{"id":13620,"date":"2025-06-18T09:18:47","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T08:18:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theleansixsigmacompany.com\/tlssc-preview3\/?p=13620"},"modified":"2026-02-10T09:09:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T08:09:31","slug":"cutting-waste-in-corrugated-packaging-a-lean-six-sigma-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theleansixsigmacompany.com\/uk\/library\/cutting-waste-in-corrugated-packaging-a-lean-six-sigma-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"Cutting waste in corrugated packaging: a lean six sigma approach"},"content":{"rendered":"
Waste reduction is one of the simplest ways for manufacturers to save money, improve efficiency, and boost sustainability. But where do you start?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This Green Belt<\/a>\u00a0project focused on reducing dry end waste in the corrugation process\u2014the final stage where large sheets of corrugated board are cut, stacked, and prepared for conversion into boxes. The goal was to bring waste levels down from <\/span>1.9% to 1.4%<\/b>, resulting in estimated savings of <\/span>$50,000<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The challenge wasn\u2019t just in identifying where the waste was coming from, but in making sure any improvements were practical, measurable, and sustainable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Corrugated board production is complex, with multiple variables affecting waste. The dry end of the process\u2014the final stage before the sheets are sent for printing and cutting\u2014was consistently producing more scrap than expected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Before jumping to solutions, the project team took a <\/span>data-driven approach<\/b> to confirm the issue. They analyzed the last <\/span>12 months of production data<\/b>, comparing actual waste levels to standard benchmarks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To ensure accurate decision-making, they first verified that the waste measurement process itself was reliable. A <\/span>Gage R&R study<\/b> (a method to test the reliability of measurements) confirmed that the waste tracking system was consistent, meaning the problem was real\u2014not just an issue with data collection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Once the data was validated, the next step was to break down why waste levels were too high. The team used several Lean Six Sigma tools to get a clear picture of the problem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)<\/b> was used to categorize potential causes into six areas: Man, Machine, Method, Material, Measurement, and Environment. This helped structure the discussion and ensure that no potential issue was overlooked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>Process Capability Analysis<\/b> was performed to check whether the process could consistently meet the waste reduction target. Additionally, a <\/span>Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA<\/a>)<\/b> helped rank different causes based on their impact and likelihood of occurrence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Through these analyses, several key issues became clear. Machine settings were inconsistent, leading to unnecessary cutting errors. Operators followed different procedures, meaning waste levels varied depending on who was running the machine. Preventive maintenance was not scheduled properly, causing occasional performance issues. Cleaning and adjustments were also not standardized, leading to inefficiencies in setup and operation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With the root causes identified, the team moved to the Improve phase of the DMAIC<\/a>\u00a0(Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The first step was standardizing machine settings. Operators were given precise cutting and stacking settings to follow, and a checklist was introduced to ensure that machines were calibrated before each shift.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To ensure consistent operation, the team developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Clear, step-by-step instructions were introduced so that all operators followed the same process. Training sessions were conducted to reinforce these new standards.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A preventive maintenance schedule was put in place, with weekly maintenance set for Wednesdays during the first shift. This ensured that machines remained in optimal condition, reducing unexpected failures that contributed to waste. The importance of routine maintenance was explained to operators, showing how sticking to the schedule would improve long-term performance and reduce rework.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFinding the problem: why was waste so high?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Investigating root causes: what was driving the waste?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Implementing solutions: fixing the waste problem\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n