Article: Resource-saving packaging for Deutsche Bahn's spare parts supply – working together for a greener future
Why is resource-saving packaging important to us?
Deutsche Bahn aims to achieve a circular economy by 2040, together with our valued business partners. By using resource-saving packaging solutions, we are contributing directly to achieving this goal and are making a valuable contribution to a more sustainable future. This decision benefits not only the environment and Deutsche Bahn. Our suppliers benefit, too:
- Cost savings from optimized packaging processes
- Competitive advantage from adopting future legal requirements early
- Stronger customer loyalty by practicing sustainability
- Better image as a sustainable and responsible partner
Many organizations and institutions provide comprehensive information on the global packaging problem and possible solutions. General information in German is available at WWF and the Federal Environment Agency, for example.
What do the new requirements mean for you as a business partner?
If you are a supplier of rolling stock parts, your contract will contain an updated condition of execution for packaging. You will have six months from the formation of the contract to successfully implement the packaging requirements in the following.
Minimize packaging: Reduce packaging, packaging sizes and packaging types or use original packaging. Adjust packaging sizes to match the product size exactly.
Packaging design: Use plain packaging without ink coatings. Give preference to interlocking closures over adhesives. Give preference to fiber-based filling materials.
Recyclability: Use mono-material packaging that is at least 95% recyclable. Increase recycled content to at least 50% for plastic-based materials and at least 70% for fiber-based materials. Alternatively, you can use 100% biodegradable materials.
We have confidence in your commitment, but we also want to measure progress. We therefore reserve the right to request proof that you have implemented the packaging requirements within the contract period. If exceptions need to be made in justified cases, we will work with you to find solutions.
You play an important role! Help us by passing these standards on to your business partners and using sustainable solutions together.
How were the requirements developed?
We put out a request for information and received valuable input from market participants. We used this information to develop our new packaging strategy. That helped us to create practical solutions that are both feasible and effective. The request for information revealed that sustainable packaging is a real opportunity for a sustainable transformation of the sector. Using sustainable packaging sends a strong signal to the packaging industry and encourages innovative solutions. As part of the request for information, we also evaluated the requirements we need in order to implement the right measures. These are the criteria we identified:
- Unambiguity with clear and reliable contractual provisions
- Appropriateness with realistic standards that can be implemented
- Flexibility with practical solutions and exemptions for special challenges
As described above, we will update the condition of execution for packaging and shipping in future contract awards based on the results of the request for information.
Let's take action together now!
Sustainability begins with the decisions we make today. Let us work together to implement packaging solutions that save resources and are economically advantageous. We look forward to following this path with you and making a sustainable contribution together.
If you have any questions about the new contract standard, we would be happy to help. Please use the contact form below to share your questions or concerns. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
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