13th January 2026
EPR Case Study – Right-Sizing for a Leading UK Retailer
Overview
A leading UK retailer partnered with Caps Cases to review their corrugated packaging in light of new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements. By right-sizing a key pack format, we were able to reduce material usage by 23.8% while eliminating the need for void fill – delivering immediate EPR, cost and sustainability benefits.
The Starting Point
- Product: Branded corrugated shipper for retail/e-commerce
- Period volume: 104,538 boxes supplied in the reporting period
- Original packaging weight: 44,606.37 kg of corrugated board
On average, each box used around 427g of corrugated material and required additional void fill to protect the contents in transit.
With EPR placing a sharper focus on accurate packaging data and material placed on the market, the retailer wanted to reduce their overall tonnage while maintaining product protection and brand presentation.
The Challenge
- Reduce packaging weight without compromising product protection.
- Eliminate void fill to simplify packing and remove an entire material stream from their EPR reporting.
- Improve data quality for EPR submissions by working from accurate, verified weights.
Our Approach
Caps Cases’ design and technical teams carried out a packaging review, focusing on:
- Right-sizing the shipper to better match product dimensions.
- Optimising board grade and flute profile to maintain strength with less material.
- Redesigning internal dimensions to remove the need for loose void fill materials.
The new pack maintained the required performance in transit tests while using significantly less board.
The Results
- 23.8% reduction in pack weight
- Original total weight: 44,606.37 kg
- New total weight: 33,990.05 kg
- Material saved: 10,616 kg per reporting period (over 10.6 tonnes of corrugated board)
- Per-box saving:
- Before: 427g per box
- After: 325g per box
- Reduction of 102g per box
- Void fill eliminated
- No additional void fill required with the new design
- Further reduction in total packaging placed on the market
- Simpler packing process and fewer SKUs to manage
- EPR & reporting advantages:
- Lower overall packaging tonnage improves the retailer’s EPR position
- Clean, verified data on box weights supports accurate EPR reporting
- Clear evidence of active packaging optimisation and waste reduction
Best Advice from Caps Cases
- Design for right-size fit – it’s more important than ever.
Over-engineered, over-sized packs increase material use, transport costs and EPR liability. Smart design can protect products better with less material. - Ensure your data is accurate – and report it accordingly.
Work from verified pack weights and specifications so your EPR data reflects reality. Accurate information is the foundation for compliance, cost control and continuous improvement.
Want to see how Caps Cases can help reduce your packaging? Contact us here today.
