Big packages, big impact
As a general rule, smaller packs tend to use more material per unit of product, as they contain a higher relative volume of packaging compared to their contents. So by choosing bulk packs, you can potentially reduce plastic consumption per kilogram or litre of product. Does that make sense so far?
To illustrate how the plastic savings achieved through large packs can have a positive impact on our environment, let’s work out the figures for you below. With this knowledge, you can sharpen your awareness of more sustainable consumption choices. Here at KoRo, we can also realise potential savings—both ecological and economic—through precise calculations.
How is the plastic savings figure for bulk packs calculated?
To calculate precisely how we can save plastic through the use of bulk packs, a systematic methodology was developed. This is divided into six steps:
1. Categorising products:
In the first step, we defined a total of eleven KoRo-related product categories, comprising a selection of typical supermarket items:
Nuts and seeds
Breakfast items
Dried fruit
Protein, superfoods and vitamins
Cheese and meat alternatives
Legumes
Spices and toppings
Rice and pasta
Snacks
Baking ingredients
Drinks
2. Identifying the bestsellers:
First, we identified the three best-selling KoRo products in each of these eleven categories. Then it was off to the scales! The packaging of these bestsellers was weighed individually to determine the exact weight of the packaging in grams.
3. Comparison to conventional products:
In the next step, we sought out three comparable products in standard sizes from high street shops for each of these three bestsellers. By standard size we mean standard retail quantities: nuts, for example, are usually available in 200g packs. To get a good benchmark, we selected several comparison products with different packaging thicknesses. Here too, only the packaging was weighed.
4. Calculating the potential savings for individual products:
Calculators out – it’s time to do some maths! We first calculated the weight differences between the empty KoRo bulk packs and the conventional product sizes individually. This involved determining the difference in packaging weight for each product. To better compare the results, all packaging weight figures were standardised to 1000 grams of contents.
5. Calculating the total savings for the sample:
The individual savings have been averaged to calculate a total value in grams and as a percentage. If you look closely at the image below, you’ll notice that our packaging sizes don’t always result in plastic savings. We’ll explain why: some items have a higher product weight. As we want to ensure the product is well protected and reaches you safely, the material thickness must also be adjusted.
However, as a rule, bulk packs allow for significant material savings. Our sample confirms this: on average, around 38% of plastic was saved.
6. Extrapolating from the sample:
Last but not least: the individual data obtained from the sample size was extrapolated to a total of 455 bulk-packaged products. The extrapolation was based on the percentage shares (number of products per category) and the average saving for each of the eleven product categories. This allows us to assume a realistic distribution based on our data. Our result: an average plastic saving of 22 grams per pack!
It may not be your field of expertise, but math isn’t that bad! Instead, it ensures we can illustrate the plastic savings achieved through the use of bulk packs with precise figures.
Big, bigger, more sustainable?
Bulk packaging can help reduce packaging material – but a product’s environmental footprint depends not only on the packaging, but on many factors. Aspects such as manufacturing, transport efficiency, resource use and the prevention of food waste play a decisive role in a product’s environmental footprint.
Our calculations regarding the reduction of packaging material through bulk packs are based on internal analyses and relate only to selected product categories. As we offer conventional sizes and trial sizes alongside bulk packs, the results cannot be applied across the board to our entire range.
Sustainability is more than just a question of size – but we are convinced that our bulk packs are a small step in the right direction.