Switch to Rubber Bands Saves U.S. Foodservice 11% in Shrink Wrap

August 18, 2009

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To reduce waste in its distribution facility U.S. Foodservice-Fort Mill struck upon a decidely low-tech method. Instead of using clear plastic wrap to secure all food products for delivery, the South Carolina distributor has switched to rubber bands where appropriate.

The use of rubber bands to secure smaller product loads on pallets has meant a reduction in shrink wrap by 11 percent, and a savings of nearly $8,000, according to a press release.

As an additional benefit, the rubber bands are reusable, unlike the shrink wrap, which is costly to use and results in waste for the receiver.

The rubber bands are not garden variety.

“These are not your average rubber bands,” said Dan Harris, President, U.S. Foodservice-Fort Mill. “They are about 1/16 inch thick and can stretch to fit around a pallet up to 4 feet by 4 feet. While we can’t replace shrink wrap in every situation, the decrease in plastic wrap use has been significant, amounting to reductions of more than 100,000 pounds of wrap per year.”

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