Sustainable Procurement in Production: Packaging, Paper, and Standards
by Wiepa Team on Jul 09, 2026Production & Sustainability
Sustainable Procurement in Production: Packaging, Paper, and Standards
Sustainability in procurement means more than just ordering individual recycled products. Key factors include consumption, lifespan, packaging, delivery frequency, reuse, and clear product selection. Especially for regularly needed C-items, production companies can combine ecological and economic goals.
Short Answer
Sustainable procurement is achieved through fewer product variants, appropriate packaging sizes, consolidated deliveries, durable items, recycled materials, and the reuse of existing packaging. Measures should be evaluated against actual consumption.
Where are the biggest levers?
| Area | Possible Measure |
|---|---|
| Packaging | appropriate box sizes, less filling material, reuse |
| Paper | recycled paper, duplex printing and reduced misprints |
| Hygiene | dispensable systems and coordinated refills |
| Logistics | consolidate orders and reduce partial deliveries |
Analyze consumption first
A sustainable item is of little use if it is consumed unnecessarily often or discarded in excessive quantities. Therefore, companies should record quantities, waste, stock levels, and reorder cycles. Only then can it be assessed which alternative is truly sensible.
Use packaging more efficiently
- Adjust box sizes to typical shipments
- Reuse used cardboard boxes as filling material
- Standardize packing tape and films by application
- Avoid unnecessary double packaging
- Consider reusable or returnable packaging for suitable processes
With a cardboard perforator like the HSM ProfiPack, existing cardboard boxes can be reused as cushioning or filling material, depending on the operation.
Product standards instead of individual decisions
An approved core assortment makes it easier to standardize preferred materials and quality requirements. Employees don't have to compare new options with every order, and more sustainable alternatives are used more consistently.
Consolidated Deliveries
Fewer individual orders reduce packaging, deliveries, and internal goods receipt. However, consolidation should not lead to excessive inventory levels. A sensible rhythm is based on consumption and delivery time.
Typical mistakes
- Only looking at eco-labels without checking consumption
- Ordering large stocks that later become obsolete or damaged
- Managing sustainable and conventional variants in parallel without a clear rule
- Not considering delivery frequency and packaging effort
- Formulating goals but not collecting key figures
Checklist
- Record consumption and waste quantities
- Prioritize top items by quantity and cost
- Test alternatives regarding quality and lifespan
- Establish sustainable standards in the core assortment
- Optimize order and delivery rhythm
- Regularly compare results based on quantities
Frequently asked questions
Is recycled paper always the best choice?
It is often a good option, but it must match printers, application, and quality requirements. Reduced consumption remains important as well.
How can packaging waste be reduced?
Through appropriate box sizes, reuse, less filling material, and standardized packing processes.
Are consolidated deliveries automatically more sustainable?
They can reduce trips and packaging. However, the benefit depends on the delivery structure, storage, and actual demand.
Which key figures are helpful?
Consumption per period, packaging quantity, number of orders, partial deliveries, and waste provide a good basis.
Can a core assortment support sustainability goals?
Yes. It makes preferred products and materials binding and easier to order.
Procure Sustainability in Practice
Wiepa supports production companies with packaging, paper, hygiene, core assortments, and consolidated supply – with personal advice from Wiesbaden.
