UPS Evaluates Shipping Packages for Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Sustainable Packaging for Parcel Delivery Service

Eco Responsible Packaging Program by UPS

• Damage prevention
• Right-sizing
• Packaging materials

UPS uses more than 15 packaging test machines to measure and evalute sustainability metrics of packaging solutions. Among them are compression testers, vibration tables, impact/drop testing, and a temperature/humidity chamber.

Key Testing Standards Used at the UPS Package Evaluation Facility

Intl. Safe Transit Assn. | Procedure 3A ~ which is a general simulation test for individual packaged products shipped through a parcel delivery system. This test evaluates four different package types: standard, small, flat, and elongated packages.

ASTM Intl. | D4169 ~ ASTM describes D4169-09 as a standard practice for performance testing of shipping containers and systems.

UPS's assessment methodology and processes are verified by Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS), an inspection, verification, testing, and certification company.

The evaluation will assess the customer's transport packaging systems and procedures, rather than product packaging found on retail shelves. The program only takes into account the transportation (secondary) packaging that a company uses. UPS will not evaluate manufacturer's product packaging included within the secondary container; instead, it will consider the sustainability of a company's shipment packaging processes for the secondary box.

The contractual-based service is available to customers who commit to sustainable packaging solutions. Pricing is determined on a project basis and the program is conducted by the UPS Package Engineering Group.

READ MORE at GreenerPackage.com