CHEP and IFCO sponsor first-annual Reusable Packaging Forum

In late April, packaging professionals from around the country gathered in Chicago for a two-day forum centered around industry collaboration and solving the unique challenges related to reusable packaging. Attendees of the forum had an opportunity to hear real-world examples, experiences and best practices from peers in similar industries.

CHEP was one of several sponsors of the two-day event, providing the opening night reception in a joint effort with sister company IFCO. As part of the Brambles family of companies, CHEP and IFCO provide pooled container and supply chain solutions for a variety of industries including the food, beverage and automotive sectors. A diverse array of packaging suppliers were represented at the forum with poolers, 3PLs and plastics manufacturers, as well as a mix of end users of returnable packaging.

“The collective expertise at the forum provided a unique opportunity for users of reusables to gain tips on cost reduction, creating leaner operations and really maximizing the benefits of their returnable packaging,” said Chris Bomgaars, director of sales and marketing at the containers division of CHEP North America, “Building momentum for future events of this kind and encouraging end user participation would be advantageous for the industry as a whole.”

Subject-matter expert panelists presented and fielded questions on several common reusable packaging issues. The forum topics included:
● Best Practices for Implementing Reusable Supply Chain Solutions
● The Business Case for Reusable Packaging
● Controlling Reusable Assets and Preventing Loss

These sessions allowed constructive back-and-forth dialogue, fostering a collaborative environment where participants were able to raise their own issues and receive expert feedback on the spot to take back to their businesses.