B&Q to save 300k with reusable packaging scheme

It estimates it will save £300,000 in packaging costs if each bag is used 15 times.

The trials also found that, as well as cost savings, the Carrierpac caused less damage to the product than by using single-use corrugated boxes.

However, the commercial viability of the scheme depends on "tightly controlled" logistics and tracking.

Wrap key account manager Mike Robey said he hoped B&Q's decision to use returnable bags would encourage other firms in the sector to follow suit.

The Carrierpac consists of a woven polypropylene (PP) outer layer and an inner layer made from Correx, which is produced by Kayserberg Plastics, part of DS Smith Group.

Wrap has also worked with Argos to trial returnable bags for transporting sofas.

Wrap has appointed Frank Mulgrew as its first director for Scotland. He has been charged with setting up and running a dedicated Wrap office, to be funded by the Scottish Government, and delivering a first business plan for Scotland.

He has held senior private and public sectors positions, and was most recently consultant director of Northern Ireland's Programme Delivery Support Unit, backed by the Department of the Environment.

More information on Wrap's work on DIY packaging can be found here .

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