The document discusses optimizing returnable packaging programs by focusing on total cost, highlighting the benefits of returnables across various industries such as automotive, food, and pharmaceuticals. It details trends in reusable packaging, cost savings, and the importance of customization and efficient transportation within the supply chain. The presentation also provides examples of returnable packaging configurations that yield a high return on investment.

1. Optimizing Your
Returnables Packaging
Program with the Lens of
Total Cost in Mind
Presented by:
Andy Schumacher
Brandon Hoots
Mark Ward
my Logo Goes Here!

2. Welcome
Mark Ward
Business Development Manager
SSI SCHAEFER
Custom Packaging
& Dunnage
Expert
Brandon Hoots
National Sales Manager
SSI SCHAEFER
Packaging Expert
Andy Schumacher
VP of Packaging
SSI SCHAEFER
Packaging Expert

3. What is Returnable Packaging?
• Containers
• Pallets
• Bulk Bins
• Steel Racks
• Custom Dunnage

4. Users of Returnables
Returnables are used in a variety of industries:
• Automotive
• Food / Grocery
• Pharmaceutical
• Electronics
• Appliance
• Aerospace
• Chemicals
• Textile
• Beverage
• Produce
• General Manufacturing

5. Candidates for Returnable Packaging?
• High volumes of solid waste
• Frequent shrinkage or product damage
• Expensive expendable packaging
• Underutilized trailer space in
transportation
• Inefficient storage / warehouse space
• Worker safety or ergonomic issues
• Significant need for cleanliness / hygiene
• Need for unitization
• Frequent trips

6. Today’s Industry Trends
As an industry, we’ve seen many
trends in reusable packaging:
• Social & Environmental
• Technology & Asset Management
• Total Cost

7. Advantages of Returnable Packaging
• Social
o Recyclable at the end of life cycle
o Improves workplace safety
• Environmental
o Improves transportation efficiency
o Prevents waste
o Reduces greenhouse gas
o Supports source reduction
o Requires less energy

8. How Granular Can Cost Savings Go?
• Distribution network
• Differences between truck,
rail, and boat
• Collapsible containers
• RFID asset management
• Customization

9. Track and Trace / Asset
Management
• RFID technology
• Asset tracking / GPS
• Audits/Recovery
According to Rehrig Pacific, milk crate losses reach $80 to
$100 million annually. Commercial bakeries incur about 30
percent loss of plastic containers.
Reusable Packaging News state that container and pallet
loss is between $800 million to $1.5 million annually.

10. Supply Chain & Distribution Network
Transportation standards has set the
requirements within the supply chain:
• 53’ tractor trailer
• 40’ sea container
85% of total cost is from shipping goods according to the RPA.

11. What about Customization?
• Characteristics of the part determines
materials
• Are there areas that can’t be touched
• QPC – Quantity Part per Container
• Specific orientation
• Is there a specific size of container

12. Examples of the Highest ROI
FOAM and PCORR (QPC 6) FABRIC (QPC 7)

13. Examples of the Highest ROI
FOAM Set (QPC 3) FABRIC Set
(QPC 5) able to
nest parts

14. Examples of the Highest ROI
NF was used
(far left) but the
parts were
touching tote
and each other
(so QPC would
need to drop to
two).
CF was used
so that 3 parts
could fit
(otherwise we
would loose a
part).
CF was
used and
parts sat
upright to
increase
QPC

15. Examples of the Highest ROI
PCORR
(80 QPC)
FOAM set with
(96 QPC) with
units standing on
end

16. Examples of the Highest ROI
PCORR set
standing on end
(63 QPC)
PCORR set layers (21 QPC)

17. Questions?

18. For more information:
Andy Schumacher
andy.schumacher@ssi-schaefer.com
ssitote.com
Brandon Hoots
Brandon.hoots@ssi-schaefer.com
ssitote.com
Mark Ward
mark.ward@ssi-Schaefer.com
ssitote.com