INDUSTRY NEWS

Less Damage, Less Waste, More Green
Education is Key to Sustainable Waste Prevention

When asked how stretch wrapping can decrease its impact on the environment, people naturally think the answer is to use less film. But it turns out that the best method for preventing waste while still going green is to prevent damage.

According to Lantech chairman Pat Lancaster, a typical trailer uses about 10 pounds of film to secure 40,000 pounds of goods. Inevitably, at least five cases of product get damaged. Consider the weight and volume of that damaged product in the landfill compared to the film (an average volume of two one-gallon milk jugs). The answer to waste prevention is not less film, but better load containment.

Proper education is the most efficient way to encourage waste prevention. "People don't understand the metrics of stretch wrapping," says Lancaster. To help, Lantech has started a series of podcasts to educate customers on basic issues. Additionally, Lantech offers workshops to operators on the proper use of stretch wrapping equipment.

Check out the full article, as Lancaster offers some thoughts on how to become more sustainable