UPS Sets "Green" Standards for Shipment Packaging

UPS has become the first carrier to offer its customers an assessment of their shipment packaging based on environmental standards, according to the company.

Under the Eco Responsible Packaging Program, the company will evaluate a customer's packaging processes in three areas of sustainability: damage prevention, right-sizing and packaging materials. It will score the results and those customers who meet the requirements can display the program's logo on their shipment packaging.

Responsible packaging begins with protecting the contents; damaged goods not only frustrate the recipient but often lead to the need to remanufacture and reship, doubling the carbon footprint. Shrinking the size of the box means less material used and fewer assets needed to transport the package. Finally, using packing and shipping materials with a more sustainable profile is important for the environment.

UPS's assessment methodology and processes are verified by Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS), an inspection, verification, testing and certification company. The service also has been praised by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) and Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), the latter a global business network and consultancy focused on sustainability.

"Our engineers have always directed our customers to use the right kind of packaging to protect their goods," said Bob Stoffel, senior VP, engineering, strategy, supply chain and sustainability. "This service gives our customers a new way to demonstrate that they are serious about sustainability when it comes to shipment packaging."

The evaluation will assess the customer's transport packaging systems and procedures, rather than product packaging found on retail shelves. The contractual-based service is available to customers who commit to sustainable packaging solutions. Pricing is determined on a project basis.

The program is conducted by the company Package Engineering Group, which is known for its expertise in transport packaging principles and also sought out the expertise of third-parties to ensure that its standards represent best practices.

UPS, www.ups.com