Evaluating Packaging Logistics Development at IKEA for Improvements in Product and Packaging Development

Abstract: Title: Evaluating packaging logistics performance at IKEA for improvements in product and packaging development Authors: Håkan Dahlborg and Carina Johnsson Supervisors: Jenny Klevås ? Division of Packaging Logistics, Department of Design Sciences, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund Caroline Bramklev ? Division of Packaging Logistics, Department of Design Sciences, Lund Institute of Technology, Lund Mattias Eriksson ? Packaging Concepts, IKEA of Sweden, Älmhult Purpose: There are two purposes of this master thesis. The first is to develop a method for evaluating different packaging solutions from a logistical Supply Chain perspective. The second is to create a checklist for the product- and packaging designers at IKEA consisting of the most significant logistical demands put on a packaging solution from a Supply Chain perspective. Method: The base of this master thesis is a case study, beginning with a descriptive approach to create an overall view of the studied Supply Chain and continuing with a normative approach since the aim of the thesis is to provide IKEA with tools to guide their packaging and product development process. Qualitative data were collected during interviews and observations as well as in questionnaires. Conclusions: An evaluation method for logistics performance ? the IKEA Packaging Scorecard ? has been developed with the prerequisites of the IKEA Supply Chain in mind. The Packaging Scorecard consists of the most critical packaging logistical factors for each part of the Supply Chain, together with weightings that express their importance. The packaging solutions can thereby be evaluated on how well they fulfil the packaging related demands placed at different stages in the IKEA Supply Chain. The method also provides the possibility to pinpoint areas of improvement for the packaging solutions as well as it functions as a tool for comparing different packaging solutions. In order to support the product and packaging development process at IKEA from a logistical point of view already at an early stage, a checklist with the most prominent packaging logistical factors emanating from the study has been presented. Keywords: Packaging Scorecard, packaging logistics, logistics, packaging, supply chain, packaging evaluation, method