Toyota Saves Billions of Trees With Reusable Shipping Containers
Toyota found a simple way to cut waste while saving serious money.
Instead of relying on disposable boxes and packaging, the automaker began using reusable shipping containers for parts and accessories. As a result, Toyota reduced enormous amounts of wood and cardboard waste across its supply chain.
According to Toyota, the program eliminated the need for roughly 220 million pounds of wood and 145 million pounds of cardboard. The company estimated that the savings represented the equivalent of about 2.7 billion trees.
At the same time, the environmental benefits also produced a major financial return. Toyota reported about \$1 billion in cost savings from its reusable packaging strategy.
Reusable Packaging Creates Real Savings
Shipping automotive parts requires huge amounts of packaging. Traditionally, manufacturers relied heavily on wooden crates, pallets, cardboard boxes and other materials that could quickly enter the waste stream.
However, reusable containers change that equation.
Toyota can ship components, return the containers and use them again. Therefore, the company purchases fewer packaging materials. It also generates less waste throughout its manufacturing and distribution network.
Moreover, reusable packaging can improve efficiency. Standardized containers make parts easier to transport, stack and manage. Consequently, sustainability becomes part of normal business operations rather than a separate environmental project.
Sustainability Can Lower Operating Costs
Toyota’s program also highlights an important point about corporate sustainability.
Reducing environmental impact does not always require higher costs. In many cases, companies can save money by using fewer raw materials and eliminating unnecessary waste.
Toyota reduced demand for wood and cardboard. At the same time, it lowered its packaging expenses.
That combination makes reusable shipping systems both an environmental strategy and a business strategy.
Conclusion
Toyota’s reusable container program shows how a relatively simple change can create a massive impact.
By replacing disposable packaging with reusable containers, Toyota reported saving hundreds of millions of pounds of wood and cardboard. Meanwhile, the company also saved approximately \$1 billion.
Most importantly, the program demonstrates how waste reduction can move beyond recycling. Companies can prevent waste before it is created.
Sometimes the greenest package is the one you never have to throw away.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2013 AT 11:42PM
Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
