Whitecroft Lighting, a member of the Fagerhult Group (Switzerland), is a leading provider of smart and sustainable lighting solutions based in the United Kingdom. Driven by a scientific net-zero emissions target and circular design principles, the company is developing new approaches to lessen its environmental impact across the entire value chain.

However, a challenge in supply chain operations was to minimize the impact of single-use packaging while maintaining logistics efficiency throughout the UK market. Each large project consumed thousands of cardboard boxes, which were then quickly discarded, leading to high waste disposal costs at construction sites. The company also lacked the ability to track reusable packaging assets across multiple locations, while its goal to cut 80% of virgin materials by 2030 demanded innovative solutions.

The Geopak smart packaging system integrates internet of things technology for real-time location tracking, optimizing logistics operations, and reducing waste in the supply chain. *Photo: Whitecroft Lighting*

Single-use packaging not only exerts environmental pressure but also leads to operational inefficiencies, especially in large-scale projects like the Fife Learning Campus, where lighting products needed to be transported safely while still optimizing their carbon footprint.

To address this, Whitecroft partnered with Peak Technologies, Sensolus, and Cardiff Metropolitan University to develop Geopak – a reusable packaging solution with integrated GPS tracking. Sensolus provides the hardware and positioning connectivity, while Peak Technologies implements the software platform, system integration, and operational services.

Each of the 310 Geopak containers is equipped with a tracking device, transforming packaging into a smart asset that can be monitored in real time across a vast 7,500 km network. The internet of things platform continuously records location data, tracking delivery and reception times, storage duration, and return journeys. This allows the company to optimize its container fleet size, improve delivery planning, and enhance customer trust.

The system also provides a real-time dashboard and artificial intelligence predictive analytics, converting operational data into business insights. Automated alerts are triggered for delivery events, extended storage, or when asset retrieval is needed, eliminating manual tracking processes. The application programming interface integration with existing warehouse management and enterprise resource planning systems ensures the circular packaging model operates smoothly without additional administrative burden.

As a result, the Geopak solution has removed approximately 100,000 cartons from the supply chain, cutting 2 tons of packaging waste over the project’s lifecycle and contributing significantly to Whitecroft’s virgin material reduction targets. Operationally, the 310 containers are continuously active across the extensive network, with live tracking capabilities in cities such as Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and London.

Financially, the Fife Learning Campus project alone saved approximately 6,000 pounds in waste disposal costs, while also significantly reducing logistics expenses by optimizing the packaging lifecycle.

Hai My (via Logistics Manager)