Raw materials account for roughly 55% of total costs in plastics processing, and therefore significantly affect sustainability.
With tighter legislation like packaging taxes, reducing materials impact is no longer optional—it is a financial necessity.
Address this by forming a cross-functional Materials Teamincluding design, production, finance, and procurement personnel. Set aggressive reduction targets—even a 1% reduction in material costs can equal a 10% gain in sales volume—and always track progress.
Your Action Plan:
Assemble the team: bring internal expertise together with major suppliers to review current and future product designs
Set the target: aim for an initial 8% materials reduction comprised of 4% content and 4% waste
Audit usage: critically examine every material type to ensure maximum cost-effectiveness
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Each month, we will share some useful, actionable advice with you from leading sustainability consultant Dr. Robin Kent. For more resources, see a full list of publications from Dr. Kent.