![Sustainability at Wesfarmers_green Sustainability at Wesfarmers](/images/default-source/default-album/portrait-signature-6_green.png?sfvrsn=de6b06bb_0)
Sustainable packaging at Blackwoods
![Sustainable packaging at Blackwoods Blackwoods products display](/images/default-source/fy24-sustainability/wis-bw-packaging.tmb-large-750.png?Culture=en-AU&sfvrsn=13fae5bb_1)
Blackwoods is continuing towards meeting its sustainability targets and adhering to
Australian Packaging Covenant (APCO) guidelines by taking a more concerted,
data-driven approach to packaging.
Leveraging the data
management and system integration expertise of its Product Information
Management (PIM) team, Blackwoods has developed a preferred packaging materials
list and user-friendly data collection process that promotes more informed
decision-making about sustainable packaging solutions and helps identify areas
for sustainability improvements — while also reducing administrative burden.
The preferred packaging
materials list categorises materials based on environmental impact and
recyclability, providing clarity and guidance to teams across the organisation
involved in packaging procurement.
The data collection
template captures key packaging components essential for assessing compliance,
promoting transparency and capturing valuable insights into the packaging
materials used. The data template is then uploaded to a PIM system to allow for
Power BI reporting and customised dashboards for internal stakeholders. This
provides those involved in the packaging procurement process easy access to the
information they need to make informed decisions.
Blackwoods has
undertaken several packaging waste reduction initiatives with respect to its
exclusive brand Workhorse since it began to review and enhance its packaging
footprint in 2020.
The brand started with
multi-coloured polybags, cardboard backing in shirts, numerous product
information swing tags and desiccants for moisture protection. As of this end
of FY24, Blackwoods has eliminated all desiccants from its Workhorse range and
partnered with Micro-Pak® to package garments in low density polyethylene
(LDPE) polybags which are made from 100% recycled content and contain
moisture-controlling properties. Use of Micro-Pak® LDPE helps to deliver
garments that are clean and well protected. Though globally LDPE is considered
broadly recyclable, limitations with soft plastics recycling in Australia mean
Workhorse’s LDPE packaging cannot be classified as recyclable.
As a result, approximately 85 per cent of
Workhorse packaging is now recyclable. The Blackwoods team
continues to investigate options and progress initiatives to further improve
its packaging footprint.