Types of plastic packaging
Overall approach
REDUCE
Tata Steel reviewed the purpose of the
packaging and rationalized its packing
catalogue to avoid over-specification. This
reduction-focused approach led them to
make several changes, such as reducing the
thickness of green strapping, the length of
fluted lengths, and the width of logo print
film, VCI paper, and blue corex sheets. The
company also increased the number of
customers using reusable top-edge
protectors rather than fluted lengths which
are single-use.
REUSE
Tata Steel introduced a return
program for top-edge and
inner bore protectors, which
can be reused up to 50 times.
This involved providing
storage cages and agreeing to
backload from customers.
RECYCLE
Tata Steel introduced baling
machines to compact materials
for recycling items that cannot
be reused. Where customers
were geographically closer to
Tata Steel UK's packing supplier,
they were encouraged to have
the packing picked up by the
packing supplier directly.
One of the key challenges of the project was to encourage a change among customers through extensive guidance,
as they needed to segregate, store and return the plastic waste.
Today, top edge protectors, fluted lengths, blue corex sheets and black plastic inner bores have 100%
recycled content. Additionally, 100% requirement of top-edge protectors and 50% requirement of
plastic inner bores are met through packing returned by customers leading to a reduction in the annual
plastic consumption by up to 130 tonnes every year! The initiative is part of the company's sustainability
commitment at its Shotton site, and has accelerated its work towards the goal of zero on-site waste.
