makingit_18_pp6-13_globalforum_print 11/05/2015 12:38 Page 12
GLOBAL FORUM
HOT TOPIC ➤ recently with 20-50 million tonnes generated every year. In Europe, e-waste is increasing at 3-5% a year, almost three times faster than the total waste stream.
Myth: Packaging is wasteful and unnecessary The primary function of packaging in all its forms – plastics, tins, glass and paperboard – is to protect goods whilst in transit, storage and distribution. It prevents waste through breakage, spoilage and contamination, and extends product shelf-life. A secondary, but important, purpose is to provide consumer information about the product and help with brand identity and differentiation. Minimizing waste, particularly food, is a vital global challenge. As a result of efficient packaging, product damage in transit remains below 5% in the developed world, whereas, in the developing world, wastage rates can be as high as 30%. Paper-based packaging has an excellent environmental record. On average, UK manufactured corrugated boxes contain 76% recycled fibre. Once used, paper based packaging is easy to recycle. In Europe, the collection of packaging is hugely successful with over 80% collected for recycling. This superb recycling rate prevents an area of board the size of Greater London from going to landfill every four months. ● TWO SIDES was established in 2008 by members from the graphic communications industry, creating a forum for the industry to work together and share experiences; improving standards and practices; and maximizing customer confidence in its products.
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Reasons going paperless won’t work Kuang Chen thinks that paperless processes have their virtues, but warns against confusing the means with the ends. Technologists have been striving to go paperless for at least 30 years, but it still hasn’t happened. (The idea sounded good on paper!) The reality is that, for most organizations, there are multiple places in their workflow where the analog meets the digital, and where technology still hasn't been able to replace important legacy processes. (Editor’s note: a legacy process is an old method, technology or process.) Instead of throwing out legacy processes that are working, however, organizations would be wise to look to new solutions that include paper as an option in their digital workflows, embracing the old while ushering in the new. Here's why:
Paper is often still the best tool for the job Although a lot of our tools and systems are now digital, many of the touch-points that businesses have with their customers and constituents remain analog. In many settings, paper will long remain the most practical choice for capturing information. In some situations, it is the only choice: paper does not break, run out of batteries, risk security breaches, or need upgrading.
New systems are not designed for all possible users A recent survey of health insurance enrollees in the United States shows that a web-only self-service experience is not sufficient, and many still have to spend
time in person or on the phone to purchase insurance. Systems that are meant for everyone must be designed for everyone, not just folks with iPads or latestmodel computers with high-speed Internet access. The goal should be to meet customers where they are, not ask them to change behaviour that has been ingrained – and trusted – for decades.
Paperless is not a smart goal Smart IT decision makers know that evolution, not revolution, is the sensible path forward. But when it comes to paper, there has not been a reasonable evolutionary path available. The choice has felt black or white – paper or no paper. In fact, the best solution is both/and. New technologies now make this possible, enabling a gentle, evolutionary path forward.
Throwing out legacy processes often results in project failure The US Department of Veteran Affairs created the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) to replace paper processes. When the system fails, which is regularly, patients turn back to paper, and the legacy paper processes are burdened more than ever. Systems that incorporate both paper and digital workflows, and integrate the resulting data in one backend store, can greatly increase both organizational