Sustainable, plastic free, recyclable.
The V-LINE GROUP, international supply chain solution provider for MRO spare parts, is rethinking its packaging strategy. The company with 10 locations and more than 250 employees worldwide announced the shift to eco-friendly shipping bags and sustainable tape in the company’s warehouse in Sehnde. It’s a key step in their efforts to adopt more environmentally responsible practices.
The reason for this transformation lies in V-LINE’s long-standing awareness of the need to shift away from plastic-based materials in favor of more sustainable solutions. “You have to leave your green footprint wherever you can,” emphasizes Pascal Herr, Head of Logistics at V-LINE EUROPE. Traditional plastic tape no longer aligned with the company’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact, prompting a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives. It also reflects a proactive approach to addressing areas where change is possible as a medium-sized company. “It is important to us as a team to strive for sustainability wherever we can. With the new package materials, we also support social projects – a great add-on,” explains Warehouse Supervisor Norbert Aretz. He and Warehouse Manager Dirk Schütte and the whole team gave the initial impulses for the change. He adds: “The entire team has proactively supported this changeover!” To round it off, V-LINE also designed new shipping boxes.
Through the switch, V-LINE saves around 2,500 rolls of plastic tape and 35,000 plastic shipping bags every year. Of course, this shift wasn’t without its challenges, e.g. finding tape that meets export regulations and remains moisture-resistant and adhesive without causing packaging issues. “We have found suitable options for every packaging component and are proud that we are already using them in our day-to-day business,” explains Aretz.
Niklas Rosocha sums up: “With this move, we want to ensure that our customers not only receive quality products in the box, but also benefit from sustainable and high-quality products right from the packaging stage. Customers will already know what level of quality they can expect from the service upon delivery. Thus, we generate a positive customer experience.”
Picture (from left): Norbert Aretz, Dirk Schütte, Niklas Rosocha and Pascal Herr stand behind the new packages.
