What the study found
Returnable and collapsible containers and reusable plastic crates were identified as the best sustainable packaging solutions for automotive logistics. The study also found that biodegradable packaging mattered more to regulatory professionals than to manufacturers.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the work helps identify packaging alternatives that meet the needs of key stakeholders in the automotive supply chain, with a focus on the circular economy. The study suggests that the findings offer practical insight into differences in stakeholder priorities.
What the researchers tested
The researchers assessed sustainable packaging solutions in the automotive logistics industry by examining economic, technical, and environmental performance. They proposed a beta-transformative grey incidence analysis (BTGIA) model, combining Javed’s framework for dynamic distinguishing coefficients with beta transformations, and collected data from three groups of experts: automotive manufacturers, packaging technology experts, and sustainability and regulatory professionals.
What worked and what didn't
Returnable and collapsible containers and reusable plastic crates were ranked as the best solutions because they were reusable and efficient. Biodegradable packaging was important for regulatory professionals but less important for manufacturers, and the study found considerable differences in stakeholder priorities, with manufacturers focusing on cost and sustainability and regulatory professionals focusing on the circular economy.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations. The findings are based on expert judgments from three stakeholder groups and on the BTGIA model used in this study.
Key points
- Returnable and collapsible containers and reusable plastic crates were identified as the best sustainable packaging options.
- Biodegradable packaging was rated as more important by regulatory professionals than by manufacturers.
- Manufacturers focused on cost and sustainability, while regulatory professionals focused on the circular economy.
- The study used a new beta-transformative grey incidence analysis (BTGIA) model.
- Data came from three expert groups: manufacturers, packaging technology experts, and sustainability and regulatory professionals.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Reusable packaging options ranked highest in automotive logistics
- Authors:
- Yuanyuan Luo, Haiping Mo, Wenchao Liu, Xinyan Mo
- Institutions:
- Logistics Management Institute (United States)
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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