Summer 2008

Use of an innovative multi-trip packaging system for delivering kitchen worktops to homes has helped CEVA Logistics and B&Q to win two Starpack gold awards – regarded a significant achievement in the packaging industry.

The special Carrierpacs are said to be fully recyclable and economically viable when compared with single-trip packaging. Business gains are said to have included a substantial reduction in product damage; a reduction in packaging costs of at least £300,000 per year; and the prevention of 1,100 tonnes of cardboard entering the waste stream each year.

CEVA manages four 250,000 sq ft warehouses and a customer call centre for B&Q, and carries out home delivery of up to 15,000 orders per week. The operation is based at Branston, Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire where the workforce comprises a team of employees from B&Q, CEVA, Norbert Dentressangle Logistics and Kuehne & Nagel.

The packaging concept was developed by B&Q with packaging consultancy Outpace, and the manufacture was handled by Storsack Dorton, a specialist in woven polypropylene fabric, and said to be the world's largest manufacturer of woven polypropylene big bags.

 

The project was supported by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme).