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Media contact: Jerry Welcome1100 N. Glebe Rd, Suite 1010

Arlington, VA 22201Phone: 703-224-8284 Fax: 703-243-5612Email: info@choosereusables.org

Web Site: www.choosereusables.org

Reusable Packaging Association Launches Economic Calculator to Help

Businesses Determine Cost Savings of ReusablesReusable Packaging Helps Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity

Arlington, VA, March 18, 2009 The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) has created aReusable Packaging Economic Calculator to help businesses determine the cost savings of

switching from single-use corrugated packaging to reusable packaging, it was announced todayby the RPA. The calculator is available at http://www.choosereusables.org .

"Now more than ever, businesses are trying to reduce their operating expenses, and reusable

transport packaging is a proven and effective way to reduce costs," said Bob Klimko, Chairman

of the RPA Board and Director of General Industrial Marketing for ORBIS Corporation.

The Reusable Packaging Economic Calculator is based on a financial model that covers the key

concepts in the comparison of the per container cost of both reusable and single-use packaging.

The tool allows a potential reusable packaging user to perform some basic financial analysis todetermine if the supply chain in question is financially conducive to reusable packaging. The

calculator was developed in cooperation with StopWaste.Org (www.stopwaste.org).

The model compares basic cost differences of single-use corrugated packaging and reusable

packaging. The calculator factors in corrugated costs, dwell time (how long containers are held atvarious stages of the supply chain), cartons shipped annually, annual interest rate, return miles

for reusables, and the expected replacement rate. While the model uses factual inputs from

prospective users, it is intended to offer guidance and not an absolute indication of exact costbenefits. More specific models are available to determine specific cost benefits, and additional

assistance is available from RPA member companies.

The calculator is a great tool for potential users to show their CFOs and others in the companythe hard numbers to start a conversation about switching to reusable packaging, said Jerry

Welcome, President, RPA. In addition to these quantifiable savings, reusable packaging hasbeen proven to reduce costs in other ways, including reducing product damage caused by faulty

containers, reducing labor costs and injuries, reducing space required for inventory, and

increasing productivity. These savings can help businesses weather todays challengingeconomic environment.

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Incorporating reusable packaging into the supply chain also can help corporations meet theirenvironmental and sustainability objectives. Reusable containers have been proven to reduce

solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions, improve transportation efficiency, and reduce energy

use. These claims were substantiated in a landmark study conducted by Franklin Associates in2004,Life Cycle Inventory of Reusable Plastic Containers and Display Ready Corrugated

Containers Used for Fresh Produce Applications.

About the RPA

The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) is collaborative effort between manufacturers,

poolers, distributors, retailers and educators to promote the environmental, safety, and economic

benefits of reusable packaging. The RPA serves as the collective voice of industry and uses its

knowledge of the members products and services to advance the adoption of reusable packagingand systems throughout the supply chain. The RPA is focused on promoting the expansion of

reusables as the preferred packaging solution across supply chains in all industries. For more

information, visit http://www.choosereusables.org or call +1 (703) 224-8284.

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