Ensuring
that
a
product
is
at
its
optimum
or
right
weight
or
making
a
product
lighter,
while
ensuring
that
its
existing
product
characteristics,
and
hence
the
performance,
are
not
affected
can
bring
a number of business
benefits,
most
notably
the
cost
benefits. The
concept
of
light
weighting
is
a
concept
well
known
to
the
engineers
and
structural
designers
in
all
applications
areas,
from
the
laptops
to
bicycles
to
buildings
to
automobiles
and
airplanes.
Reducing
weight
of
structures
can
provide
a
number
of
advantages,
including
better
design,
increased
energy
efficiency,
better
coupling
with
new
and
improved
usability,
and
multi-functional
features. The
use
of
lightweight
materials
in
vehicles
will
increase
the fuel
efficiency by cutting the
emissions,
but
the
auto
industry
lacks
the
data
and
material
models
needed
to
reliably
manufacture
vehicle
the
components
from
lightweight
substitutes,
including
high-strength
steels,
aluminum
alloys,
and
polymer
composites. Cost
avoidance
through
the
lightweighting
of
packaging
remains
high
on
the
agenda
for
almost
every
brand
owner,
pack
supplier,
and
retailer.
Reducing
the
materials
weight
sand
modifying
the
pack
format
to
lighter
the
configurations
is
an
ongoing
effort
for
almost
every
business
in
support
of
reduction
of
environmental
burden,
cost
reduction,
and
progressing
towards
the
sustainability. Much
legislation
is
in
place
around
world
to
support
this
and
significant
pressure
from
retailers
and
consumers.
By
reviewing
the
physical
demands
of
product
and
pack
for
all
the
stages
of
life
cycle,
the
industry
is
able
to
identify
the
key
factors
for
consideration
in
lightweighting,
ensuring
the
materials
reduction
or
change
does
not
introduce
safety
risk,
the
damage,
or
other
detrimental
effect
in
supply
chain.
