The reusable packaging association (RPA, www.choosereusables.org) has created an economic calculator to help you determine if switching to reusable packaging will save you money.

“Now more than ever, businesses are trying to reduce operating expenses, and reusable transport packaging is a proven and effective way to reduce costs,” said Bob Klimko, chairman of the RPA board and director of general industrial marketing for ORBIS Corporation (www.orbiscorp.com).

The Reusable Packaging Economic Calculator is based on a financial model that covers the key concepts in the comparison of the per container cost of both reusable and single-use packaging. The tool allows you to perform basic financial analysis to determine if your supply chain is financially conducive to reusable packaging. The calculator was developed in cooperation with StopWaste.org.