Driven by the company’s new long-term sustainability goals, Permobil collaborated with Nefab to implement smarter packaging solutions that resulted in a 20% reduction in carbon footprint and 15% cost savings in the global supply chain, as well as improved workflow efficiencies.
Commitment towards becoming sustainable and responsible
Sustainable supply chains is a global challenge. As a result, sustainable business practices are no longer an option; they are a necessity for doing responsible business. Companies are increasingly evaluating the environmental impact of their supply chains, incorporating these practices into their own production, and requiring suppliers to commit to continuous improvements. Moreover, rising transportation costs have had a significant impact on global transportation and supply chain systems, forcing all market players to rethink their business strategies.
Permobil has a long-term commitment to operate a sustainable and responsible business. The company has formalized its approach to sustainability by identifying focus areas and targets such as reducing CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030 and is striving to achieve them to make the greatest impact.
Nefab has placed a strong emphasis on developing innovative ways to provide sustainable packaging solutions. Over the years, the company has grown its global team of packaging engineers, not only in size but also in expertise. The continued advancement of technology creates new opportunities for sustainable solutions. Nefab strives to design, develop, and use products that save environmental and financial resources by optimizing supply chains in collaboration with customers such as Permobil.
Shared commitment to sustainability and related ambitious goals is what makes Permobil and Nefab a perfect match.
- Permobil and Nefab's collaboration has resulted in a 20% reduction in carbon footprint and 15% cost savings till date.
- Both inbound and outbound flows are optimized by implementing a variety of engineered and smart packaging solutions.
- Permobil workers improved packaging handling efficiencies.
A progressive partnership
The global collaboration between Permobil and Nefab began in 2019 with a business footprint in two regions: Asia and Europe. It is a growing collaboration, with both companies committed to working towards a more sustainable future.
Implementing optimized packaging solutions
Driven by the company’s new long-term sustainability goals, Permobil’s primary focus is on operating a sustainable and responsible business while addressing the growing supply chain challenges. These include rising transportation-related emissions that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions as well as rising transportation costs. These are the key drivers that led Permobil to collaborate with Nefab and develop innovative, compact, and stackable packaging solutions that reduce CO2 emissions and freight costs in a smarter way.
Nefab worked with Permobil to better understand the outbound and inbound flows, as well as the packaging requirements, to identify areas for improvement and learn how to work more efficiently together. All corrugated solutions were customized, and wooden pallets were replaced with plywood pallets, which resulted in the solution being optimized in relation to the products, better suited for supply chain flow, and much more cost effective. This contributed to a complete packaging takeover, with ongoing efforts to optimize packaging for flows between Permobil sites.
Another great example of the impact is the box-in-box concept, which was implemented for inbound flows. Permobil was able to maximize space by accommodating a mix of components and ship efficiently on a single pallet. This reduced CO2 emissions from transportation while also necessitating less storage space. The solution made it easier for production line workers to handle and access components. Workers simply had to pull out the relevant box to gain access to the components on the production line, which saved them a significant amount of time and increased efficiencies.
Inbound flows were further optimized by working on another packaging solution that prioritized high moving components. The main idea behind the concept was to avoid leaving empty space in the boxes, so a more modular system was developed to maximize the number of components transported on each pallet. Permobil and Nefab engineers worked together on a smart design with an inner fitment system that worked through component configuration to accommodate more components and eliminate product damages (scratches). Plastic was replaced by a new solution made entirely of corrugated material. Many benefits were realized throughout the supply chain, including increased efficiencies in loading, unpacking, storage, and even waste management.
A modular packaging system was developed to maximize the number of components transported.
Permobil greatly appreciated Nefab's ability to work with them on assessing the impact using GreenCalc and implementing supply chain solutions that are optimized in terms of total cost and environmental impact. These highly engineered packaging design projects reduced CO2 emissions by more than 541 tons since 2021, which is equivalent to removing 115 cars from the road each year, while also lowering freight costs by 20%.
Nefab also has a warehouse dedicated to stocking inventory and supplying packaging to Permobil as needed based on forecasting.
A better tomorrow
The collaboration of Nefab and Permobil has resulted in a positive change; by working together, both companies have helped reduce environmental impact in supply chains.
Permobil's purpose is to innovate for individuals, to push the boundaries in the pursuit of innovations that improve human lives, with a goal of developing solutions that accelerate sustainability in the industry in which Permobil operates. Together, Nefab is committed to leading the transformation alongside customers, with a strong foundation and bold ambitions. By providing smarter packaging that reduce total costs and CO2 emissions in supply chains, we hope to add value to our customers, society, and the environment.
About Permobil
Permobil is a global leader in trusted healthcare solutions for power and manual wheelchairs, seating and positioning products, and power assist. Permobil is part of Patricia Industries, a subsidiary of Investor AB and is headquartered in Sweden. It has 1,800 employees in 18 countries and a yearly turnover of more than SEK 4 billion. The company is continuously growing by entering new geographical markets and adding new technologies and products, to further support the community of people with disabilities.
For more information regarding the company’s storied history visit www.permobil.com.
