Whistl reduce packaging use by 20%
Whistl, the UK’s leading logistics specialists in fulfilment, mail and parcels has undertaken a comprehensive packaging review across all its operations leading to a 20% reduction in paper packaging use through less waste, minimising the number of items used and ensuring size appropriate packaging.
The Procurement Team carried out a review across the Mail and Fulfilment divisions to identify ways that waste could be reduced. This involved consolidating its packaging suppliers to two partners, newly appointed Kite Packaging and retaining long-term partner, MacFarlane Packaging. The key outcome from the review was the reduction of the packaging types by 20% and improving stock management across sites.
One of the audit activities included using Kite’s Mobile Packaging Laboratory, a vehicle fully equipped with test equipment for drop tests, vibration rigs, wrap tension technology, and carton strength analysis. This facilitated collaboration between the Whistl team and customers, who jointly trialled new packaging formats directly at our sites.
The company also reduced the plastic packaging used at its Bedford Super Deport through switching from manual to machine wrapping. This change will be implemented across all sites wherever operationally viable.
Next steps will include exploring paper-based alternatives to bubble wrap, increasing the use of higher-recycled-content materials where commercially viable, and tightening stock visibility further to avoid waste when customer requirements change.
Looking ahead, Whistl will continue to focus on building on the success of the review and working closely with customers and suppliers through ongoing sustainability reviews, ensuring packaging solutions evolve in line with their needs. As operations simplify, further packaging streamlining will help reduce complexity and waste, while continued internal training, will equip staff and result in smarter, more sustainable packaging choices in the future.
Nicola Vincent, Head of Procurement, said: “The project has delivered significant environmental improvements, while opening new opportunities for innovation with customers, including faster packing, reduced void fill, improved box sizing and fewer damages.
“This project demonstrates how operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, and environmental responsibility can work hand-in-hand.”