Retail and e-commerce – June 2023

Research on more sustainable packaging in retail
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have published a report (4.26 MB) with a detailed plan to transform product packaging and significantly cut plastic production and pollution. The research suggests a universal definition of reuse systems and assesses how all nations can move away from throw-away packaging.
A WHU paper (2.43 MB), entitled ‘Inventory dynamics at the retailer, An economic and environmental analysis of packaging fresh produce’ is published in Sustainability Analytics and Modeling. The research proposes a simulation model to investigate the effect of packaging as well as a variety of other factors on profit, waste and the environmental impact of products.
A study (2.46 MB) by researchers at the Shandong University of Science and Technology entitled ‘Research on the evolution of express packaging recycling strategy considering virtual incentives and heterogeneous subsidies’ is published in Scientific Reports.

The impact of perceived risk of online takeout packaging
A study (889 kB) by researchers at Guangzhou Xinhua University entitled ‘The impact of perceived risk of online takeout packaging and the moderating role of educational level’ is published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications.

Evaluating protact for reusable packaging
On 15 June 2023, Seline Flietstra held a speech entitled ‘The future of packaging: evaluating protact for reusable packaging‘ as part of her master assignment at the University of Twente. Chairman of the assessment committee was prof. Roland ten Klooster who holds the NVC Chair Packaging Design and Management.

Digital printing for the e-commerce market
In a recent article, Smithers print consultant Dr Sean Smyth discusses digital printing for the e-commerce market. Digital printing is offering faster turnarounds, reduced waste and more profitable short runs. Dr Sean Smyth gives insight into the key drivers and trends, and industry outlook for the next five years.

ISTA test protocol for e-commerce retailer fulfilment systems
ISTA has released a new testing protocol that will allow companies to simulate the many hazards encountered when product orders are shipped directly to consumers through the e-commerce retailer fulfilment systems. ISTA 3L allows users to evaluate a packaged product’s capability to withstand the supply chain hazards experienced when transporting and handling packaged-products from receipt into any e-commerce retailer fulfilment operation through to the end consumer.

Dutch consumers are adjusting their buying behaviour
Research (in Dutch, 139 kB) by ABN AMRO (in Dutch) shows that due to steep price increases in supermarkets, Dutch consumers are adjusting their buying behaviour. They are not only paying extra attention to price, but are also buying less. To save money, consumers say they waste less food, cook simpler dishes and eat less meat or fish at home.
 

NVC members receive this information with all the relevant links in the monthly NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411