How we changed our opener and accessory packaging
Packaging needs to protect a product on its way to your garage. We also want to reduce the material that is left behind. In 2022, our teams in Australia, New Zealand and China began a project to change the packaging for our garage door openers and accessories. This article explains the changes and the results reported for that project.
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From plastic and polystyrene to cardboard
The project focused on replacing plastic and polystyrene packaging with recycled cardboard while keeping the packs practical for transport and handling. The simpler brown cartons were part of that redesign, not a different product specification.
Our original project report describes the change across the opener and accessory product line. Treat that as the scope of the reported initiative. Packaging supplied with a particular product can depend on its production and distribution history; the report is not a carton-by-carton certification of every item currently held by a dealer.
The material reductions we reported
| Reported project result | What it describes |
|---|---|
| 243km of plastic strapping eliminated | Strapping removed through the packaging change. |
| 143m³ of polystyrene saved | Packaging material reduction reported for the project. |
| 5.1tonnes of plastic removed | The plastic reduction reported in the original announcement. |
These are figures from our packaging project report. They are not presented as independently audited annual totals, the footprint of one opener or guaranteed savings associated with your individual purchase. We have not converted them into a carbon figure.
Make better use of the shipping container
We also used slip sheeting: paper sheets between cartons that help protect the packs and allow closer packing. The project report states that the revised arrangement allowed 40% more products per shipping container.
That figure describes the reported packing arrangement. It does not mean every shipment has the same product mix or that transport emissions fall by 40%. Product protection, loading and the actual shipment still determine how the space can be used.
Make the right instructions easier to find
The initiative also moved supporting instructions towards digital manuals accessed by QR codes. For you, the important part is finding the manual for the exact product and generation supplied. A similar-looking opener can use different setup, fault-code or remote-memory instructions.
Keep the product details, purchase documents and relevant manual. Our owner-manual library is a starting point if you need to identify the correct reference. Installation and mechanical adjustments remain work for a trained technician.
Handle the remaining packaging responsibly
Check the packaging labels and your local collection or recycling guidance. Separate different materials where required and retain packaging needed for a return or installation handover. A change to a carton does not make every component of the opener recyclable through household collection.
This project concerns packaging. It does not establish a household electricity saving, a whole-product environmental rating or a particular increase in product life. If you are choosing an opener, compare its actual model, operating limits and standby specification alongside the packaging information.
Explore the relevant B&D information
Talk to us about your garage
Tell us what you have, what you want to change and any model details. We can help you find the appropriate next step for your door and property.
