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Building Better Behaviors to Reduce Reusable Packaging Loss

Andrew Resler VP Supply Chain Solutions, Rehrig Pacific.png
                                                     
 
Have you ever misplaced your car keys, even though you were sure you left them on the counter? It’s a familiar experience for most of us. Over time, we develop strategies to make finding our keys more predictable—like placing a “key bowl” on the counter or hanging a key rack by the door.
 
While the bowl or rack alone won’t solve the problem, consistently placing your keys there for a few weeks creates a habit, ensuring your keys are where you expect them to be. With some effort, you can even get others in your household to follow the same system, creating a reliable method for finding keys when needed. This simple practice of setting expectations and forming habits can lead to great results in a short amount of time.
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So, what does this have to do with reusable packaging loss? The same strategy that helps you keep track of your keys can be scaled to drive positive habits and behaviors that ensure your reusable assets (pallets, bins, totes, crates, etc.) remain where you need them. While we won’t use bowls and racks to manage reusable assets, we can apply the same basic principles to create awareness, set expectations, and foster habits that yield predictable outcomes. Let’s explore a few practices that have proven effective in creating more reliable systems.

Create Awareness
Whether you’re transitioning to reusable platforms from single-use packaging or looking to improve the performance of your existing system, start by raising awareness among your team and supply chain partners. Communicate any changes or challenges clearly to all relevant stakeholders. Tailor your message to specific departments or roles, particularly those with the most influence over key metrics like loss, dwell, damage, and placement. Ensuring everyone understands the expectations can quickly align your team and improve performance.
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Visuals
To reinforce awareness and shape behaviors, consider placing visuals (posters, signs, floor markings, etc.) throughout your supply chain as constant reminders. Simple signs with clear examples and instructions can guide your team and make decision-making easier. By strategically placing visuals at critical touchpoints, you can improve placement, sorting, inspection, cleanliness, and more. This will ultimately strengthen your reusable packaging system.

 

Develop Training Programs

As with any core process, some level of training is required to develop the skills and awareness necessary to perform tasks effectively. The good news is you likely already have role-specific training in place, so most of the groundwork is done. When evaluating your supply chain for reusable packaging, pay attention to what each role needs to know to achieve your desired performance. Incorporate this into your existing training programs to ensure your team is set up for success.

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Audit and Reinforce

We’ve all heard the saying, “What gets measured, gets done.” It’s a simple yet powerful idea. After creating awareness, establishing visuals, and training your team, take the time to observe the system in action. Recognize and reinforce positive behaviors, coach where necessary, and solicit feedback. This gives you the opportunity to refine your Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle and address any areas that are not meeting expectations.

Focus on the “Last Mile”

When it comes to developing these behaviors, the critical touchpoints often lie between your distribution center, drivers, and retail partners—what we call the “last mile.” Simple communication, visuals, and expectation setting in the last mile are key to completing your reusable loop. Believe it or not, sometimes drivers and store owners are unaware that reusable packaging needs to be returned. Never assume. Make sure expectations are clearly set and consistently followed up on to keep your assets moving.

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By applying these basic steps, you can positively influence all aspects of your supply chain performance, from loss rates, dwell times, to overall financials. Just like with your keys, a simple system and consistent follow-through can yield significant results and reduce frustration. If you’re unsure where or how to start, rely on Rehrig Pacific! We are your trusted supply chain partners, committed to delivering solutions that move your business forward.

                                                         

Andrew Resler.jpg Author: Andrew Resler, Vice President of Sales, Supply Chain Solutions