The many benefits of returnable packaging usually include significant cost savigs over traditional packaging. Even though returnable packaging systems are initially more expensive, the cost break-even point as compared to expendable packaging usually occurs in one to two years. Since product cycles usually average from three to five years, many manufacturers have found that their packaging budgets have become profit centers. Because of this difference, returnable packaging usually is treated as a capital investment instead of an expense. And as a company's products change, the returnable packaging often can be redesigned to work with the new products at a significant cost savings.
Another benefit of returnable packaging is better
protecetion of the products during shipment. These systems are stronger, more stable,
water and chemical resistant, cleaner and offer more reliable design options. In addition,
the materials used to manufacture these systems can be anti-static, conductive, or possess
ultra-violet inhibitors, anti-skid coatings, or other specialized characteristics. The
other major factor that companies consider is the environmental benefits. Instead of
filling landfills with expendable packaging materials, which is unfriendly to the
environment and expensive, returnable packaging has a long life and ultimately the
materials can usually be recycled.