The Chicago-based seafood distributor Plitt Co. had definite goals in mind when searching for alternative containers used to ship its products. It had three objectives: provide better service to customers, improve the company's sanitation process and reduce waste in landfills.

Problems with the waxed corrugated cardboard boxes previously used inspired the change. Plitt chose a returnable, nestable tote to ship its fresh and frozen seafood products. The decision resulted in meeting all three goals and more.

One major issue with the boxes was occasional tearing of a lining.

"We have some accounts where the boxes are placed on dollies and wheeled to a kitchen or freezer," Plitt chairman Bob Sullivan says. "Although the boxes were lined, occasionally one would tear and leak all over a nice carpeted hallway." The leak-proof plastic totes solved that problem. In addition, the cardboard boxes showed wear and tear. The sleek-looking reusable totes eliminated that issue.

Customers were also displeased with disposing of the cardboard boxes. The move to totes shifted the disposal issue to one of how to handle returns. Delivery drivers now pick up and return totes to Plitt once customers empty them. "Some customers give them right back, others use the container as their storage container until the contents are emptied, and others store them in alleyways until the driver returns."

The nestability of the totes makes them easy to stack in trucks and make good use of space for Plitt. The totes provide improvements in the sanitation. Also, the company bought a commercial tote washer. Lastly, Plitt reached its goal of reducing waste in landfills. "Plastic is far superior for the environment," Sullivan says.