Mapping the usage of returnable packaging material and a proposal for improvements - A Case Study at Haldex AB in Landskrona

Abstract: Title: Mapping the usage of returnable packaging material and a proposal for improvements - a Case Study at Haldex AB in Landskrona Author: Annika Jönsson Supervisor: Enes Hasic & Anders Pålsson, Haldex AB, Landskrona Eva Berg, Department of Industrial Management and Logistics, Division of Engineering Logistics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University Examiner: Jan Olhager, Department of Industrial Management and Logistics, Division of Engineering Logistics, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University Problem description: Haldex is using both various returnable packaging solutions and some non-returnable packaging material. Investigating the packaging material flow for the main customers is needed in order to improve the flow. Returnable packaging requires controlling packaging logistics. At the moment, there is not a control system for the packaging material which makes it difficult to follow up and evaluate. Having a control system may help to have control of the reverse flow of returnable packaging material and to be able to keep track of where the stock is, in order to prevent common problems such as shrinkage of packages. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to perform a mapping of the usage of the packaging material flow and how to improve that flow at Haldex. Research questions: RQ1: How is the usage of the packaging material flow currently looking? RQ2: How should Haldex control the packaging material flow in the future? Methodology: To fulfil the purpose of the thesis, a single-case study approach has been used. Both quantitative and qualitative data coming from company documents, databases and interviews has been used for the report together with a thorough literature study. The objective of the case study was to build an understanding and foundation to conduct an analysis concerning the usage and control of packaging material flow in order to find the optimal solution for Haldex. Conclusion: The analysis identified losses of returnable packaging material for the customers that was investigated and difficulties to manage the flow. It is recommended to implement a control system to keep track of where the packages, owned by Haldex, are in the flow. A control system will increase the visibility and traceability of the packaging flow in the forward and reverse supply chain and minimize the losses of packaging material. Keywords: Supply chain, reverse supply chain, returnable packaging material, control system.