MERCHANDISE PACKAGING & PRESENTATION STANDARDS
- APPAREL -
FLOOR READY MERCHANDISE USER GUIDE
VERSION 1
As at 22-August-2007
MERCHANDISE PACKAGING & PRESENTATION STANDARDS - APPAREL - - - PDF document
MERCHANDISE PACKAGING & PRESENTATION STANDARDS - APPAREL - FLOOR READY MERCHANDISE USER GUIDE VERSION 1 As at 22-August-2007 Table of Contents MERCHANDISE PACKAGING & PRESENTATION
MERCHANDISE PACKAGING & PRESENTATION STANDARDS
FLOOR READY MERCHANDISE USER GUIDE
VERSION 1
As at 22-August-2007
Table of Contents
MERCHANDISE PACKAGING & PRESENTATION STANDARDS..................................................... 1
Introduction................................................................................................................1 How to use these standards........................................................................................1 A Living Document ...................................................................................................2 Input & Feedback.......................................................................................................2
PRESENTATION SELECTION FLOW CHART .................................................................................... 3 APPENDIX A: HANGER MANAGEMENT PROCESSES..................................................................... 4
Myer’s Standard Hanger Range.................................................................................4 A commitment to recycling hangers..........................................................................4 The hanger recycling procedures for Stores ..............................................................4 Approval to use Branded or Non-Standard hangers. .................................................5 Branded &/or Non-Standard hangers – Models of Use.............................................6 Concession Businesses...............................................................................................7 Import duty paid on hangers ......................................................................................7
APPENDIX B: STANDARD HANGER SELECTION............................................................................. 8
Selecting the appropriate hanger................................................................................8 Shipping GOH (goods-on-hangers)...........................................................................8 General Presentation Disciplines...............................................................................8 Use of Size clips & size discs ....................................................................................8
STANDARD HANGER SELECTION CHARTS..................................................................................... 9
Childrenswear ............................................................................................................9 Womenswear & Menswear........................................................................................9 Specialty Categories.................................................................................................10
APPENDIX C: HANGING & FOLDING STANDARDS........................................................................ 11
Pants, Jeans & Shorts...............................................................................................12 Tops..........................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX D: TISSUE PAPER AND POLY-BAGS............................................................................ 17
Tissue Paper - Overview..........................................................................................17 When should tissue paper be used? .........................................................................17 Garments sold as pre-packaged items......................................................................17 Poly-bag - Overview................................................................................................18 Selection of poly-bags..............................................................................................18 Poly-bag standards...................................................................................................19 Store-based Recycling .............................................................................................19
APPENDIX E: OUTER-CARTON STANDARDS................................................................................. 20
Outer-Carton Materials............................................................................................20 Outer-Carton marking & labelling...........................................................................20 Carton - Packing guidelines and tips .......................................................................20
APPENDIX F: HANGING GARMENT BAGS...................................................................................... 21
Garment Bag – General requirements......................................................................21 General Packing & Handling Instructions...............................................................21 Garment Bag – Sources of supply ...........................................................................22
Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards
Introduction
This booklet contains a comprehensive set of guidelines covering the methods of preparation, packaging and presentation of merchandise for stores. The objective is to provide clear instructions about how best to fold, hang & pack apparel so merchandise arrives into store in a condition that allows goods to be placed on sale with the minimum of effort and downtime for stores.
Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards Stores Merchandise Procedures VM V-Book Standards Buying Ranging Process Supply Chain e-commerce & Delivery stand’dsInput was sought from representatives from Buying Teams, Stores, DC’s, Suppliers, Quality Assurance, VM and the Supply Chain. It is envisaged that all will benefit from the use of these standards. These guidelines have been created to sit alongside existing processes, procedures and standards that currently operate across many functional business areas. By bringing information from various disciplines into the one document, it is intended that all users will have a clearer understanding of expectations being placed on each party, and of the end-to-end requirements of preparing merchandise in floor-ready- condition.
How to use these standards
Please refer to the following “Presentation Selection Flow Chart”, and step through the decisions that will guide the selection of appropriate packing, folding and hanging techniques. The reader will be directed to detailed appendices, such as hanger selection guidelines, which will assist in making relevant and consistent decisions. The following is expected of those who use these guidelines: Buyers will be expected to nominate the condition in which merchandise is to be presented in stores, and to then specify any additional information required by suppliers (eg. hanger codes, folding codes) Suppliers will need to consult the guide to interpret instructions provided by the Buyer, and to ensure compliance with Myer’s requirements DC’s & Third Party Providers will also need to consult the guide to ensure deliveries are in compliance with Myer’s requirements. Additionally, if merchandise is to be repacked, it is expected that these packing & presentation standards will apply. Stores will be able to assess the condition of receipted merchandise against these standards, provide feedback about the condition of goods and whether the objective to reduce store handling is being achieved. Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 1
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A Living Document
This document has been created with the purpose of providing clear instructions for packaging and presentation across a broad range of apparel. It is intended that this document will be updated regularly as lessons are learnt and new products are incorporated into the document. It is intended that similar guidelines will be prepared for other categories of goods, where there is an identified need (eg. homewares, intimate apparel, general merchandise). The content owner of this document is the Myer Quality Assurance Manager. Please contact the Myer Quality Assurance Manager (Myer.QualityAssurance@myer.com.au) to have items added into this document or to have modifications made. Requests for changes and additions will be reviewed by a Packaging & Presentation Panel – consisting of cross-functional representatives from Buying, Stores, Supply Chain & VM.
Input & Feedback The document has been produced after consultation with a broad spectrum of involved parties. The document incorporates feedback from: Hanger Supplier (TIC), Stores (Doncaster, Perth, Bondi & Chadstone) Buying Teams, Li & Fung, Cargo Services, Myer Supply Chain Myer Quality Assurance Garment Suppliers (PacBrands, Jag…..)
Presentation Selection Flow Chart
Select “Floor Presentation” option – then follow step-by-step instructions Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 3
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APPENDIX A: Hanger Management Processes
Myer’s Standard Hanger Range
Myer has an arrangement with one hanger supplier - The TIC Group (TIC) - to supply a standard range of non-branded Myer hangers. Through this arrangement, Myer has negotiated excellent prices, which include freight & cartage to all locations across the globe. All information about the standard hanger range is provided in the Myer Hanger Manual, which can be downloaded from TIC’s website (www.tichangers.com ) by clicking on the Myer logo. The standard range of hangers should be used unless otherwise approved by the Buyer &/or Business in accordance with attached guidelines.
A commitment to recycling hangers
As a socially responsible retailer, Myer runs a recycling process for standard hangers, which allows the majority of hangers to have a re-use life-span of 3-4 cycles. This level of re-use: significantly reduces the volume and cost of disposal of single-use hangers reduces the consumption of raw materials, energy and resources required during manufacture of hangers, and ultimately delivers a reduction in cost per unit. Large hanger collection bins (called k-boxes) are provided to stores. When hangers are removed from garments, these are placed into collection bins. When full, TIC arranges for bins to be collected on a rostered/scheduled basis. Replacement bins are provided to stores based on usage. Store queries regarding k-box supply or collection, please contact TIC on 1800-790-110. The efficiency of the hanger recycling process is significantly affected when non-standard hangers and branded hangers are mixed amongst the standard hangers (eg. additional transport, handling and disposal costs are incurred for the non-standard hangers). It is therefore Myer’s preference that suppliers use hangers from Myer’s standard hanger range.
The hanger recycling procedures for Stores
Ensure hanger collection bins are filled. Diligence is required by stores to ensure that hanger collection bins are completely filled prior to collection. The contents of all hanger collection bins are inspected & analysed. Many collection bins have been returned only partially filled or even filled with non-hanger waste. Stores may be charged if they continue to send partially filled collection bins for recycling. Avoid putting non-recyclable hangers into recycle bins. Reportedly, up to 20% of hangers returned to TIC for recycling are branded hangers (eg. Jag, Industrie, Bonds & Beatrix Potter etc.). The extra costs associated with cartage of hangers, extra sorting and disposal processes, significantly affect the overall efficiency of the recycling process. Stores are asked to focus their efforts to ensure that only standard, recyclable hangers are placed into hanger collection bins. A ready reference guide is provided in Appendix B: Standard Hanger Selection to assist stores to easily identify standard hangers that should be recycled. Ensure collection bins are not used for any other purpose The hanger collection bins are supplied for the sole purpose of recycling hangers. Stores must not use these bins for any other purpose (eg. storage/display of bulky items, inter-store tarnsfers).
RECYCLE THESE HANGERS ….
GARMENT HANGERS LINGERIE HANGERS SPECIALITY - WIRE HOOK HANGERS
CODE - 44H52
DO NOT RECYCLE ….
? WOODEN HANGERS ? NON STANDARD HANGERS ? BRANDED HANGERS - Unless they are branded standard hangers ? BROKEN HANGERS
IF IN DOUBT, KEEP IT OUT!!!
Date: 20-Jul-2007 Those that have space for this type
Those that have space for this type of size disc Look on reverse of hangers for hanger code &/or TIC logo CODE: SU65 CODE: SU87 CODE: 4489 CODE: 44H52 CODE: 4456 CODE: 4473
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Approval to use Branded or Non-Standard hangers.
There will be valid business reasons for using non-standard or branded hangers. By example, important, icon brands would warrant the use of branded hangers. However, suppliers are not authorised to use non-standard or branded hangers without obtaining approval from Myer to do so. Suppliers wanting to use branded hangers, or wanting to modify their hangers, must submit samples of the proposed hangers to the Buyer for approval. The Buyer will consult the relevant Business Manager /Director and the VM team to obtain approval. Suppliers will be required to re-submit their hanger range on an annual basis if requested by the Buyer to do so. A register of approved hangers will be maintained by the VM Team, and reviewed on either an annual basis or as revisions are proposed by suppliers. Suppliers have the following options when sourcing branded &/or non-standard hangers:
Myer’s standard hanger supplier can brand the standard range by using brand plates
premium hangers (eg. hangers with metal hooks) that can also be branded. If suppliers source their branded hangers in this way, this would allow suppliers to participate in Myer’s recycling processes with ease. Suppliers will be able to discuss
OR
Suppliers who source their hangers from an alternate hanger supplier will not be able to take advantage of Myer’s hanger recycling process. It is an expectation then, that suppliers take full responsibility for the ongoing management of hangers, which may include actions along the following lines: Responsibility for costs associated with supplying, using, recycling and disposing of branded/non-standard hangers. Providing additional branded/non-standard hangers to stores on request and at no charge. A contribution towards the cost of staff who are involved in re-hanging garments Branded/non-standard hangers being given to customers with their purchase thereby avoiding costs associated with sorting and disposal. Allow branded/non-standard hangers to be put into recycle bins. The supplier would be charged for the cost of collection & disposal of branded hangers Providing hangers that are recyclable through domestic collection and recycling processes.
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Branded &/or Non-Standard hangers – Models of Use
Branded hangers may be managed within stores according to a number of different models. Each is listed below in order of preference for Myer based on satisfying the overall objectives
downtime for stores.) Model 1. Goods are received at store on branded hangers. When goods are received at stores on branded hangers, it is expected that goods will be in a condition that allows them to be placed on sale directly from bags/cartons. There is minimal handling required by stores. When selling goods on standard hangers, hangers are removed from garments and channelled through Myer’s standard recycling processes. For branded &/or non-standard hangers, which are non-recyclable hangers, it is a preference that hangers are given to customers with their purchases. Alternatively, hangers may be removed during the sales transaction and trashed, (not put into recycling!) which creates additional expense and effort for Myer. Model 2. Goods received at store flat packed. This covers merchandise that is received into stores flat-packed. Stores are then required to locate branded/non-standard hangers and hang the garments, requiring significant effort by stores to: Search for and gather a sufficient number of branded hangers Often remove from merchandise from individual poly-bags Place goods onto the hangers, then transport to sales floor &/or store in reserves Conduct additional handling (where needed) to ensure presentation is satisfactory (eg. steam to remove creases) Dispose of waste cartons & bags Manage a variety of branded hangers that are retained in stores for this purpose. Model 3. Goods received at store on “in-transit” hangers. This covers goods that are received into stores on “in-transit” hangers that are not suitable for use on the sales floor. (eg. “Designer” apparel which is received on lighter, less-bulky, less- costly hangers, but needs to be displayed on branded hangers). Stores are then required to locate branded/non-standard hangers and hang the garments, requiring significant effort by stores to: Search for and gather a sufficient number of branded hangers Often remove from merchandise from individual poly-bags Place goods onto the hangers, then transport to sales floor &/or store in reserves Conduct additional handling (where needed) to ensure presentation is satisfactory (eg. steam to remove creases) Dispose of waste cartons & bags Dispose of in-transit hangers – which may or may not be recyclable Manage a range of branded hangers that are kept in stores for this purpose. This differs from option 2 in that there is a need to dispose of additional hangers. Option 2 also includes the possibility that goods will infrequently require extra handling & processing (eg. steaming to remove creases).
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Concession Businesses
Where Concession Businesses operate within Myer, there is no obligation for merchandise to be supplied on standard hangers. However, if Concessions are to use branded hangers for displaying merchandise then: If transit hangers are required, the transit hangers must be hangers selected from Myer’s standard hanger range. This allows Myer to take maximum advantage of
Concession Operators will conduct all steps necessary within stores to place goods on branded hangers All merchandise must be presented to the sales floor on branded hangers of the same type/style. A mix of old/new branded hangers or use of limited standard hangers is not acceptable Concession businesses are responsible for supplying sufficient quantities of hangers, maintaining hangers in reasonable condition and for regular replacement of lost, damaged or broken hangers Any queries regarding the expectations of Concession Businesses should be raised with Clare Hawkins 03-9661-7641 or Marie Costello 03-9661-5559 from the Concessions Support Office.
Import duty paid on hangers
Please be aware that the duty rate for hangers is just 5% compared with the apparel duty rate
hangers as a separate entry on factory/supplier invoices with the following information: Code & description of hanger (eg. TH45 460mm Tops hanger) Quantity of hangers for that particular shipment Unit cost per hanger, and Total cost of hangers By example: An order of 3,000 units where hangers cost 30c - duty of $112.50 would be saved.
APPENDIX B: Standard hanger selection
Selecting the appropriate hanger
Where merchandise is to be displayed in stores on Myer standard hangers, Suppliers & Buyers should use the attached selection charts to: Select the most suitable hanger from the standard hanger range Specify whether size clips or size discs are required TIC is available to assist with hanger selection should assistance be required.
Shipping GOH (goods-on-hangers)
Hangers within the standard range have plastic hooks, which are suitable for this mode of transport under certain conditions (ie. hanging on rails and packed in a manner that restricts in-transit movement). Plastic hooks are not suitable if using rope-and-loop techniques for hanging stock. Hangers with metal hooks are better suited to this mode of transport, and are available in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes. Please consult with the hanger supplier if you have any queries regarding merchandise being shipped as hanging.
General Presentation Disciplines
For consistency of presentation of goods within stores, Suppliers and Stores are asked to follow the following general guidelines: DO NOT use branded hangers for merchandise of a different brand (eg. do not use Sportscraft hangers for Esprit). When using bottoms hangers, DO NOT use additional pieces of foam, paper or card inside the clip jaws Where size clips/discs are required, please ensure that the size code clip/disc matches the actual garment size Avoid using a mix of hangers with & without the size clips/discs
Use of Size clips & size discs Product Types Size clip/disk Size Accessories
(Available from TIC)Childrenswear AC16
General Apparel AC16 - Coloured & sized Underwear, Swimwear AC16 or AC22 - Coloured & sizedWomenswear
General Apparel AC16 - Black blank Lingerie/Intimates AC22 - Coloured & sized Swimwear No size clip/diskAC22
Sleepwear AC16 - Black blankMenswear
General Apparel AC16 - Black blank Casual men (class group 3300’s) AC16 - Coloured & sized “Blaq” branded No size clip/disk Underwear AC22 - Coloured & sizedAC14
Swimwear, Sleepwear AC16 - Coloured & sized Suiting & suiting separates AC14 - B&W sized General Apparel AC16 - Black blank Swimwear No size clip/diskMerchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 8
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Standard Hanger Selection Charts
Childrenswear
Please refer to Buyer for instructions regarding Branded hangers
Hanger Types Garment Types Babies 00000-1 Babies 0-2 Boys & Girls 3-8 Girls 8-16 Boys 8-16 Tops Regular tops TH40 TH41 TH42 TH41– Grls 3-6 TH42/TH43 TH43 Bottoms Prong hangers Standard hanger Fox-lock hanger All bottoms – smaller sizes Casual pants (eg. elastic waist) Structured waistbands PH54/PH54L N/A N/A PH54/PH54L N/A N/A PH55/PH55L N/A N/A PH55/PH55L BH61/BH61L FL57 N/A BH61/BH61L FL57 Swimwear & Underwear Single piece item Two piece sets N/A N/A N/A N/A LH34 LH75 LH34 LH75 LH34 LH75 ** The bottoms hangers ending with the letter “L” have a loop on the top of the hanger – to be used to attach to tops hangers when hanging 2 piece sets.Womenswear & Menswear
Please refer to Buyer for instructions regarding Branded hangers
Hanger Types Garment Types Miss Shop Womens (Reg & Pet) Womens (Larger sizes) Mens Tops Regular tops (shirts, T’s) Knitw’r (Jumpers, cardis) Coats/jackets/parkas TH43 KN44/AC67 KN44 TH43 KN44/AC67 KN44 TH45 KN47/AC67 KN47 TH45 KN47/AC67 KN47 Bottoms Casual (track pants) Formal or structured waist Delicate fabrics BH62 FL58 BSL82 BH62 FL58 BSL82 BH63 FL59 BSL82 BH63 FL59 BSL82 Lingerie, Underwear & Swimwear Swimwear – Singles pieces Swimwear – Sets Underwear Lingerie Pieces & Sets Bras LH34 LH85 N/A LH34 BR32 LH34 LH85 N/A LH34 BR32 LH76 LH85 N/A LH34 BR32 LH34/LH76 N/A LH34/LH76 N/A N/A CLEAR CLEAR ** “BH” hangers are bottoms hangers with snub-nosed grippers. “FL” bottoms hangers have longer grippers making them more suitable for pants with structured waistbands *** For traditional knitwear (jumpers, cardigans) it is recommended that ”AC67” foam sleeves are used to provide additional support and to minimise damage when hanging.Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 10
Specialty Categories
Hangers for the following specialty categories are still sourced through Myers standard hanger supplier. The conditions under which these are used & recycled may differ from the Myer standard range of hangers Specialty Category Garment Types All sizes “Blaq” Uses hangers with metal hooks, with NO size
Bottoms Tops, Shirts Casual Jackets Suits 4473 44H52 44H52 SU65 Specialty Category Garment Types Regular & Petite Woman’s Sizes “Wayne by Wayne Cooper” Uses branded hangers (pink print) with metal hooks and no size indicators. Are to be given to customers with their purchase. Bottoms Tops BUO2WCCBLPI TUO1WCBLPI BUO2WCCBLPI TUO1WCBLPI
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APPENDIX C: Hanging & folding standards
Standard hanging & folding methods are listed in the below table. Refer to the following diagrams for how to hang, fold and prepare the merchandise for packing. If the table and diagrams do not provide clear and or adequate instructions please refer any queries to the relevant Buyer. Please note hangers represented in the drawings are indicative. Refer to Hanger selection chart for correct hangers by product type.
Product Type Code Description
Pants, Jeans & Shorts Though images show only long pants, they are also a suitable reference for shorts. Shorts do not require a centre fold. P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Front hung – regular sizes Front hung – larger sizes Side hung – all sizes (Formal trousers only) Folded – denim/casual pants Folded – chino Tops (including knitwear) Though images show only long sleeve tops, they are also a suitable reference for short sleeve and sleeveless
knitwear. T1 T2 T3 Front hung - regular sizes Front hang – larger sizes Folded – various sizes Dresses, skirts & Nighties Though images show only long skirts, they are also a suitable reference for short
require a centre fold. D1 D2 D3 D4 Front hung skirt – regular sizes Front hung skirt – larger sizes Front hung dress/nightie – regular sizes Front hung dress/nightie – larger sizes
Pants, Jeans & Shorts
P1 Front hung pants – regular sizes Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 12 P2 Front hung pants – larger sizes P3 Side hung pants – all sizes (formal trousers only)
P4 Folded pants – denim/casual pant P5 Folded pants – chino Please note where packing shorts please follow folding standards minus the last step - fold in half. Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 13
Tops
T1 Front hung tops – regular sizes Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 14 T2 Front hung tops – larger sizes T3 Folded tops – various sizes
Folding dimensions – tops various sizes
Width Height T3a Men’s – All sizes 25cm 35cm T3b Women’s Regular & Petite 25cm 31cm T3c Women’s Larger/Woman 25cm 35cm T3d Children’s 8-14 25cm 31cm T3e Children’s 3-8 18cm 23cm T3f Babies and Toddlers 18cm 18cm
Folding boards Folding boards can be used to assist with achieving the required folding standards. Attached are the Myer design drawings for the relevant folding boards. Suppliers can produce folding boards to these dimensions to assist with folding to the nominated dimensions. There are two sizes of folding boards that can assist with the six different folding dimensions listed above. Each folding board has dotted lines to provide a guide for the height with which to fold garments too. Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 15
Dresses, Skirts & nighties
D1 Front hung skirt – regular sizes Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 16 D2 Front hung skirt – larger sizes D3 Front hung dress/nightie – regular sizes D4 Front hung dress/nightie – larger sizes
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APPENDIX D: Tissue paper and poly-bags
Tissue Paper - Overview
It is Myer’s requirement that tissue paper is not used - unless there is a very good reason to do so. The use of tissue paper can create some operational inefficiencies and safety issues for
task that would be best avoided. There is also a cost associated with disposal & recycling of the remnant tissue paper. If tissue paper is not removed from garments prior to being placed on sale, the tissue paper may fall from garments when customers examine or try on the garments. Apart from the mess, there have been incidents where people have slipped on the tissue paper. This is a hazard that can be minimised/eliminated. Myer is also a signatory to the “Packaging Covenant” (ECoPP), which places an obligation on Myer to minimise waste associated with packaging. Minimising use of unnecessary packaging demonstrates our commitment to the Packaging Covenant.
When should tissue paper be used?
Tissue paper should be used with unpackaged garments (eg. on hangers or folded on tables) when: Support is required for items such as bras, swimwear & hats to prevent damage during transit. Tissue paper may be scrunched into a ball to provide in-transit
replace the tissue paper in these items. (eg. Light weight moulded domes made in recyclable plastic) Special effect prints (such as plastisol prints) where there is a potential risk of colours marking-off in transit Delicate fabrics which are prone to in-transit creasing which will benefit from using a material such as tissue paper Discussed with the relevant Buyer &/or Myer Quality Assurance, with written approval from Myer to permit the use of tissue paper Where tissue paper is used, stores must remove tissue paper from such items prior to goods being displayed for sale. As tissue paper will only be used by exception on an as needs basis, removal of tissue paper will be a more manageable task for stores.
Garments sold as pre-packaged items
Tissue paper may continue to be used in pre-packed apparel items that are sold in their packaged condition (eg. Men’s business shirts). However, every effort should be made to minimise waste associated with packaging (eg. reduce pins, plastic, card & paper use as much as is possible).
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Poly-bag - Overview
Poly-bags are intended to provide in-transit protective covering for garments. Additionally, if garments are to be held in reserves, dust protection is provided in storage. The over-use of poly-bags (eg. when individual garments are packed into separate poly-bags) causes a number of flow on problems: Inefficiencies for stores – as each item/garment requires handling before goods can be placed on sale Health and safety issues through repetitive tasks of opening poly-bags Environmentally – due to increased use of poly-bags (NB: Myer is a signatory to an environmental code regarding packaging) Unnecessary increased cost-of-goods for purchase of bags and costs for disposal of waste/recycled poly-bags
Selection of poly-bags
When providing instructions to suppliers regarding the use of poly-bags, consider the following hierarchy: Carton-liner poly-bag: Carton-liner poly bags should be used where the supplier packs merchandise into cartons and the cartons are receipted into store without needing to be opened. This minimises all four of the flow-on problems that were identified above. Multi-unit poly-bag: Multi-unit poly-bags should be used where the use of a carton liner allows too much movement of merchandise during transit (and therefore increase likelihood of creasing)
allocation can be done without opening multi-unit poly bags. Individual poly-bag: Individual poly-bags should be used as the last alternative, when the use of carton-poly bags or multi-unit poly bags does not meet the needs of the business (eg. where goods need to be individually allocated &/or where protection is required in storage) IMPORTANT NOTE: Decisions about the selection and use of the most appropriate poly bags are equally important for Myer’s processing centres (eg. Cargo Services, DC’s and 3rd Party Providers). All must be capable of picking and packing into cartons with carton-liner poly-bags. Note Bene: Store feedback was sought about whether the absence of individual poly bags would prevent stores from maintaining goods in pristine condition when stored in reserves. Stores advised that the upside of reduced poly-bags far outweighed storage issues in reserves. In fact, storing goods in poly bags often introduced housekeeping and safety issues – as the goods continually slide off each other, fall to floors and create slip hazards.
Poly-bag standards
Suppliers are required to comply with the following quality requirements for poly-bags and carton liners: Poly-bags must be free of BHT (butylated hydroxy toluene). BHT is often used as an anti-oxidant and stabiliser in polymer packaging materials. Even trace elements of BHT will accelerate yellowing and discolouration of textiles/apparel when stored. The standard materials for poly-bags is 15 micron natural, virgin HDPE (high density poly-ethylene). Recycled poly-bags are not acceptable, as there is no certainty that bags would be BHT free. Odour free and contain no contaminants is a standard requirement for poly-bags Poly-bag sizes (multi-unit and individual pack) must allow garments to sit comfortably within the bag without creasing. Once sealed, poly-bags should be a snug fit and not allow garments to float around inside the bag. Silica packs – Silica packs are recommended to assist with managing moisture that could otherwise cause quality problems in transit. Stores will need to dispose of silica packs so that they do not introduce unnecessary housekeeping, health or safety risks. Safety of poly-bags is provided by having air-holes (via hole-punching or perforations) to eliminate suffocation risks for children. Poly-bags should be printed with a safety warning in large text. The warning should be frequently repeated on larger poly-bags and carton-liners. There are many variations of the safety warning, but they should all provide a similar statement to the following: CAUTION: THIS BAG IS NOT A TOY. TO AVOID DANGER OF SUFFOCATION KEEP THIS BAG AWAY FROM CHILDREN & DISPOSE OF BAG IMMEDIATELY. Information on poly-bags – Other than the safety warning (above) no further information is required on poly-bags unless specifically requested by exception. Where individual poly-bags may have previously required the style number, colour &/or size to be printed on them, this is no longer necessary.
Store-based Recycling
“Amcor Recycling Australasia” provides a store-based recycling service for cardboard, paper and plastic waste. Amcor provides Myer with a rebate calculated on the quantity of recyclable waste collected from each store. This rebate is then credited back to each store. To maximise the financial benefit of recycling, Stores are encouraged to maximise the recycling of cardboard, paper and plastic. All Myer Stores now have facilities to collect paper and cardboard products, through their cardboard compactor and/or baler. Stores should also be equipped with bale-units and bags for collecting plastic. Stores may obtain new or additional bale-units and bags by contacting Amcor directly on 1800 819 000. Please note that Stores that have their cardboard & paper waste managed by their centre management can still recycle plastic waste. For further details on recycling policies or procedures, please contact your relevant Facilities
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APPENDIX E: Outer-Carton Standards
Outer-Carton Materials
Outer cartons must be of a suitable standard & quality that ensures cartons remain intact through the supply chain channels Outer cartons must be of a suitable standard & quality to protect merchandise from damage under typical conditions of transport and handling For soft goods, where damage of merchandise through dropping and falling is unlikely (eg. apparel) – a 5-layered / 2-core-corrugated cardboard is the expected minimum standard For merchandise where damage of merchandise through dropping and falling is more likely (eg. ceramic dinnerware) – a 7-layered / 3-core-corrugated cardboard is the expected minimum standard
Outer-Carton marking & labelling
Myer’s standards for marking & labelling of outer cartons forms part of the E-Commerce standards and is overseen by the Supply Chain Team. For details about carton marking, ASN’s, and other e-commerce requirements, please refer to the following link. http://et.colesgroup.com.au/default.asp
Carton - Packing guidelines and tips
Some useful tips will help to minimise creasing that can arise thru in-transit movement or because due care was not taken when packing the merchandise. To ensure a balanced loading of garments within a carton, lay garments end to end in small groups Hangers should be tied/secured to tops of cartons to minimise movement. Trousers should have cardboard spacers placed at centre-folds to minimise creasing Group-folding softens the crease fold, especially for garments on the outside of the
cardboard spacer Use card to separate layers only if creasing &/or bruising is likely
APPENDIX F: Hanging garment bags
For merchandise that is transported hanging (ie. received into DC’s and stores hanging), merchandise must be securely contained in hanger-bags according to the following standards.
Garment Bag – General requirements
Garment-bags must be: Of a colour that prevents identification/visibility of items contained within (NB: this is a security measure) Sturdy & robust enough to withstand the normal rigours of transport and handling. Not impart odour, stain or cause any other adverse reaction with the garments contained there in. Equipped with a number of air-holes that allow escape of excess air. Holes should not be ripped into the bag. Securely sealed at one end only so that the bag may be sealed at the other end with cable tie. No longer than 170cm and no wider than 70cm so that goods may be processed
Of a length that allows garments to hang freely inside the bag with the bottom edge of the garment remaining above, (not touching), the bottom of the bag. A minimum clearance of 6cm to 12cm is required. Of a length where garments are allowed to drape without the need for folding – unless garment length exceeds the garment-bag length limit. Long garments such as dresses, may need to be gently folded upwards and pegged/pinned into position to prevent crushing and creasing in the bottom of garment-bags.
General Packing & Handling Instructions
The following are the general instructions for packing garment bags: Ensure staff handling the garments have clean hands and that the general environment is clean and dust free. Ensure that garments are clean and dry before packing in a garment hang bag. The hangers must be secured with a cable tie before placing into garment-bags. The cable tie may be placed through the die-mould hole in the centre of the hanger to hold hangers securely together (Step 1a). Alternatively, the cable tie may be placed around the base of hanger necks (Step 1b) Pack garments into garment-bags (Step 2). No greater than 12 units should be packed into any single garment-bag, and weight must not exceed 7kg. Seal the top opening of garment bags by placing ladder-lock cable ties at the base of the hanger hooks – taking care not to damage hangers (Step 3). During storage and transport, ensure garment bags are not over-packed or crushed together causing unnecessary garment crushing and creasing. Bags must remain vertical & hanging at all times. Under no circumstances should bags be laid flat or draped over a fixture. Ensure that the packed garment-bags are kept in a cool, dry place. Bags must not be left outdoors or exposed to adverse weather conditions. Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 21
Step 1a The cable tie may be placed through the die-mould hole in the centre of the hanger Step 1b OR …the cable tie may be placed around the base of hanger-necks Step 2 Pack garments into garment bags with enough clearance that garments do not bunch in bottom of the bag. Step 3 Seal the top opening of garment bags by using a ladder-lock cable, taking care not to damage hangers
Garment Bag – Sources of supply
Myer does not have a preferred supplier of garment bags, nor do we endorse any particular
available from the following sources: AAA Packaging Supplies SNJ Blackhurst Pty Ltd 9 Flight Dve 55 Mills Rd Tullamarine, VIC, 3043. Tynong Nth, Vic, 3813 Att: Ron Williams Att: Steve Blackhurst Ph: 03-9335-1335 Ph: 03-5942-9120 Mob: 0408-351-747 Merchandise Packaging & Presentation Standards - Apparel - V1.doc Page 22