Packaging Reduction

Packaging reduction is the practice of minimising the volume and weight of packaging used. It is the top priority in the waste hierarchy — preventing waste is always better than managing it.

Packaging reduction strategies:

• Lightweighting — reducing material weight per unit
• Eliminating unnecessary layers — removing secondary packaging where not needed
• Right-sizing — matching packaging to product dimensions to reduce void fill
• Concentrated products — reducing product volume to enable smaller packaging
• Material substitution — replacing heavy materials with lighter alternatives

Under pEPR, packaging reduction directly reduces costs because fees are calculated per tonne. Every kilogram of packaging eliminated is a kilogram not reported, not fee'd, and not requiring end-of-life management. Reduction also reduces raw material costs, transport costs, and storage costs. However, packaging serves important functions (product protection, food safety, information display), so reduction must be balanced against these requirements.