Welcome To
The Bottom Line

SRM Perspectives on Key Industry Trends

How to Navigate Outbound Freight: It’s Much More than Getting Goods from Here to There

Posted by Mark Mrva on Jun 16, 2019 3:00:00 PM

Read More

Topics: Manufacturing, Technology, Freight,, transport

Going Green or Gathering Boxes? The Latest Packaging Dilemma

Posted by Jim Kurtz on Jun 5, 2019 11:41:23 AM

Going Green or Gathering Boxes

Remember the days when ecommerce was just starting out and online shopping was viewed as the green option? Rather than idling on gridlocked roads belching exhaust fumes en route to the mall, consumers could complete a few mouse clicks from the comfort of their desk chairs and merchandise would magically appear at their doorstep.

Those promises of convenience have largely played out; the environmental benefits are a murkier picture, however. Look no further than curbside on recycling day for evidence of this new shopping model. Increasingly, instead of 30 widgets packed in one box going to retailers, 30 separate boxes are going directly to consumers – even when consumers place orders for multiple items. Does the carbon footprint of added cardboard and bubble wrap outweigh the reduced auto emissions? The answer isn’t as tidy as initially thought.

Read More

Topics: Paper, Packaging