxic and harmful substances?
Unknown Unknown Unknown Report on findings, as
above As above
Use materials from responsible suppliers
Are your raw materials sourced
from suppliers who have documented environmental management systems?
N/A – Raw materials are sourced externally by offshore suppliers
Design for transport
Can the distribution packaging be
reduced or eliminated through redesign of the primary or secondary package?
No – all blister packs and shipping cartons have been designed for optimal efficiency
No No N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Are you currently using shelf ready / retail ready packaging? Is
it being used effectively? If it is not being used effectively has this been communicated to others in
the supply chain?
Yes – inner cartons with cut
case designs converting them to shelf display boxes These are effective
Yes – inner cartons with cut case
designs converting them to shelf display boxes
These are effective
N/A N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Are you fully utilising the transport options such as pallet
efficiency and truck height? Are there any efficiencies that can be achieved?
Yes Yes Yes N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Do you consider back-loading of used packaging or waste products
once deliveries have been made? Can your distribution network aid the recovery of used packaging?
N/A
No
This is not within the capabilities of our distribution network
N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Design for Reuse
Have you considered and compared the environmental
benefits of reusable packaging with single-use packaging?
Not possible No Recyclable paper
pallets considered
Discussions ongoing
and confidential
Advice from
Supply Chain
Is the packaging format applicable for reconditioning once the packaging has fulfilled its
designated purpose? If the product cannot be reconditioned, can the reusable packaging be recycled?
Cannot be reconditioned
Shipping cartons can be reconditioned by
the customer. these can also be recycled
Pallet wrap cannot be
reconditioned by the customer, but can be recycled
N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for Recovery
To what extent are the packaging
materials collected for recycling in the geographical area in which the product will be sold?
The extent of recycling
capabilities of different geographical areas is unknown
100% 100% N/A N/A
How much of the packaging is recyclable?
100% As above As above N/A N/A
How many materials are being used for this packaging group?
How many of these materials are recyclable?
2
100%
1 – 2 materials
100%
1 material
100% N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the impacts that any components such as closures,
labels, sleeves, carry handles, etc, may have on the recycling process?
N/A
Yes – carton labels are recyclable and ink used on the
shipping cartons do not affect the recycling process
N/A N/A N/A
Have you developed and implemented appropriate labeling
on packaging to encourage consumers to recycle or compost?
Yes, only on some packaging Yes – only one some
cartons N/A
Assess which products don’t use recyclable symbols
and amend artwork where packaging is recyclable
N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for litter reduction
Do you understand where, when
and how the product will be used and by whom?
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A
Is the package likely to be
consumed away from home and therefore likely to have the propensity to become litter?
Unlikely N/A N/A N/A N/A
How many separate or easily separable components that could end up as litter does the
packaging item have (e.g. screw caps lids, peel off seals), can they be reduced?
N/A N/A N/A
Explore alternative and make necessary
changes to packaging where possible
N/A
Do you provide advice for consumers on the packaging to
encourage appropriate disposal or recovery?
N/A
All material should be recycled N/A N/A N/A N/A
What steps have you undertaken to reduce the occurrence of your
packaging in the litter stream?
All packaging material within this class is recyclable. The use of the mobius loop has
been applied to many products to encourage recycling
Mobius loop used on many cartons
N/A
Add the mobius loop to more blister packs where this is
currently not used
N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for consumer accessibility
Have you considered whether the level of information on the
packaging ensures the consumer is aware of its contents and how to open the package?
Yes – there is sufficient information on the packaging to
communicate contents, but no need to include instructions on how to open packaging
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Have you considered the demographic of the consumer
who will use the product? Are there any limiting factors typically associated with these consumers?
No limiting factors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Can changes be made to improve the ability of the consumer to use
the packaging without compromising the safety, security or quality?
No changes can be recommended without
compromising the product security
N/A N/A N/A N/A
To what extent has your company ever received any complaints in
relation to accessibility of packaging?
No complaints N/A N/A N/A N/A
Could an alternative design be used efficiently to minimise the requirement for tools such as a
knife or scissors?
Yes, but this would compromise product security
N/A N/A N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Provide consumer information on sustainability
What environmental issues have been considered during
development of the product’s marketing strategy, e.g. use of environmental claims, logos and
consumer education?
When making environmental
claims and using accompanying logos, advice is always sought from legal experts
N/A N/A N/A Documentation from attorneys
Has information been used on the packaging to encourage recycling, e.g. the Mobius loop?
Yes, but not on all packaging Yes, but not on all packaging
N/A
Assess which products in the range
do not currently use the mobius loop and amend artwork where the packaging is
recyclable
N/A
If recycling symbols are used on
packaging, have you identified existing systems that will be able to recycle the packaging?
Yes – curbside recycling
Yes – shippers can
be recycled by stores, at their own accord
Yes – pallet wrap
can be recycled by stores, at their own accord
N/A N/A
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3. POS DISPLAY CARTONS
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise materials (source reduction)
Is the packaging necessary?
Yes – to protect the product
and also as a POS merchandising tool Individual product swing tag also necessary as this includes
product information and barcode for POS scanning
Yes – to protect the display carton
packaging and provide a means to transport goods
from offshore suppliers, and locally to customers
Yes – pallet
wrapping is used for stability in transport the
goods to customers
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the amount of
material necessary? Are there options to reduce the amount of packaging?
No – this style of packaging is not designed to minimise
material. This is designed with the objective of maximising visual impact
Yes – shipping cartons are always made as compact as possible and often
the colour box size is determined by the most effective
shipping carton size
Yes – pallet wrapping is used for transport, however no
further materials are added to the packaging for
transportation
N/A N/A
Are there any options to further
reduce materials? How would any changes impact product protection and consumer safety?
Possibility of removing foam
packing where this is included, however removing one material is likely to mean it will need to be replaced by another
No No Explore possibility of using alternative material to foam
N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Maximise water and energy efficiency
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the energy
efficiency of production processes and distribution?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the water
efficiency of production processes?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you considered using
renewable energy for manufacturing?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Use recycled materials
What is the amount and percentage of recycled material?
0% 0% 0%
Investigate the cost
and quality implications of using recycled materials
Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
Could alternative formats or materials incorporate recycled material or offer a better
environmental impact solution? If so, how much, and why were they not selected?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Is it possible to use more post-consumer recycled material? If
no, please explain the rationale
Possibly – this would need to be explored and the impact on cost and levels of product
protection will need to be evaluated
Possibly – this would need to be explored and the impact on
cost and supplier capability will need to be evaluated
No
Work with suppliers to determine what levels of non-
recyclable materials can be replaced with recyclable materials
N/A Emails and/or reports to be
provided by suppliers
Have you discussed the use of
recycled materials with your marketing department and identified any market concerns?
Yes – concern raised was cost implications
Yes – concerns
raised were cost and product protection
N/A
Determine the impact any changes would
have on product cost and also the protection for the
product
As above
If recycled content claim is made, is the minimum level of recycled
content use in accordance with AS/NZS 14021?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Use renewable materials
What is the potential for and availability of materials derived
from a renewable source?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
What is the potential for incorporating recyclable materials?
Already considered and in effect
for most products. Where additional packing is required, e.g. foam packaging, it is not possible to use 100% recyclable
materials
All shippers can be recycled
Pallet wrap is recyclable
N/A N/A
P a g e | 27
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise risks associated with potentially toxic and hazardous materials
Have you applied conventional and conservative risk management principles in the
selection of substances for packaging applications?
Risks associated with foam packaging for inner components
not investigated
No risks associated with shipping
cartons
No risks associated with
pallet wrap
Investigate risks for
foam packing used
N/A Emails and/pr reports to be
provided by suppliers
Does the packaging meet Australian and / or international standards in relation to the levels
of potentially toxic and harmful substances?
Unknown Unknown Unknown Report on findings, as
above As above
Use materials from responsible suppliers
Are your raw materials sourced from suppliers who have
documented environmental management systems?
N/A – Raw materials are sourced externally by offshore suppliers
Design for transport
Can the distribution packaging be
reduced or eliminated through redesign of the primary or secondary package?
Currently under review Currently under review
N/A Currently under review
Advice from Supply Chain
Are you currently using shelf ready / retail ready packaging? Is
it being used effectively? If it is not being used effectively has this been communicated to others in
the supply chain?
Yes – currently in use
Recommendations have been made to the supply chain for improvements to be made
N/A N/A
Recommendations have been made to
the supply chain for improvements. These discussions are ongoing and
confidential
N/A
P a g e | 28
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Are you fully utilising the transport options such as pallet
efficiency and truck height? Are there any efficiencies that can be achieved?
Yes Yes Yes N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Do you consider back-loading of used packaging or waste products
once deliveries have been made? Can your distribution network aid the recovery of used packaging?
N/A
No
This is not within the capabilities of our distribution network
N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Design for Reuse
Have you considered and compared the environmental
benefits of reusable packaging with single-use packaging?
Not possible No Recyclable paper
pallets considered
Discussions ongoing
and confidential
Advice from
Supply Chain
Is the packaging format applicable for reconditioning once the packaging has fulfilled its
designated purpose? If the product cannot be reconditioned, can the reusable packaging be recycled?
Cannot be reconditioned
Shipping cartons can be reconditioned by
the customer. these can also be recycled
Pallet wrap cannot be
reconditioned by the customer, but can be recycled
N/A N/A
P a g e | 29
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for Recovery
To what extent are the packaging materials collected for recycling in the geographical area in which the product will be sold?
Most parts of the individual product packaging can be
recycled and collected through curbside recycling The extent of recycling
capabilities of different geographical areas is unknown
100% 100% N/A N/A
How much of the packaging is recyclable?
77%
Plastic tag attaching swing tag to product is not recyclable Where foam is used, only 50%
of materials can be recycled
As above As above N/A N/A
How many materials are being
used for this packaging group? How many of these materials are recyclable?
Varies depending on SKU Up to 3
Some of these materials including foam and plastic cattle tie are not recyclable
1 – 2 materials 100%
1 material 100%
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the impacts that any
components such as closures, labels, sleeves, carry handles, etc, may have on the recycling process?
No
Yes – carton labels are recyclable and
ink used on the shipping cartons do not affect the recycling process
N/A N/A N/A
Have you developed and implemented appropriate labeling
on packaging to encourage consumers to recycle or compost?
Yes, only on some packaging Yes – only one some
cartons N/A
Assess which products don’t use recyclable symbols
and amend artwork where packaging is recyclable
N/A
P a g e | 30
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for litter reduction
Do you understand where, when
and how the product will be used and by whom?
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A
Is the package likely to be
consumed away from home and therefore likely to have the propensity to become litter?
Unlikely N/A N/A N/A N/A
How many separate or easily separable components that could end up as litter does the
packaging item have (e.g. screw caps lids, peel off seals), can they be reduced?
1 – plastic tie which connects
individual product swing tag to product
N/A N/A
Explore alternative
method of attaching swing tag
N/A
Do you provide advice for consumers on the packaging to
encourage appropriate disposal or recovery?
No, but this could be
considered N/A N/A
Explore possibility of adding ‘tidyman’ symbol to packaging
which cannot be recycled
N/A
What steps have you undertaken to reduce the occurrence of your
packaging in the litter stream?
None Investigation into what recyclable materials can be
replaced with recyclable materials in order to reduce waste
N/A N/A
Investigate what recyclable materials
can be replaced with recyclable materials
N/A
P a g e | 31
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for consumer accessibility
Have you considered whether the level of information on the
packaging ensures the consumer is aware of its contents and how to open the package?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Have you considered the demographic of the consumer
who will use the product? Are there any limiting factors typically associated with these consumers?
No limiting factors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Can changes be made to improve the ability of the consumer to use
the packaging without compromising the safety, security or quality?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
To what extent has your company ever received any complaints in
relation to accessibility of packaging?
No complaints N/A N/A N/A N/A
Could an alternative design be used efficiently to minimise the requirement for tools such as a
knife or scissors?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
P a g e | 32
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Provide consumer information on sustainability
What environmental issues have been considered during
development of the product’s marketing strategy, e.g. use of environmental claims, logos and
consumer education?
N/A N/A N/A N/A Documentation from attorneys
Has information been used on the packaging to encourage recycling, e.g. the Mobius loop?
Yes, but not on all packaging Yes, but not on all packaging
N/A
Assess which products in the range
do not currently use the mobius loop and amend artwork where the packaging is
recyclable
N/A
If recycling symbols are used on
packaging, have you identified existing systems that will be able to recycle the packaging?
Yes – curbside recycling
Yes – shippers can
be recycled by stores, at their own accord
Yes – pallet wrap
can be recycled by stores, at their own accord
N/A N/A
P a g e | 33
4. BAG AND HEADER CARD PACKAGING
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise materials (source reduction)
Is the packaging necessary? Yes – to protect the product and also as a POS merchandising tool
Yes – to protect the individual packaging
and provide a means to transport goods from offshore
suppliers, and locally to customers
Yes – pallet
wrapping is used for stability in transport the goods to
customers
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the amount of material necessary?
Are there options to reduce the amount of packaging?
Yes – designed to be minimal in
size to take up less space on shelf. Product instructions are also printed on the rear side of the
header card, eliminating the need for a separate instructions manual, therefore reducing
packaging materials
Yes – shipping
cartons are always made as compact as possible and often
the colour box size is determined by the most effective shipping carton size
Yes – pallet
wrapping is used for transport, however no
further materials are added to the packaging for transportation
N/A N/A
Are there any options to further
reduce materials? How would any changes impact product protection and consumer safety?
Possibility of reducing thickness
of polybag. This will only be done if the quality and protection level provided by the packaging is not compromised
No No Reducing thickness of polybag to be explored
N/A
P a g e | 34
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Maximise water and energy efficiency
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the energy
efficiency of production processes and distribution?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the water
efficiency of production processes?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you considered using
renewable energy for manufacturing?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Use recycled materials
What is the amount and percentage of recycled material?
0% 0% 0%
Investigate the cost
and quality implications of using recycled materials
Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
Could alternative formats or materials incorporate recycled material or offer a better
environmental impact solution? If so, how much, and why were they not selected?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
P a g e | 35
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Is it possible to use more post-
consumer recycled material? If no, please explain the rationale
No
Plastic bags cannot be recycled post-consumer
No No N/A N/A
Have you discussed the use of
recycled materials with your marketing department and identified any market concerns?
Yes – concerns raised were cost
implications and protection of product
Yes – concerns
raised were cost and product protection
N/A
Determine the impact any changes would
have on product cost and also the protection for the product
As above
If recycled content claim is made, is the minimum level of recycled
content use in accordance with AS/NZS 14021?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Use renewable materials
What is the potential for and availability of materials derived
from a renewable source?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
What is the potential for
incorporating recyclable materials?
Plastic bags cannot be recycled post-consumer
All shippers can be recycled
Pallet wrap is recyclable
N/A N/A
Have you applied conventional and conservative risk management principles in the
selection of substances for packaging applications?
Risks associated with polybag
packaging not investigated
No risks associated with shipping
cartons
No risks associated with
pallet wrap
Investigate risks for
polybag packing used
N/A Emails and/pr reports to be
provided by suppliers
P a g e | 36
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise risks associated with potentially toxic and hazardous materials
Does the packaging meet Australian and / or international standards in relation to the levels
of potentially toxic and harmful substances?
Unknown Unknown Unknown Report on findings, as
above As above
Use materials from responsible suppliers
Are your raw materials sourced
from suppliers who have documented environmental management systems?
N/A – Raw materials are sourced externally by offshore suppliers
Design for transport
Can the distribution packaging be
reduced or eliminated through redesign of the primary or secondary package?
No – all bags and shipping cartons have been designed for optimal efficiency
No N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Are you currently using shelf ready / retail ready packaging? Is
it being used effectively? If it is not being used effectively has this been communicated to others in
the supply chain?
Yes – inner cartons with cut
case designs converting them to shelf display boxes These are effective
Yes – inner cartons with cut case
designs converting them to shelf display boxes
These are effective
N/A
Recommendations have been made to
the supply chain for improvements. These discussions are
ongoing and confidential
N/A
P a g e | 37
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Are you fully utilising the transport options such as pallet
efficiency and truck height? Are there any efficiencies that can be achieved?
Yes Yes Yes N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Do you consider back-loading of used packaging or waste products
once deliveries have been made? Can your distribution network aid the recovery of used packaging?
N/A
No
This is not within the capabilities of our distribution network
N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Design for Reuse
Have you considered and compared the environmental
benefits of reusable packaging with single-use packaging?
Not possible No Recyclable paper
pallets considered
Discussions ongoing
and confidential
Advice from
Supply Chain
Is the packaging format applicable for reconditioning once the packaging has fulfilled its
designated purpose? If the product cannot be reconditioned, can the reusable packaging be recycled?
Cannot be reconditioned
Shipping cartons can be reconditioned by
the customer. these can also be recycled
Pallet wrap cannot be
reconditioned by the customer, but can be recycled
N/A N/A
P a g e | 38
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for Recovery
To what extent are the packaging
materials collected for recycling in the geographical area in which the product will be sold?
The extent of recycling capabilities of different
geographical areas is unknown, however plastic bags cannot be recycled post-consumer
100% 100% N/A N/A
How much of the packaging is recyclable?
Depends on SKU Where bag and cardboard card
is used – 50% Where polybag is used with reinforced metal ring 0% can be recycled
As above As above N/A N/A
How many materials are being
used for this packaging group? How many of these materials are recyclable?
Varies depending on SKU Up to 2 Where bag and cardboard card
is used – 50% Where polybag is used with reinforced metal ring 0% can
be recycled
1 – 2 materials 100%
1 material 100%
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the impacts that any
components such as closures, labels, sleeves, carry handles, etc, may have on the recycling
process?
No
Yes – carton labels are recyclable and
ink used on the shipping cartons do not affect the
recycling process
N/A N/A N/A
Have you developed and
implemented appropriate labeling on packaging to encourage consumers to recycle or compost?
Yes, only on some packaging Yes – only one some cartons
N/A
Assess which products don’t use
recyclable symbols and amend artwork where packaging is recyclable
N/A
P a g e | 39
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for litter reduction
Do you understand where, when
and how the product will be used and by whom?
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A
Is the package likely to be
consumed away from home and therefore likely to have the propensity to become litter?
Unlikely N/A N/A N/A N/A
How many separate or easily separable components that could end up as litter does the
packaging item have (e.g. screw caps lids, peel off seals), can they be reduced?
1 – metal ring reinforcing
hanging hole N/A N/A N/A N/A
Do you provide advice for consumers on the packaging to
encourage appropriate disposal or recovery?
No, but this could be
considered N/A N/A
Explore possibility of adding ‘tidyman’ symbol to packaging
which cannot be recycled
N/A
What steps have you undertaken to reduce the occurrence of your packaging in the litter stream?
None N/A N/A
Review packaging and adding mobius symbol to packs
which can be recycled, i.e. header card products only, and add ‘tidyman’
symbol to non-recyclable packaging
N/A
P a g e | 40
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for consumer accessibility
Have you considered whether the
level of information on the packaging ensures the consumer is aware of its contents and how to open the package?
Yes there is sufficient information on the packaging to
communicate to the consumer the contents, but no need to advise on how to open the
packaging
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Have you considered the demographic of the consumer
who will use the product? Are there any limiting factors typically associated with these consumers?
No limiting factors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Can changes be made to improve the ability of the consumer to use
the packaging without compromising the safety, security or quality?
No N/A N/A N/A N/A
To what extent has your company ever received any complaints in
relation to accessibility of packaging?
No complaints N/A N/A N/A N/A
Could an alternative design be used efficiently to minimise the requirement for tools such as a
knife or scissors?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
P a g e | 41
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Provide consumer information on sustainability
What environmental issues have been considered during
development of the product’s marketing strategy, e.g. use of environmental claims, logos and
consumer education?
N/A N/A N/A N/A Documentation from attorneys
Has information been used on the packaging to encourage recycling, e.g. the Mobius loop?
Yes, but not on all packaging Yes, but not on all packaging
N/A
Assess which products in the range
do not currently use the mobius loop and amend artwork where the packaging is
recyclable
N/A
If recycling symbols are used on
packaging, have you identified existing systems that will be able to recycle the packaging?
N/A
Yes – shippers can
be recycled by stores, at their own accord
Yes – pallet wrap
can be recycled by stores, at their own accord
N/A N/A
P a g e | 42
5. CARDBOARD SLEEVE PACKAGING
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise materials (source reduction)
Is the packaging necessary?
Yes
To protect the product To act as selling tool with features and benefits printed To hanging and display
purposes
Yes – to protect the individual packaging
and provide a means to transport goods from offshore
suppliers, and locally to customers
Yes – pallet
wrapping is used for stability in transport the goods to
customers
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the amount of material necessary?
Are there options to reduce the amount of packaging?
Yes – designed to be minimal in
size to take up less space on shelf. Product instructions are also printed on the rear side of the
card, eliminating the need for a separate instructions manual, therefore reducing packaging
materials
Yes – shipping
cartons are always made as compact as possible and often
the colour box size is determined by the most effective shipping carton size
Yes – pallet
wrapping is used for transport, however no
further materials are added to the packaging for transportation
N/A N/A
Are there any options to further
reduce materials? How would any changes impact product protection and consumer safety?
No No No N/A N/A
P a g e | 43
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Maximise water and energy efficiency
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the energy
efficiency of production processes and distribution?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you or our suppliers taken steps to optimise the water
efficiency of production processes?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Have you considered using
renewable energy for manufacturing?
N/A - this cannot be controlled as all goods are manufactured externally by offshore suppliers
Use recycled materials
What is the amount and percentage of recycled material?
0% 0% 0%
Investigate the cost
and quality implications of using recycled materials
Emails and/or
reports to be provided by suppliers
Could alternative formats or materials incorporate recycled material or offer a better
environmental impact solution? If so, how much, and why were they not selected?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
P a g e | 44
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Is it possible to use more post-
consumer recycled material? If no, please explain the rationale
No
All packaging is made of cardboard and can be recycled
No No N/A N/A
Have you discussed the use of
recycled materials with your marketing department and identified any market concerns?
Yes – concerns raised were cost
implications and protection of product
Yes – concerns
raised were cost and product protection
N/A
Determine the impact any changes would
have on product cost and also the protection for the product
As above
If recycled content claim is made, is the minimum level of recycled
content use in accordance with AS/NZS 14021?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Use renewable materials
What is the potential for and availability of materials derived
from a renewable source?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
What is the potential for incorporating recyclable
materials?
Already considered and in effect All materials can be recycled
All shippers can be recycled
Pallet wrap is recyclable
N/A N/A
Have you applied conventional and conservative risk management principles in the
selection of substances for packaging applications?
No risks associated with cardboard packaging
No risks associated with shipping
cartons
No risks associated with
pallet wrap
N/A N/A
P a g e | 45
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Minimise risks associated with potentially toxic and hazardous materials
Does the packaging meet Australian and / or international standards in relation to the levels
of potentially toxic and harmful substances?
Unknown Unknown Unknown Report on findings, as
above As above
Use materials from responsible suppliers
Are your raw materials sourced
from suppliers who have documented environmental management systems?
N/A – Raw materials are sourced externally by offshore suppliers
Design for transport
Can the distribution packaging be
reduced or eliminated through redesign of the primary or secondary package?
No – all packing and shipping cartons have been designed for optimal efficiency
No N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Are you currently using shelf ready / retail ready packaging? Is
it being used effectively? If it is not being used effectively has this been communicated to others in
the supply chain?
No N/A N/A N/A N/A
P a g e | 46
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Are you fully utilising the transport options such as pallet
efficiency and truck height? Are there any efficiencies that can be achieved?
Yes Yes Yes N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Do you consider back-loading of used packaging or waste products
once deliveries have been made? Can your distribution network aid the recovery of used packaging?
N/A
No
This is not within the capabilities of our distribution network
N/A N/A Advice from Supply Chain
Design for Reuse
Have you considered and compared the environmental
benefits of reusable packaging with single-use packaging?
Not possible No Recyclable paper
pallets considered
Discussions ongoing
and confidential
Advice from
Supply Chain
Is the packaging format applicable for reconditioning once the packaging has fulfilled its
designated purpose? If the product cannot be reconditioned, can the reusable packaging be recycled?
Cannot be reconditioned
Shipping cartons can be reconditioned by
the customer. these can also be recycled
Pallet wrap cannot be
reconditioned by the customer, but can be recycled
N/A N/A
P a g e | 47
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for Recovery
To what extent are the packaging materials collected for recycling in the geographical area in which the product will be sold?
All parts of the individual product packaging can be
recycled and collected through curbside recycling The extent of recycling
capabilities of different geographical areas is unknown
100% 100% N/A N/A
How much of the packaging is recyclable?
100% As above As above N/A N/A
How many materials are being
used for this packaging group? How many of these materials are recyclable?
Varies depending on SKU
Up to 2 Cardboard sleeve and in some cases clear film wrapping
1 – 2 materials 100%
1 material 100%
N/A N/A
Has the packaging been designed to minimise the impacts that any
components such as closures, labels, sleeves, carry handles, etc, may have on the recycling
process?
No
Yes – carton labels are recyclable and
ink used on the shipping cartons do not affect the
recycling process
N/A N/A N/A
Have you developed and
implemented appropriate labeling on packaging to encourage consumers to recycle or compost?
Yes, only on some packaging Yes – only one some cartons
N/A
Assess which products don’t use
recyclable symbols and amend artwork where packaging is recyclable
N/A
P a g e | 48
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for litter reduction
Do you understand where, when
and how the product will be used and by whom?
Yes Yes Yes N/A N/A
Is the package likely to be
consumed away from home and therefore likely to have the propensity to become litter?
Unlikely N/A N/A N/A N/A
How many separate or easily separable components that could end up as litter does the
packaging item have (e.g. screw caps lids, peel off seals), can they be reduced?
None N/A N/A
Explore alternative
method of attaching swing tag
N/A
Do you provide advice for consumers on the packaging to
encourage appropriate disposal or recovery?
N/A N/A N/A
Explore possibility of adding ‘tidyman’ symbol to packaging
which cannot be recycled
N/A
What steps have you undertaken to reduce the occurrence of your
packaging in the litter stream?
Reviewing packaging and adding mobius symbol to packs
which can be recycled
N/A N/A
Investigate what recyclable materials can be replaced with
recyclable materials
N/A
P a g e | 49
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Design for consumer accessibility
Have you considered whether the
level of information on the packaging ensures the consumer is aware of its contents and how to open the package?
Yes there is sufficient information on the packaging to
communicate to the consumer the contents, but no need to advise on how to open the
packaging
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Have you considered the demographic of the consumer
who will use the product? Are there any limiting factors typically associated with these consumers?
No limiting factors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Can changes be made to improve the ability of the consumer to use
the packaging without compromising the safety, security or quality?
No N/A N/A N/A N/A
To what extent has your company ever received any complaints in
relation to accessibility of packaging?
No complaints N/A N/A N/A N/A
Could an alternative design be used efficiently to minimise the requirement for tools such as a
knife or scissors?
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
P a g e | 50
SPG / considerations Consumer packaging Secondary packaging
Tertiary packaging
Recommendations Documented evidence
Provide consumer information on sustainability
What environmental issues have been considered during
development of the product’s marketing strategy, e.g. use of environmental claims, logos and
consumer education?
N/A N/A N/A N/A Documentation from attorneys
Has information been used on the packaging to encourage recycling, e.g. the Mobius loop?
Yes, but not on all packaging Yes, but not on all packaging
N/A
Assess which products in the range
do not currently use the mobius loop and amend artwork where the packaging is
recyclable
N/A
If recycling symbols are used on
packaging, have you identified existing systems that will be able to recycle the packaging?
Yes – curbside recycling
Yes – shippers can
be recycled by stores, at their own accord
Yes – pallet wrap
can be recycled by stores, at their own accord
N/A N/A
P a g e | 51
Key Performance Indicators and Targets – Action Plan
Covenant performance goals and KPIs Actions Responsibility
Target or
performance goal
Timeline /
milestone (MM / YY)
Design – optimise packaging to achieve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact
without compromising product quality and safety KPI 1 Proportion of signatories in the supply chain
implementing the SPG for design or procurement of packaging Target: 70% of Covenant signatories with documented policies and procedures for evaluating and procuring
packaging using the SPG or equivalent Target: 70% of Covenant signatories assessing 100% of new packaging and 50% of existing packaging against
the guidelines
1. Conduct above SPG review of all existing products and packaging types to determine whether non-recyclable materials can be
reduced/replaced 2 .Review artwork of existing products, including carton markings, and apply
mobius and tidyman symbols where applicable
Marketing and supply chain
Reduce non-
recyclable materials for existing
packaging Reduce litter impact and
encourage recycling of packaging
10 / 12
Recycling – the efficient collection and recycling of packaging
KPI 3 Proportion of signatories with on-site recovery systems for recycling used packaging KPI 4 Proportion of signatories with a policy to buy
products made from recycled packaging All Covenant signatories will have a formal, documented policy of buying recycled products or materials
1. Investigate the feasibility of on-site
recovery for used packaging 2. Investigate the feasibility of incorporating recycled materials in existing packaging, as outlined in the above table for SPG action
points
Marketing
Improve
recycling processes at production, and also post-
consumer
10 / 12
Product stewardship – a demonstrated
commitment to product stewardship by the supply chain and other signatories KPI 6 Proportion of signatories that have formal
processes for working with others to improve design and recycling of packaging
1. Conduct above SPG review of all existing products and packaging types to determine whether non-recyclable materials can be
reduced/replaced 2 .Review artwork of existing products including carton markings, and apply
mobius and tidyman symbols where applicable 3. Design a checklist for new packaging design incorporating responsible SPGs
Marketing and supply chain
Ensure new
packaging is effectively designed
against the SPGs
10 / 12 10 / 12
06 / 11
P a g e | 52
Covenant performance goals and KPIs Actions Responsibility
Target or
performance goal
Timeline /
milestone (MM / YY)
Target: 70% of Covenant signatories are
implementing formal policies and procedures in working with others to improve design, procurement and recovery of packaging
KPI 7 Proportion of signatories demonstrating other product stewardship outcomes Target: Continuous reduction in the number of packaging
items in litter
1. Explore possibility of adding ‘tidyman’ symbol to packaging which cannot be
recycled
Marketing
Reduce litter impact and encourage
recycling of packaging
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