Packaging Self-Assessment Example
The following example is provided for ‘illustration purposes only’ in order to show users what the final ‘Core Challenge Summary’ output from the Packaging Self-Assessment Tool looks like.
The example provided is based on the following scenario:
- Multi-material flexible packaging (incumbent)
- mono-material flexible packaging (potential option)
User Information
Name: Bob Smith
Organization: ABC Corporation
Step 1 | Take Stock of your current packaging context
What are priorities, goals or commitments driving the need for a packaging assessment?
- ABC CORPORATION IS COMMITTED TO ENSURE OUR EXISTING AND ANY NEW PACKAGING REMAINS AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE.
What timelines must the assessment respect or aim to meet?
- WITHIN THE NEXT 24 MONTHS
Step 2 | Define the Scope of Assessment
What incumbent packaging (individual, group or category) needs to be assessed?
- MULTI-MATERIAL FLEXIBLES
What are the leading issues, concerns or challenges with the incumbent packaging under assessment?
- WE WANT TO DETERMINE WHETHER OUR EXISTING MULTI-MATERIAL FLEXIBLE PACKAGING IS RECYCLABLE, AND WHETHER THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO MAKE IT OVERALL MORE SUSTAINABLE.
Step 3 | Identify Alternative Sustainable Solutions for Assessment
What are your leading sustainable packaging options under consideration (if any)? Why?
- MONO-MATERIAL FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
What other options or alternatives could be included in this assessment? Why?
- NOT SURE
Self-Assessment Heat Map
Next Steps
Based on the above example, the next step for the User is to;
1. Address all ‘?’ responses through further research so that the ‘?’ becomes either a ‘√’ or a ‘X’. For instance, ABC Corporation could complete LCA for both incumbent and option package types; and determine if incumbent and option packages are ‘typically found as litter in the environment’ (e.g. via Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup data).
2. Once all responses are either a ‘√’ or a ‘X’, the User can now sufficiently compare the incumbent package with the potential new package option, and develop next steps/action items as part of ABC Corporation’s Sustainability Roadmap.
Overall, in this example, the mono-material flexible package option tends to be more sustainable versus the incumbent multi-material flexible package.
The Interactive Assessment Tool – Accessing the Assessment Portal
For users who wish to utilize the interactive tool, an interactive assessment portal will guide the user thru the six-step process, including responding to the core challenge questions. Users will be able to save their work in progress and return to it as needed.