Packaging guide for FMCG? - Logistikprogrammet · 2012-01-23 · Packaging guide for FMCG From manufacturer to consumer Foreword Why do we need a Packaging guide for FMCG (Fast Moving

Why do we need a Packaging guide for FMCG? For

many years, the package has had threemain purposes: to protect and seal the products,

to be a bearer for the brand and to be an informationcarrier to the consumer.

In recent decades, the package has also developed intoone of the cornerstones of efficient logistics. The flow of goods

and information from manufacturer to consumer has becomeincreasingly complex, which affects those who sell and supplypackaged goods. The design of the package, both physically and interms of information, is now a decisive factor as regards whether aproduct can function in the flow of goods and information.

The Packaging guide for FMCG contains answers to many ofthe questions that need to be asked during the design and for-mation of new packages or the adjustment of existing ones.The Packaging guide for FMCG has been produced in close

collaboration between representatives of the groceryindustry. InitiaThe author is ECR Sweden (Efficient

Consumer Response), which is owned by DLF(Grocery Manufacturers of Sweden) and

SDH (Swedish Food & Drink Re-tailers’ Federation).

Packaging guidefor FMCG

From manufacturer to consumer

N ALSO BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET: www.ecr.se



ECR SwedenBox 1178 • SE-111 91 StockholmSweden Tel: +46 (0)8 - 501 010 62Fax: +46 (0)8 - 501 010 01 E-mail:[email protected] www.ecr.se

What is ECR?ECR’s (Efficient Consumer Response) is workingtogether to fulfil the consumer wishes better,faster and at less cost. ECR consequently focuseson the consumers and on working together.

The concept was born at the beginning ofthe 1990s in the USA in response to the marketconditions: low growth, stiff competition,consumer pressure, development of new saleschannels, new highly efficient players on themarket and the traditional way that retailer/manufacturer views the other party as anopponent, which led to high costs. The indus-try’s players concentrated more on doing busi-ness than on satisfying the needs of the con-sumers.

ECR is all about creating a holistic approachto the entire value chain: supplier, manufacturer,retailer, consumer. Benefit for the consumer areECR’s guiding-star. All the work is aimed at in-creasing efficiency and effectiveness in the flowof products and information and creating addedvalue for the consumer. ECR is divided into thetwo main areas,: demand and supply, as well astools for a common standard for data and com-munications and for planning. The improve-ment concepts on the demand side include opti-

ECR Sweden holds the exclusive entitlement to make changes in the text. ECR Sweden reserves the right to duplicate the text for commercial use.

Grocery Manufacturers ofSweden (DLF)

DLF is a trade association of approximately 180 membercompanies who produce and import the majority of allgoods sold in Sweden’s grocery stores. Its task is to helpcreate favourable conditions for grocery manufacturerswho market products on the Swedish (grocery) market,thus enabling them to efficiently provide consumerbenefits. Another important task is to promote the in-terests of DLFs members when representing them be-fore retailers, authorities and politicians on issues ofgeneral concern to the industry.www.dlf.se

Swedish Food & DrinkRetailers’ Federation (SDH)

SDH is an alliance of the trading companies AxfoodSweden, ICA Sweden, Coop Norden Sweden andBergendahlsGruppen. The purpose is to satisfy theinterests of consumers. In addition, SDH will co-ordinate and optimise the grocery trade’s invest-ments in non-competetive areas of development.SDH works in three areas: Product safety, Economicpolicy and Logistics.www.dagligvaror.se

WORKING GROUP

The Packaging guide for FMCG has been produced by a working group appointed by ECR Sweden comprising the following individuals:

Lars Bernhardsson, ICA Sweden, Per-Arne Gustafsson, Metsä Tissue, Ingemar Hansson, ECR Sweden, Anita Kasselstrand, Procordia Food, Mia Lenman, EAN Sweden, Ivan Lundmark, Axfood Sweden, Mikael Moberg, BergendahlsGruppen, Bert Rosenquist, Sardus,

Christina Stockinger, ICA Sweden, Anders Vesterblom, Coop Norden Sweden.

ISSUED BY: ECR Sweden, Box 1178, SE-111 91 Stockholm, Sweden

Tel: +46 (0)8 - 501 010 62, Fax: +46 (0)8 - 501 010 01, E-mail: [email protected], www.ecr.se

EDITING AND LAYOUT: Kerstin Fahlskog and Cati Galli

ILLUSTRATIONS: Dick HolstPRINTING: EO Print

mise the assortments, product introductionsand promotions. Examples within the supplyside include demand-driven replenishment andproduction.

What is ECR Sweden?The ECR concept has spread around theworld. ECR Europe was established in 1994.Two years later ECR Sweden was established.Head of ECR Sweden are DLF (GroceryManufacturers of Sweden) and SDH (SwedishFood & Drink Retailers’ Federation). ECRSweden’s Board members are appointed in equalnumber by DLF and SDH.

ECR Sweden’s overall duties and goals are:• to spread knowledge about ECR to all

players within the Swedish grocery industry• to take the initiative and assist in industry

activities within the ECR field and to carryout investigations and projects, when com-petition–neutral conditions exist.

• to conduct training courses, seminars andconferences under the name ECR-FORUMfor all levels in the companies in the industry.

For further information, see www.ecr.se



Foreword

Why do we need a Packaging guide for FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)?For many years, the package has had three main purposes:

• to protect and seal the products• to be a bearer for the brand• to be an information carrier to the consumer.

In recent decades, the package has also developed into one of the cor-nerstones of efficient logistics. This means that the package must bothcarry more information of benefit for distribution from manufacturer toconsumer, as well as fit in with more rational physical handling. The flowof goods and information from manufacturer to consumer has become in-creasingly complex, which affects those who sell and supply packagedgoods. Additional wishes and demands are placed on and by the playerson the market.

The Packaging guide for FMCG is intended to provide guidelines forthe formation and design of new packages or the adjustment of existingones. The Packaging guide deals with various packages as a whole, wherethe consumer package is one part of this whole from manufacturer to the shop shelf and the store checkout. The whole comprises consumerpackages, outer packages, multiunit packages and pallets. However, thePackaging guide does not deal with the consumer package from a strictconsumer perspective, such as storage and how it is handled in the home.At the end of Part I there is a glossary and useful website addresses.

Part II of the Packaging guide contains checklists to be used duringthe process when developing new packages or adjusting existing ones.The use of checklists creates the right conditions for the package’shandling through all the stages from manufacturer to shop shelf andconsumer. It is important that all the checklists are checked off, ir-respective of the package type in question.

The Packaging guide for FMCG has been produced in close collabora-tion between the various representatives of the grocery industry. Theauthor of the guide is ECR Sweden.

The packaging guide can be found on ECR Sweden’s websitewww.ecr.se, where any updates will subsequently be displayed. It is possible to print the entire guide or individual checklists fromthe website.

ECR Sweden Board

ContentsPart IChapter 1 – Broad holistic approach and the focus on the consumer 3 – 7

What can happen

Guidelines

Requirements and wishes

The package as an information carrier

Chapter 2 – Consumer packages 8 – 9Durable labelling and exposure

Chapter 3 – Outer packages 10 – 12Labelling

Ease of opening and exposure

Chapter 4 – Multiunit packages 13Labelling

Chapter 5 – Pallets 14 – 16Creating a pallet

Chapter 6 – Modular system 17 – 18Efficient flow of goods based on modules

Chapter 7 – Labelling 19 – 22EAN article numbers and bar codes

Choosing numbering principle

EAN bar codes

Choice of bar code

Printing quality for bar codes

Correct information

The bar code’s location

Chapter 8 – Trade Item Declaration 23What do Trade Item Declarations have to do with the package?

The key to information

How does this work?

Glossary 24 – 26

Web addresses 26

Part IIChecklists 27 – 31

Consumer packages (CP)

Outer packages (OP)

Multiunit packages (MP)

Pallets

T1

This chapter gives a general explanation ofthe flow of goods from manufacturer to con-sumer, information about this flow and thepackage types on which the system is based:

• Consumer package

• Outer package

• Multiunit package

• Pallet

A central factor in the development of newpackages and when reviewing existing ones isto have a broad holistic approach.

The focus must be on the consumer at alltimes. At the same time, all requirements andwishes from manufacturer through to consumermust be considered and taken into account inthe decisions that are taken. The packagemust be rational and effective to transportand handle, it must be informative and pro-mote sales in the store, and it must be func-tional for the consumer. The package mustprotect and preserve the product from manu-facturer to consumer. For some goods, it canalso contribute to extending the shelf life.The package is also an important handlingaid, which must function on loading palletsand in containers.

PACKAGING GUIDE FOR FMCG — ISSUED 01 .01 .2005 — PART I 3

Chapter

Broad holistic approach and the focus on the consumer

PART I

The package’s function as product protectionand handling aid from manufacturer to storeand consumer.

4 PACKAGING GUIDE FOR FMCG — ISSUED 01 .01 .2005 — PART I

In short, handling can be described as fol-lows:

The package manufacturer supplies themanufacturer with packaging material orprepackages. The manufacturer fills the goodsinto the consumer packages, often directly inconnection with the production line.

Occasionally, both package manufactureand filling take place as part of the produc-tion process. An example of such a process ismilk. The consumer packages are then pack-aged in outer packages, either returnable ornon-returnable crates, which are stacked on aloading pallet. The outer package can also bea pallet.

When the outer package or the productcannot be stacked directly on loading pallets,a multiunit package solution is used. This is

What can happen

either a returnable or a non-returnable crate,which is open or easy to open at the top andwhich can be stacked on a pallet. The palletis sent to a warehouse, and then on to a dis-tribution centre or directly to the store. It isimportant to remember that goods are oftenhandled in several different stages beforethey reach the store. Throughout the distrib-ution chain, the pallets are handled usingforklift trucks. Order picking takes place inthe distribution centre, and the outer pack-ages are placed in roller containers or onloading pallets for transport to the store.When designing both consumer and outerpackages, it is important to take into consid-eration the fact that the goods are handledmany times on their way from manufacturerto the shelf in the store, and from there to the

For the flow of goods and information, stan-dards are issued by organisations such as theISO (International Standardisation Organisa-tion) and SIS (Swedish Standards Institute)(www.sis.se). A basic module measuring 600x 400 mm has been developed by SIS in col-laboration with the grocery industry. Thismodule has been a guiding influence in thedesign of all types of package. These variouspackages will therefore fit on the pallet irre-spective of whether they measure 800 x 1200mm or 1000 x 1200 mm. The latter size oc-curs in some European countries.

When developing new packages, a numberof different factors have to be taken into con-sideration. One of the most important is tocheck the sizes of the various package types.The consumer package should be designed sothat the outer package and pallet are well


filled. In order for the flow of information tofunction, a set of rules has been produced byEAN (www.ean.se). EAN article numbers andEAN bar codes must be present on consumerpackages and outer packages. Pallets and,where applicable, multiunit packages musteach have their own EAN article number foridentification in TID (Trade Item Declara-tion), see chapter 8 Trade Item Declaration.Pallets must be marked with EAN pallet la-bels. These labels contain for example infor-mation about the number of outer packagesand their EAN article number. Using scannerreading and/or transfer of messages via EDI,various functions in the flow of informationand goods, such as acceptance checks, can berationalised.

There are also sector agreements and re-commendations for e.g. Trade Item Declara-tions (TID) (www.ean.se) and for palletheight.

Guidelines

RESTRICTIONSThe Packaging guide for FMCG dealswith various packages as a whole, wherethe consumer package is one part of thiswhole from manufacturer to the shelf inthe store and the store checkout. It dealswith the package’s function, but not itsenvironmental load. The guide does notdeal with the consumer package from astrict consumer perspective, such as stor-age and how it is handled in the home.

EXEMPTIONSIn special circumstances, exemptions fromstandard, sector-wide agreements or similarcan be justified. One example might be ifthe saving or the efficiency gain in onestage exceeds the corresponding negativeeffects in other stages. Agreements can thenbe reached between the parties in question.

consumer. The same applies to the choice ofpackage type, such as bottle or tray, andwhen choosing the packaging material andthe thickness of the material.

The outer package is often made of corru-gated board or plastic. These materials workin existing recycling and return systems. Forthe consumer package, materials such as card-board, plastic, glass and sheet metal are used.If food comes into contact with plastic pack-

aging material, this should be approved byNormpack (www.packforsk.se). The choice ofmaterial for consumer and outer packageshould be made on the basis of the total envi-ronmental load being as little as possible.

The stresses can be great. It is thereforeimportant to view the consumer package andits outer package as a single unit that must beable to cope with all the handling right up tothe shop shelf.

NOTE! The Packaging

guide is intended toprovide guidelines for theformation and design of

new packages and the ad-justment of existing

ones.


THE MANUFACTURER• The packaging costs must be as low as

possible.

• Consumer and outer packages must beeasy to fill and seal.

THE HAULIER• Pallet overhang can cause damage to

goods and should therefore be avoided.

• Clear marking on the pallets, in accor-dance with the applicable regulations.

• Two pallets on top of each other, with apallet height of not more than 1250 mmincluding the loading pallets, give lowertransport costs.

THE DISTRIBUTION CENTRE• Outer packages and pallets must be easy

to identify, both in plain text and withbar codes.

• The bar code must be printed with clearcontrasts in order that it can be readwith a scanner.

• It must be possible for various outerpackages to be mixed in a roller con-tainer or on a loading pallet, withoutthe goods sustaining damage.

• The outer packages must be modularlyadapted to provide the greatest degreeof filling in the roller container or onthe loading pallet.

• A maximum weight of 15 kg applies forouter packages that will be picked/han-dled manually, unless otherwise agreedby the affected parties.

THE STORE• The outer package must be marked so

that it is easy to identify the content.

• The bar codes on both the outer pack-age and the consumer package must besufficiently clear that they can be readusing a scanner.

• The outer package must be easy toopen.

• When the outer package is a tray, theedge must be sufficiently high that theconsumer packages are securely heldonce the outer package has beenopened.

• Sales-promotional information on theconsumer package must be clearly visi-ble, even when the package is standingin a tray on the shelf.

• The number of consumer packages in an outer package should be adapted so that the degree of filling is optimised, at the same time as the store turn-over for the article is sufficiently quick.

THE CONSUMER• The information on

the package must be easy to read.

• The consumer package must be easy toopen and to use.

Requirements and wishes

The flow of goods and information includes many stages, and in eachstage there are players that have requirements and wishes regardingthe package. These vary depending on the product and the relevantstage in the chain. Everything that is done is for the consumer’s best.Here are a few examples:


In each stage of the flow of goods, the packageplays an important role as an information car-rier. The consumer package, outer package,multiunit package and pallet are all informa-tion carriers, but in different ways. The infor-mation occurs both in the form of articlenumbers and bar codes, in accordance withEAN’s regulations, as well as in the form ofplain text. The EAN labelling is one of thepreconditions for rationalising operations,both internally and between various players.

EAN article numbers and EAN bar codeson outer packages and pallets are a means ofachieving logistical efficiency throughoutthe entire distribution chain. For example,this is a way of facilitating acceptance checksand ensuring that the right pallets are en-tered into and removed from the warehouse. It can ensure that the right outer packagesare picked from the pallet and invoiced.

The consumer package can carry the de-claration of ingredients, instructions for users,best-before-date and information aboutwhom the consumer should contact for fur-ther information about the product. The con-sumer package must be supplied with anEAN bar code. This is registered at the check-out in the store to provide the consumer withinformation about the price of the product.

Scanner reading in stores (POS data, Pointof Sale) forms the basis for payment and salesstatistics. For example, it can be used to eval-uate how well a product launch has succeededor to check sales trends in total or for individ-ual articles.

The direct exchange of POS data between

trading companies and their suppliers in-creases the potential to evaluate campaigns.In addition, POS data can be used to help ra-tionalise the flow of goods.

The bar code’s legibility and location onthe consumer and outer packages as well as onpallets are important. The printing must be ofa sufficiently high quality that the bar codecan be read off using a scanner even after thepackage and the pallet have been handledthrough the entire distribution chain.

In addition to being used for identification,the information contained on the packagecan also be used for traceability and formarking origin.

One piece of the jigsaw for an efficientflow of goods and information is the exis-tence of a Trade Item Declaration (TID) for apackage. This contains information aboutlength, width, height, the number of con-sumer packages in an outer package, thenumber of outer packages on a loading pal-let, whether the outer package is a slottedcrate or a wrap-around package, etc.

The package as an information carrier

The bar code’s legibility and location are important.


T

Consumer packages

2Chapter

is reduced and the logistical efficiency is im-paired. A reduced degree of filling affects therisk of damage to goods when pallets areplace on top of one another. The store’s fix-tures and fittings are another important fac-tor to take into consideration. Store shelvesare adapted to the basic module, which mea-sures 600 x 400 mm.

The consumer package must promote salesof the product through an attractive designand décor, as well as protecting and preserv-ing the product.

Examples of other factors to take intoconsideration when designing a consumerpackage include product information, sizeof the package and whether it is easy to openand reseal. The consumer package’s outer di-mensions are important. Along with theouter package, these must be adapted to theModular system (see chapter 6, Modular sys-tem). Consideration must be given to thematerial thickness of the outer package. Ifthe outer packages do not fill the loadingpallets bottom surface, the degree of filling

Other names for con-sumer packages can in-clude:

• Consumer Unit

• CoP

• C-pack

• Primary package

• Multiple pack

• Multipack

There are many consumer package variants.


The labelling on the consumer package mustinclude EAN bar code and information inplain text, for example the declaration of in-gredients. If the package contains goods thatare hazardous to health or the environment,separate labelling is also required. The barcode label must be legible all the way frommanufacturer to store checkout. It must bepossible to read other labelling throughoutthe lifetime of the package, i.e. at least as longas that stipulated by the best-before date.

If the package is on a tray, the labellingmust be clearly visible above the edge of thetray. The edge of the tray must be sufficientlyhigh that the consumer packages are securelyheld, but not so high that it conceals informa-tion about the product in the package.

The size of the package should be adaptedto the space on the store shelf for the productgroup in question.

The consumer package’s bottom surfaceand height should be adapted to the store’sfixtures and the shelf space in the store forthe product group in question. The con-sumer and outer packages must be designedso that they can be displayed as a unit. Itmust also be possible to display the con-sumer package separately.

Durable labelling and exposure

Do the consumer and outer pack-ages fit on the store’s shelves?

400 – 500

600

900


I3Chapter

In many cases the outer package is the sameas an orderable unit. Outer packages areavailable in many variants.

The most important task for the outerpackage is to protect and hold the consumerpackages together until they reach the shopshelf. The outer package must be adapted sothat it can easily be picked, handled, stored,loaded and unloaded on the way from manu-facturer to store, where it must be easy to open.

Other names for outer packages can include:

• S-pack

• ReP

• Display pallet

• Case

• Secondary package

• SKU

• Trade Unit

Outer packages

Outer packages areavailable in many vari-ants.

EAN recommends bar code labelling on atleast one side. In cases where labelling is onlyon one side, the principal rule applies, name-ly to employ strict orientation when placingthe outer packages on the pallets. This meansthat the packages must be positioned so thatthe bar codes are facing in the same directionas one of the two pallet labels (see Strict ori-entation www.ecr.se).

The bar code must be of at least such aprinting quality that it is legible all the wayuntil the outer package is broken.

If other information in addition to thearticle number is to be built in, bar codeEAN 128 must be used.


The pallet that comes from the manufactur-er is normally split in the distributioncentre. Goods from other manufacturers areloaded together here. The goods are loadedtogether in roller containers or on loadingpallets.

Labelling

The outer package must be supplied with in-formation in plain text, EAN article numberand EAN bar code, see chapter 7, Labelling.In addition to this there can be informationabout e.g. the manufacturers article number,the number of consumer packages in theouter package, the best-before date and thebatch number. If the package contains goodsthat are hazardous to health or the environ-ment, separate labelling is required.

Roller container. Picking pallet.

Display unit.

Example of strictorientation of outer packages onloading pallet.

Display half-pallet.

During the development work on new pack-ages, it is important to work on the basis ofthe applicable modular system. This is de-scribed in greater detail in chapter 6, Modu-lar system.

It is important for the outer package to bemodularly adapted so as to facilitate loadingtogether, and to ensure that it can withstandthe stresses that such handling entails. Amaximum weight of 15 kg applies for outerpackages that will be picked and handledmanually, unless otherwise agreed by the af-fected parties.

Other types of outer package include dis-play pallets and display units.


Exposure using the outer package is com-mon, for example in one of Svenska Re-tursystem’s returnable crates (www.retursys-tem.se) or in a non-returnable crate. If theouter package is used in conjunction with ex-posure in the store, the design is important.Simple and clear opening instructions,preferably with illustrations, must be pre-sent. If the opening device comprises teartape, it is important that it does not damageany décor or labelling. Tear tape and perfora-tion must be designed in such a way thatthey work well. Outer packages that are per-ceived as difficult to open are often openedwith a knife. This increases the risk of dam-age to the consumer packages.

Shrink film that is applied too tightlyaround a tray containing consumer packagescan cause them to deform.

An opened outer package should be de-signed so that it can be placed directly on theshelf in the store to display the goods. Thealternative is for the individual consumerpackages to be picked out and placed indi-vidually on the shelf.

If you use a tray for exposure on the shopshelf, it is important for it to be stable. Theconsumer packages must stand securely inthe tray when they are placed on the shelf. Atthe same time, the edge of the tray must notbe so high that it obscures information onthe consumer package.

Ease of opening and exposure

It is important to have simple, clear openinginstructions on the outer package.


M

Multiunit packages

4Chapter

Other names for multiunitpackages can include:

• Wholesale package

• Handling unit

• Transport package

Multiunit packages can be used for a range ofdifferent outer packages, which due to theirshape can be difficult to stack on loadingpallets. The multiunit package is often inthe form of crate with an open top or that hasa top that is easy to open.

This is because the goods are commonlypicked out at the distribution centre, wherethey are then loaded together with otherproducts that the store has ordered. Whenchoosing a multiunit package, it is thereforenot necessary to give consideration to dis-playing in the store.

Labelling

The multiunit package does not need to belabelled as the only task of this package typeis to hold a number of outer packages to-gether. It should not be possible to order orsubsequently sell the package as a singleunit. However, the multiunit package musthave its own EAN number in order to beidentified and stored in various databases.

Multiunit package. Svenska Retursystem’s returnable crate.

Non-returnable multiunit packages.


TPallets

5Chapter

Note! The word pallet refersto loading pallets with goods.

Other common names for pal-lets can include:

• Unit load

• Dispatch Unit

• Tertiary package

• Unit load

The following types of loading pallet areapproved by the Swedish grocery industry:• Svenska Retursystem’s plastic half size

loading pallet, 600 x 800 mm(www.retursystem.se).

• Paletten’s plastic full size loading pallet, 800 x 1200 mm (www.retursystem.se).

• EUR-pallet — full size loading pallet, 800 x 1200 mm, SS-EN 13698-1(www.sis.se).

• EUR-half size loading pallet, 600x800 mm,SS 84 20 04 (www.sis.se).

• CHEP pallets in full and half size loadingpallet format (www.chep.com).

Loading pallets in the 600 x 800 mm formatshould be considered as part of an outer package.

If, in exceptional cases, non-returnablepallets are used, these must be adapted to theSIS dimensions.

In order to handle, transport and storeouter packages in the flow of goods, load car-riers are required.

Three different types of pallet — loadingpallets loaded with packages — can be created:• Unmixed full pallet• Layer pallet• Mixed pallet

Paletten’s plastic full size loading pallet.

Svenska Retursystem’splastic half size loadingpallet.

Loading pallets in accordance with SIS.

1200

800

600 800

600

800

800

1200


Examples of various pallets.

The unmixed full pallet corresponds to theTrade Item Declaration basic configurationand is loaded with the same article numberon all outer packages.

The layer pallet is a split unmixed fullpallet, i.e. a loading pallet, that is loaded

with one or more layers with the same articlenumber on the outer packages. The mixedpallet comprises a loading pallet loaded withouter packages with different article num-bers.


• The pallet built up of packages must bestable and easy to handle.

• Each layer must contain the same numberof outer packages. Does not apply toMixed pallets.

• For technical transport and distributionreasons, the height of 1250 mm is recom-mended, including the loading pallet.This makes it possible to utilise the goodsvehicle’s maximum internal loadingheight.

Pallet shelves in many warehouses arebuilt for a pallet height of 1250 mm.This pallet height is also good from anergonomic perspective during manualpicking work.

Creating a pallet

• For pallets handled via distributioncentres, a maximum weight of 1,000 kgapplies, including loading pallet andpackages.

• When the pallet is to be labelled withEAN pallet labels, this must take placewith two identical labels containing barcode and information in plain text. Theplain text information must include themanufacturer’s article number, productname, etc., so that the pallet can easily beidentified. The bar code should be of asufficient quality that it is legible with ascanner right up until the pallet is broken.If the pallet contains goods that arehazardous to health or the environment,separate labelling is required.

• The aim is to create stackable pallets thatare able to be loaded with their ownweight.

• If tape is used around the pallet, there is aconsiderable risk of labelling and décor onthe outer packages being damaged whenthe tape is removed.

• If the pallet has been wrapped in shrinkor stretch film, this film must not be appliedso tightly that the packages becomedeformed. The same applies to pallets that are secured with transport ties.


Efficient flow of goods based on modules

In order effectively to utilise the productionequipment, transport and warehouse resources,in-store systems, etc., it is important to adaptall units to the Modular system 600 x 400 mm. This applies to consumer pack-ages, outer packages and multiunit packages.

The modularsystem has beendeveloped by SISin collaborationwith the groceryindustry. Thismeasurementstandard is suitable both for 800 x 1200 mmloading pallets and for 1000 x 1200 mm load-ing pallets. The latter are used in some Euro-pean countries.

6Chapter

Modular system

THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Adapt the outer package to the dimen-sions of the loading pallet. This is donemost easily by reducing the dimensionof the outer package by 5 – 10 mm perouter package. In practice this meansthat an outer package according to the 600 x 400 mm basic moduleshould have outer dimensions of 590 x 390 mm.

• Adapt the consumer package to theinner dimensions of the outer packageto achieve the highest possible degreeof filling. The calculation must be per-formed with consideration for thethickness of the outer package.

• Always perform test packing beforeestablishing final dimensions.

Store shelves are adapted in accor-dance with the modular system.

Modularly adapted outerpackages in roller containersand on loading pallets.

1200

600

400

800

900600

400–500


A large number of ideal modules are basedon the 600 x 400 mm basic module. Whenconsumer packages and outer packages areproduced, it is important to utilise these ide-al modules. The consumer package’s outerdimensions must fit inside the outer pack-age’s internal dimensions. If is therefore also

important to consider the thickness of thepackaging material.

The package must be able to cope withnormal loads during transport, storage andhandling. The packaging material must becorrectly adapted, neither too thick nor toothin.

Examples of ideal modules that are used in the grocery industry.

600 x 400 300 x 400 200 x 400 150 x 400 120 x 400 300 x 200 200 x 200

600 x 400200 x 400

150 x 400300 x 400


EAN article numbers and bar code labellingmust be employed for consumer packages,outer packages and pallets. For multiunitpackages, EAN article numbers must be used.

Different EAN structures apply for eachpackage. In Sweden, registration and co-ordination are handled by EAN Sweden. Thewebsite www.ean.se explains how to gain ac-cess to the EAN system.

The numbering of packages can be carriedout in accordance with four different struc-tures. These are EAN 13, EAN 8, EAN 14and UPC. These numbering structures arecalled GTIN – Global Trade Item Number.All numbering within the framework ofGTIN results in unique identities.

The number forms the basis for orders,stock reporting, statistics, etc. It is there arequirement that all packages are given aunique number.

An EAN number can be divided intothree constituent parts. EAN Company pre-fix, the article number part and a control

7Chapter

Labelling

Position 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1(K)EAN 13 0 7 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 5EAN 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 0 0 1 1 1 9EAN 14 1 7 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 2 UPC A 0 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4

number (K). For EAN 14 there is also theinitial LV code, where LV is the abbrevia-tion for logistical variant.

Note that the article registers must al-ways contain 14 digits (right-aligned).EAN 13 and EAN 8 are the bar codes thatcan be read at store checkouts.

EAN 13

EAN 13 is the most widely used EANnumber type. The number contains 13 dig-its and is international. The same numbermust be used, irrespective of the country towhich the product is exported.

The numbering of the product is nor-mally performed by the product manufac-turer, which applies for an EAN corporateprefix from its national EAN organisation.

There is a variant of article numberEAN 13 that is national and intended forgoods with a variable weight. This numbermany only be used on the consumer pack-age.

EAN article numbers and bar codes

The numberingof packages canbe carried out inaccordance withfour differentstructures.


EAN 8

EAN 8 is used on packages where there is not enough room for the EAN 13 bar code. EAN 8 contains a total of just eight digits,and may only be used on consumer packages.With EAN 8 it is possible to code a maxi-mum of 10 articles.

EAN 14

EAN 14 cannot be read at the store’s check-outs, and is therefore only used when num-bering outer packages and pallets. Number-ing with EAN 14 means that the package is identified with the packaged product’s EAN 13 number in combination with an ini-tial logistical variant code (LV code).

• The LV code can assume the values 1 – 8on unit goods.

• The LV code 9 indicates that this is a weight product.

Choosing numbering principle

The consumer package (CP) is numberedwith EAN 13 or EAN 8.

The outer package (OP) and pallets arenumbered with EAN 13 or EAN 14. Rele-vant information about the numbering ofweight goods can be found on www.ean.se

EXAMPLE 1: Numbering with EAN 13

CP: 73 5000000 001 6 OP: 73 5000000 002 3Pallet: 73 5000000 003 0

EXAMPLE 2: Numbering with EAN 13 and EAN 14

CP: 73 5000000 001 6 OP: 1 73 5000000 001 1 Pallet: 2 73 5000000 001 0

EAN bar codes

Bar code EAN 13 only contains EAN num-bers. It has four different bar widths. Goodprinting quality is therefore required in orderfor the code to be legible.

Bar code ITF 14, Interleaved Two of Five,only contains EAN numbers. It has two barwidths. It is therefore legible with a scannereven if it has been printed or written with aninkjet printer directly on e.g. corrugatedboard.

Bar code EAN 128 is a bar code that contains EAN number and also offers the po-tential for other bar-coded information. Thiscan include different types of date, such asbest-before and packing date, traceability in-formation such as batch number or serialnumber, and where appropriate informationabout weight.

EAN 128 requires more or less the samegood printing quality as EAN 13. Infavourable cases, the bar code can be writtenwith an inkjet printer directly on corrugatedboard. If this is not possible, labels must be used.

Bar code EAN 13 is the most widely used on consumer packages.

Bar code ITF 14 has two bar widths and a frame. Itis only used for outer packages.

Bar code EAN 128 offers both EAN number andthe potential to insert other information.


EXAMPLE 1:

Numbering with EAN 13 Bar code alternative

CP: 73 5000000 001 6 EAN 13OP: 73 5000000 002 3/ 073 5000000 002 3 EAN 13 /ITF 14, EAN 128

EXAMPLE 2:

Numbering with EAN 13 and EAN 14 Bar code alternative

CP: 73 5000000 001 6 EAN 13OP: 1 73 5000000 001 1 ITF 14, EAN 128

Choice of bar code

The consumer package must be marked withone of the bar codes EAN 13 or EAN 8.These are the codes that can be read at thestore checkouts.

The outer package is labelled with the barcodes EAN 128, EAN 13 or ITF 14. In orderto use an article number with 13 positions ina code with 14 positions, LV code 0 must beused.

A standardised label must be used for barcode labelling of pallets. The pallet label isbar coded with EAN 128. A full descriptioncan be found at www.ean.se

Printing quality for bar codes

The bar code must be legible at least untilthe product’s “best-before date”. The printingquality of the bar code must therefore by of aquality that corresponds to “Overall SymbolGrade C” in accordance with ISO 154 16.This occasionally means that at least “Over-all Symbol Grade B” should be selected whenprinting.

Correct information

In order to have the correct information onpackages labelled with bar code EAN 128,consult the website www.ean.se where de-tailed instructions are given. This applies toouter packages, pallets and store packages.

The bar code’s location

ON CONSUMER PACKAGES:

• Labels with bar codes are positioned atleast 20 mm from the edge of the pack-age.

• Labels with bar codes may never beplaced around corners, over joins, perfo-rations or seals.

• Bar codes must be placed on a smoothsurface.

• Bar codes may not be located under joinson transparent film.

• Bar codes should not be positioned onthe bottom of the package.

• Bar codes are positioned upright, like aladder, on round cans or other cylindricalpackages with a diameter of less than120 mm.

The way in which thebar code is positionedon the consumerpackage is important.

The bar code on the out-er package must be positioned

so that it is easily accessible duringhandling.


ON OUTER PACKAGES:

• There must be a bar code label or a barcode printed directly on the package. EAN recommends labelling on at least one side.In cases where labelling is only on one side,the principal rule applies, namely to em-ploy strict orientation when placing theouter packages on the pallets.

• The bar code should not be positioned onthe bottom of the package.

• The bar code should be positioned so thatthe bottom edge of the bar is 32 mm ±3 mmfrom the bottom of the package. For ITF14, the frame around the bar code must belocated with its bottom edge 27.2 mmabove the bottom of the package. Theframe is 4.8 mm wide.

• The distance between the side of the pack-age and the bar code should be at least 19 mm.

ON PALLETS:

• The pallet must be labelled on two adja-cent sides. One short side and its right-hand long side.

• The bar codes on the label should be atleast 400 mm and at most 800 mm fromthe bottom.

• The label should be positioned as high aspossible within the specified interval, butif necessary should provide space for atransport label above the pallet label.

• No labels should be closer than 50 mm tothe edge of the pallet.

Package type EAN article number EAN bar code

Consumer EAN 13 EAN 13package EAN 8 EAN 8

UPC UPCAUPCE

Outer package EAN 13EAN 14

Multiunit package

Pallets EAN 13 EAN Pallet labelEAN 14 EAN Pallet label

The pallet must be labelled on two adja-cent sides. The bar code must be posi-tioned at least 400 mm and at most 800 mm from the bottom.

EAN 13EAN 14

EAN 13/ ITF 14 / EAN 128ITF 14/ EAN 128


What do Trade ItemDeclarations have to do

with the package?

Why is it important to fill in a Trade ItemDeclaration (TID)?

What does it have to do with the package? If you produce a new package or alter an ex-isting one, it is important to know the length,width, height, the number of consumer pack-ages in an outer package, the number of outerpackages on a pallet, whether the outer pack-age is a returnable crate, a slotted crate or awrap-around package, etc.

The information in the TID is one of theconditions and an important piece in the jig-saw for an efficient flow of goods and infor-mation.

The key to information

The exchange of information within the gro-cery industry is intensive and never-ending.This exchange of information is increasinglytaking place electronically between retailersand manufacturers. Orders, delivery notifica-tions and invoices are examples of businesstransactions that, to a growing extent, arebeing sent electronically.

In order for an electronic information flowto function effectively, it is important for theparties to have common, accurate basic data asa foundation. Information about goods andpackage sizes must be correct and up-to-datein order to ensure that orders and deliveriesare correct, for example. Correct logistical in-formation is also a precondition for effectiveutilisation of handling and transport capacity,warehousing, etc.

8Chapter

Trade Item Declaration

How does this work?

For a number of years, trading companies inSweden have received merchandise certificatesfrom their suppliers for all goods, before orderscan be placed. In order for handling with mer-chandise certificates also to be included in theelectronic flow of information, the grocery in-dustry has commissioned EAN Sweden todevelop a standard for TID. This is used by re-tailers and manufacturers.

For each article, a TID must be prepared bythe manufacturer or retailer (in cases where theretail company produces products within theframework of its own brands). TID providesinformation about the consumer package, out-er package, pallet and, where appropriate,multiunit package. This information relates todimensions, weight and labelling. There is alsoinformation about package type, storage in-structions, article markings such as KRAV-la-belled goods, as well as details about VAT andREPA registration. Identification of consumerpackage and outer package is based on thepackage’s bar-coded EAN article number. Thepallet and the multiunit package are givenunique EAN article numbers in order to beidentified in TID. Descriptions of how theelectronic TID is introduced, how a TID isused and updated, what the flow of informa-tion looks like for TID and how the validatorservice works (i.e. how a high level of qualityas regards the basic data is secured) can befound on www.ean.se


GlossaryEach industry has its own special words, expressions and abbreviations. This lists shows some of the common words and expressions within thegrocery industry. The list does not claim to be complete.

Brim – Liner in a pallet to hold together e.g.drinks packages.

Case – See Picking case.

CHEP – Global loading pallet and containerpool company.

Consumer package – The main task of theconsumer package is to make the productaccessible and at the same time protectand preserve its properties.

CoP – Another name for Consumer package.

CP – Consumer package. See Consumerpackage.

C-pack – See Consumer package.

Cross docking – Handling at a DC/whole-saler where the goods from the supplierfor a store order are not placed in thewarehouse at the DC/wholesaler. The re-ceived delivery is immediately divided upinto specific store orders or they arrive al-ready divided and the goods deliveriesare transferred (cross-docked) to distribu-tion vehicles.

CU – Consumer Unit – See Consumer pack-age.

DC – Distribution Centre.

Dispatch Unit – See Pallet.

Display package – Package that is used bothto protect and display the goods in thestore.

Display pallet – A loading pallet approved by the Swedish grocery industry measuring600 x 800 mm or 800 x 1200 mm withconsumer or outer packages belonging toone or several different article numbersbuilt up in order to be displayed in thestore. A Display pallet has a unique arti-cle number. Corresponds to TID’s basicconfiguration for secondary packaging.

DLF – Grocery Manufacturers of Sweden(Dagligvaruleverantörers Förbund).

Dolly – Cart with four wheels for internaltransport of e.g. plastic crates.

DUN 14 – Dispatch Unit Number. Now calledITF 14 bar code and EAN article number.

EAN/UCC – A global standard for the flowof information and goods, containingidentification, labelling and electronictrade.

EANCOM – Description of EAN’s selectedparts of EDIFACT.

ECR – Efficient Consumer Response – workingtogether to fulfill the consumer wishesbetter, faster and at less cost.

EDI – Electronic Data Interchange – comput-er for computerised transfer of structuredinformation between trading partners.

EDIFACT – EDI for Finance, Administration,Commerce and Transport. A UN agree-ment regarding international standardsand guidelines for the exchange of struc-tured data.

EN – European Norm.

Full pallet – See Unmixed full pallet.

Half pallet – A type of Display pallet. SeeUnmixed half pallet or Display pallet.

Handling unit – See Multiunit package.

ISO – International Standardisation Organi-sation.

Layer pallet – Part (one or more layers) ofan unmixed full pallet.

Liner – Layer of e.g. cardboard that is laidbetween the various layers in a loadingpallet.

Load carrier – Device specially designed tocarry and hold together goods duringtransport and handling. Examples includeloading pallets, roller containers and milktrolleys.

Glossary


Loading pallet – Load carrier, for examplefull pallet in accordance with SIS stan-dard SS-EN 13698-1.

Mixed pallet – See Display pallet.

Modular system – A standard (SS 84 70 02)developed by the Swedish grocery sectorwith the dimensions 600 x 400 mm as thebasic module.

MP – Multiunit package. See Multiunitpackage.

Multipack – A consumer package with sev-eral connected consumer packages.

Multiple pack – See Multipack.

Multiunit package – Open corrugated card-board box or plastic tray, which is used tohold together a number of outer pack-ages that are difficult to stack on loadingpallets.

Ordering unit – The unit, for example num-ber or weight, in which the store ordersthe product.

Origin labelling – Information for the con-sumer about where the goods weregrown or reared, for example.

Outer package – Name of the packaginglevel that is normally an orderable unit.

Paletten – A company and system for plasticfull pallets owned by Svenska Retursys-tem.

Pallet – Loading pallet with packages(goods).

Picking case – Used as a statistical unit ofthe unit that is delivered to the store.

Picking pallet – A delivery unit compiled by the wholesaler/DC for a specific store.This is a loading pallet approved by theSwedish grocery industry measuring 800 x 1200 mm, which is loaded andmarked with the store’s details at thewholesaler/DC with outer packages be-longing to several different article num-bers for distribution to the store.

POS – Point of Sale. The point where thesale to the consumer is registered, for ex-ample the checkout.

POS Data – Information about the con-sumer’s purchases, which is registered inthe stores checkout (articles, number,etc).

Primary package – See Consumer package.

RC – Roller container, see Roller container.

ReP – Retailer package. See Outer package.

REPA – Register for producer responsibility.The commercial sector’s system for recy-cling packaging.

RFID – Radio Frequency Identification. Atechnique for keeping track of where aparticular product is at any given timewith the aid of radio waves.

Roller cage – See Roller container.

Roller container – Industry standardisedunit, which is used when transportingstore-ordered goods from distributioncentre to store.

Roller pallet – See Roller container.

RP – Roller pallet. See Roller container.

SDH – Swedish Food & Drink Retailers’ Federation (Svensk Dagligvaruhandel).

Secondary package – See Outer package.

SIS – Swedish Standards Institute.

SKU – Stock Keeping Unit. Can be used asanother name for Outer package.

Slave pallet – A loading pallet approved bythe Swedish grocery sector measuring800 x 1200 mm, which is used for exam-ple during handling, storage and trans-port of non-approved loading pallets.

S-pack – Store package. See Outer package.

SS – Swedish Standard.

SSCC – Serial Shipping Container Code.Unique identity for delivery unit.

SSLF – Swedish Food Retail Federation.


Standard product – A product that is sold inthe same weight or volume in all pack-ages.

Store pack – A delivery unit compiled bythe supplier for a specific store. Can com-prise a loading pallet approved by theSwedish grocery sector measuring 600 x800 mm or 800 x 1200 mm, or an outerpackage (e.g. a returnable crate ) that ismarked with the store’s details at thesupplier for distribution to the store(possibly via cross-docking at the whole-saler/DC).

Strict orientation – The outer package isplaced on the loading pallet so that thebar codes are facing in the same direc-tion as one of the two pallet labels.

SU – Sales unit. See Outer package.

Svenska Retursystem – A company and sys-tem for plastic half pallets and plastic re-turnable crates jointly owned by DLF andSDH.

Terminal – Another name for distributioncentre.

Tertiary package – See Pallet.

TID – Trade Item Declaration

Traceability – Potential, through all the var-ious stages, to trace and follow food,fodder, food-producing animals or sub-stances that are intended, or that can beexpected, to be included in food orfodder. Traceability encompasses all thestages in the production, processing anddistribution chain.

Trade unit – See Outer package.

Transport label – Swedish InternationalFreight Association’s label STE (standard-ised transport label).

Transport package – See Multiunit pack-age.

Transport-optimised pallet – Several palletsstacked on top of one another.

Unit load – See Pallet.

Unmixed full pallet – A loading pallet ap-proved by the Swedish grocery industrymeasuring 800 x 1200 mm with a num-ber of outer packages belonging to thesame article number. Corresponds toTID’s basic configuration for tertiarypackaging.

Unmixed half pallet – A type of Display pal-let. A loading pallet approved by theSwedish grocery industry measuring 600 x 800 mm with a number of outerpackages belonging to the same articlenumber. Corresponds to TID’s basic con-figuration for secondary packaging.

Weight product – Each package has an indi-vidual weight.

Wholesaler package – See Multiunit pack-age.

CHEP: www.chep.com

DLF: www.dlf.se

EAN Sweden: www.ean.se

ECR Europe: www.ecrnet.org

ECR Sweden: www.ecr.se

Normpack: www.packforsk.se

Paletten: www.retursystem.se

SDH: www.dagligvaror.se

SIS: www.sis.se

Svenska Retursystem: www.retursystem.se

Web addresses

PACKAGING GUIDE FOR FMCG — ISSUED 01 .01 .2005 — PART I I 27

ChecklistsPackaging guide for FMCG

Contents

Consumer packages (CP) 28

Outer packages (OP) 29

Multiunit packages (MP) 30

Pallets 31

Part II of the Packaging guide for FMCG (Fast Moving ConsumerGoods) contains checklists to be used when developing new oradjusting existing consumer packages, outer packages, multi-unit packages and pallets. The checklists are a work tool forachieving the best possible handling throughout the entiregoods and information flow from manufacturer to consumer.In order to get the full picture, it is important to check againstall checklists, irrespective of the package type in question.

Background information regarding the checklists can befound in Part I of the publication.

The Packaging guide for FMCG can be found on ECRSweden’s website www.ecr.se where updates will be published.The checklists can be printed separately from ECR Sweden’swebsite.

PART II

28 PACKAGING GUIDE FOR FMCG — ISSUED 01 .01 .2005 — PART I I

Consumer packages (CP)

CHECKLIST FOR THE DESIGN OF CONSUMER PACKAGES (CP)

Is the height of the entire pallet, CPwith its OP including loading pallet, asclose as possible to the maximum heightof 1250 mm?

Is the size of CP adapted to the shelfspace in the store for the product groupin question?

Is the loading pallet’s bottom surface ful-ly utilised?

Are the outer dimensions of CP adaptedso that OP is filled to as high a degree aspossible?

Is CP clearly displayed when it stands ina tray on the shop shelf?

Do selected packaging materials requireNormpack approval?

Are the packaging materials in all the in-cluded packages – CP, OP, possibly MPand Pallet – selected so that the com-bined environmental load is as small aspossible?

Can the combination of packaging mate-rial and design of CP and its OP copewith being handled on loading pallets, inroller containers, as well as storage andtransport, without damage being sus-tained by the package and the product?

Is there an EAN article number and anEAN bar code, as well as information inplain text?

Is the bar code on CP of a sufficientlyhigh quality and positioned so that it canbe easily be read with a scanner at thestore’s checkout?

Do goods that are hazardous to healthand the environment have the requiredlabelling on the package?

Have correct product data been regis-tered as a basis for the Trade Item Decla-ration (TID)?

Information about components can be foundin the publication “Packaging guide forFMCG” Part I, issued by ECR Sweden.

Other names for con-sumer packages (CP)can include:

• Consumer Unit

• CoP

• C-pack

• Primary package


In most cases, the outer package (OP) is the same as the orderable unit.

CHECKLIST FOR THE DESIGN OF OUTERPACKAGES (OP)

Has the modular system been applied?

Has consideration been given to theproduct’s rate of turnover in the storewhen determining OP’s size?

Is the height of the entire pallet, OP orany multiunit package (MP), includingloading pallet, as close as possible to themaximum height of 1250 mm?



Outer packages (OP)

Can the combination of packaging mater-ial and design of all included packages(CP, OP and possibly MP) cope with be-ing handled on loading pallets, in rollercontainers, as well as storage and trans-port, without damage occurring to thepackage and the product?

Is OP’s weight, including product, amaximum of 15 kg? Does not apply todisplay pallets.

Is there an EAN article number and anEAN bar code as well as information inplain text on at least one side?

Is the bar code on OP of such a qualitythat it is legible right up until the OP isbroken?

Is labelling for hazardous goods present ifrequired?

Is there information about how any lidshould be removed and how tear tape orperforations should be used to open OP?

If a returnable half pallet is used, is it ap-proved by the Swedish grocery industry?

If a non-returnable half pallet is used, isit adapted to the SIS dimensions and canit cope with the total weight of the pack-ages, including product?

Have correct product data been registeredas a basis for the Trade Item Declaration(TID)?


Other names for outer pack-ages (OP) can include:

• S-pack

• ReP

• Display pallet

• Case

• Secondary package

• SKU

• Trade Unit

30 PACKAGING GUIDE FOR FMCG — ISSUED 01 .01 .2005 — PART I I

An outer package (OP) cannot always bestacked on a loading pallet. Examples in-clude the transport of entire hams or otherbutchery products. In this case, OP is placedin an MP, which is stackable and ideally openat the top.

CHECKLIST FOR THE DESIGN OF MULTIUNIT PACKAGES (MP)

Has the modular system been applied?

Is the height of the entire pallet (MP including loading pallet), as close as pos-sible to the maximum height of 1250 mm?



Can the combination of packaging mate-rial and design of all included packages(CP, OP/MP) cope with being handledon loading pallets, in roller containers, aswell as storage and transport, withoutdamage occurring to the package and theproduct?

Multiunit packages (MP)

Is MP’s weight, including product, amaximum of 15 kg?

Is there an EAN article number?

Is labelling for hazardous goods presentif required?

Have correct product data been regis-tered as a basis for the Trade Item Decla-ration (TID)?


Other names for multiunitpackages (MP) can include:

• Wholesale package

• Handling unit

• Transport package


Display pallets, see Outer packages

CHECKLIST WHEN DESIGN PALLETS

Is a loading pallet approved by theSwedish grocery industry being used?

Is a non-returnable loading pallet beingused? Check that it has been adapted toSIS dimensions.

Can the non-returnable pallet cope withthe total weight of the packages, includ-ing product?

Is the loading pallet’s bottom surface ful-ly utilised without pallet overhang?


Pallets

Note! The word pallet refers toloading pallets with goods.

Other common names forpallets can include:

• Unit load

• Tertiary package

• Unit load

• Dispatch Unit

Is the height of an entire pallet with pack-ages, including loading pallet, as close as possible to the maximum height of1250 mm?

Does each layer contain the same numberof outer packages (OP)?

Is the total pallet weight (packages includ-ing product and loading pallet) a maxi-mum of 1,000 kg?

Has the load restraint been adapted so thatno damage is caused to the packages?

Are EAN pallet labels present?

Is the pallet label of such quality that it islegible right up until the pallet is broken?

Have correct product data been registered as a basis for the Trade Item Declaration(TID)?


Why do we need a Packaging guide for FMCG? For

many years, the package has had threemain purposes: to protect and seal the products,

to be a bearer for the brand and to be an informationcarrier to the consumer.

In recent decades, the package has also developed intoone of the cornerstones of efficient logistics. The flow of goods

and information from manufacturer to consumer has becomeincreasingly complex, which affects those who sell and supplypackaged goods. The design of the package, both physically and interms of information, is now a decisive factor as regards whether aproduct can function in the flow of goods and information.

The Packaging guide for FMCG contains answers to many ofthe questions that need to be asked during the design and for-mation of new packages or the adjustment of existing ones.The Packaging guide for FMCG has been produced in close

collaboration between representatives of the groceryindustry. InitiaThe author is ECR Sweden (Efficient

Consumer Response), which is owned by DLF(Grocery Manufacturers of Sweden) and

SDH (Swedish Food & Drink Re-tailers’ Federation).



N ALSO BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET: www.ecr.se



ECR SwedenBox 1178 • SE-111 91 StockholmSweden Tel: +46 (0)8 - 501 010 62Fax: +46 (0)8 - 501 010 01 E-mail:[email protected] www.ecr.se

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Packaging guide for FMCG? - Logistikprogrammet · 2012-01-23 · Packaging guide for FMCG From manufacturer to consumer Foreword Why do we need a Packaging guide for FMCG (Fast Moving