Packaging optimisation in the furniture sector

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Packaging must ensure that a finished product reaches the end-user in the desired condition. Furniture companies spend an average of 1.85% of turnover on packaging, including associated raw materials and labour. With annual manufacturer sales of around £7 billion, this equates to a bill of £129 million per annum for the sector as a whole.

This report is an analysis of the cost of packaging to furniture manufacturers in the UK. It contains a summary of the practical measures that can be taken to reduce cost and improve performance.

The report also offers best practice information to help companies who identify a performance gap between themselves and their competitors.

Contents:
  • Introduction
  • Packaging use in the furniture sector
    • Characteristics of audited companies
    • Packaging materials
    • Packaging spend
    • Packaging application labour
    • Product costs
    • Return rates
    • Relationship between packaging spend and damage return rates
    • Transport
    • Packaging regulations
    • Environmental management systems
  • Characteristics of best performers
    • Bedding
    • Domestic
    • Kitchen
    • Office
  • Packaging best practice for the furniture industry
  • Conclusions & Appendices
    • Producer responsibility
    • Calculating the true cost of packaging
    • Observational auditing
    • Standards on packaging use
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