The ever increasing demand for sustainable packaging and logistics is shaping the future of the consumer goods industry. This was a key topic at London Packaging Week, where we met with industry leaders and innovators to share how data science, simulation and scenario exploration can accelerate the achievement of sustainability and Net Zero targets. This fantastic event took place at the ExCeL in London, and focused on sustainable practices across luxury, beauty, drinks and FMCG packaging.
What is clear from the conversations we had with industry stakeholders is that optimised networks and circular economies are vital for a more efficient and sustainable future for logistics. London Packaging Week 2024 gave industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers a platform to explore the trends and technologies driving these changes.
With Connected Britain 2024 happening at the same venue, we also engaged in insightful discussions with industry and government leaders around infrastructure and place innovation, and improved connectivity across the UK. Despite these being two quite different events, a common thread was the role digitalisation and innovation have to play in driving a more sustainable and resilient future for supply chain, logistics and infrastructure.
It was great to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new connections with leaders looking to drive change in these critical industries. Read on for some of the key takeaways from the event.
Driving sustainable innovation for supply chain and logistics
Sustainability underpinned the entire event, with exhibitors and speakers alike emphasising the urgent need for packaging and logistics solutions that will help them reach their Net Zero targets and customer demand for sustainability quicker. Circular economy, biodegradable materials, recyclable packaging and reusable containers are examples of initiatives that can drive sustainability across the industry, but these initiatives will require innovation and digitalisation to materialise and add maximum value without risk.
Enabling circular economy for supply chain and logistics
A significant focus was placed on the shift towards a circular economy, where packaging and the logistics networks that underpin supply chains are designed to extend life cycles, reduce dependency on raw materials and minimise waste. The move away from single-use plastics was a hot topic, with brands adopting alternatives like plant-based materials, compostable plastics, and innovative bio-polymers.
To successfully roll out initiatives to adopt circular economy or alternative fuels, supply chain leaders must recognise the need to invest in digital tools to de-risk and optimise these innovation initiatives, ensuring their ROI and minimal disruption to the customer. By leveraging data science, organisations can also enhance ESG reporting through improved visibility and tracking across their networks. This is just one example of how sustainability should be regarded as an investment for value creation.
Digitalised packaging for visibility and customer connectivity
Connected packaging, integrated with technologies like QR codes, can enhance customer experience, improve visibility and prevent counterfeiting. By embedding technology into packaging and containers, organisations can reduce cost to serve and optimise supply chains for greater efficiency.
We were pleased to see our client, CHEP, exhibiting their sustainable logistics solutions at the event. Our long term collaboration with CHEP helped them roll out a global asset serialisation initiative, which guided the optimal strategy for tagging pallets with QR codes to improve visibility and reduce high metrics of waste and damage within their circular logistics network. This has saved CHEP millions in ROI, enhanced the sustainability of their network through reduced dependency on raw materials, and strengthened their decision making capabilities. CHEP now uses our digital models and data science to guide major strategic decision making.
The event clarified that AI and automation technologies will streamline supply chain processes and personalise packaging at scale, enabling quick responses to shifting market demands.
The role of data science in sustainable packaging and logistics
The need for sustainable supply chain and logistics practices is more critical than ever. The shift towards a circular economy, with innovations in biodegradable and recyclable materials, is a clear indication that the industry is on the path to reducing its environmental footprint.
However, to accelerate the journey to Net Zero, innovation, digitisation and collaboration will be key.
We’re helping large organisations leverage data science, simulation and scenario exploration to help them overcome complex supply chain and logistics challenges. Our solutions guide our clients’ strategic sustainability initiatives and unlock innovation for reduced emissions, waste reduction and closing the loop to extend product lifecycles. The insights from our digital models reveal hidden costs while improving visibility and interconnectivity across supply chain networks.
In enabling our clients to make better, informed decisions by leveraging data, they are ultimately able to drive improved CX, helping them gain competitive advantage and see a transformative ROI.
If you are interested in finding out more about how our custom technology can help you maximise the ROI of sustainability innovation for your supply chain or logistics network, email us at info@hackandcraft.com today to speak with one of our experts about how we can help you accelerate your company’s Net Zero goals!
