C-Suite Interview: Bill Ash, President at ORBIS Corporation

Modern: What would you say is the most important takeaway from PACK EXPO 2021?

Bill Ash: It was great to see the optimism and momentum around the topic of supply chain sustainability. Coming out of the show, it’s clear that there’s a strong focus on environmental sustainability in the supply chain, while simultaneously driving costs out. Companies are making the connection between reusable packaging (e.g., pallets, totes, dunnage, etc.) and how it reduces their impact on the environment.

There was a lot of talk around the circularity of reusable packaging, enabling users to reduce waste, reuse packaging and recycle it at the end of its useful life, with zero impact to the solid waste stream. Companies are clearly looking to make the switch from single-use boxes and wood pallets to a reusable packaging model.

To help companies make the switch, ORBIS conducts environmental audits to compare and measure the environmental impacts of single-use packaging compared with reusable packaging. We show companies, in an unbiased way, the impact that reusable packaging can have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide, energy usage and solid waste to help them make data-driven decisions.

At the same time, we also offer ROI studies to demonstrate the financial savings over time to help companies make balanced business decisions. We continue to see that sustainability now weighs more heavily on supply chain decisions.

Modern: What are the three key market trends as we continue to roll through recovery and into 2022?

Bill Ash:

1. Supply chain resilience – In the face of transportation, labor and supply hurdles, companies want to move their product faster, safer, and more cost-effectively and sustainably in today’s supply chain. The challenges lie in creating a supply chain that can withstand these hurdles and be agile in the face of rapid change.
2. Distribution center, fulfillment center and warehouse automation – Consumer demand for goods is up across the board. Companies are turning to automation in their operations to improve the flow of product. This is driving a rising need for dimensionally consistent totes and pallets. Reusable packaging ensures repeatable performance and prevents system downtime due to irregular packaging.
3. Workforce changes are afoot – As newer generations enter the workforce, companies are being asked to be more innovative and progressive. The emphasis on corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship is greater than ever.

Modern: How has your organization positioned itself to help warehouse and DC management operations prepare for future growth?

Bill Ash: As supply chain optimization and environmental sustainability intersect, companies are looking for innovations that address both. As ORBIS celebrates its 25th anniversary, it is so exciting to see companies evolve with these trends. Our goal is to continue to listen to companies and collaborate on initiatives that are going to help them meet their business goals. 

As companies continue reflecting on their supply chain processes, they are willing to make meaningful change to drive growth, improve profitability and reduce their impact on the planet. It’s an exciting time, and the future holds great opportunities to really make a difference.

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