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Tag: packaging

Smurfit Kappa opens third ‘Experience Centre’

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Smurfit Kappa UK has launched its new eCommerce focussed Experience Centre, based at the heart of the UK’s logistics “Golden Triangle” in Northampton. The third Smurfit Kappa Experience Centre to open across the UK, this new flagship centre will incorporate all of the technology, skills and knowledge that Smurfit Kappa’s Mold and Yate Experience Centres boast, but with the additional facility of its very own ISTA Certified Lab.

Responding to requests for an ISTA Lab in the UK and another Experience Centre, both of which would be convenient for customers all over the country, the team at Smurfit Kappa decided that this new venture would offer additional expertise and state of the art technology to their customers.

The existing Experience Centres are already hugely popular with customers, as they allow Smurfit Kappa to support businesses through the packaging design process from ideation to delivery.

Combining these two crucial facets of the packaging business under one roof means that customers will be able to quickly and easily source their packaging needs, from initial design elements, through test phases, and past final amendments and shelf appeal.

ISTA Lab

ISTA stands for International Safe Transit Association, and an ISTA lab has been fully certified by that organisation. ISTA is perfect for eCommerce companies suffering from packaging related issues in their supply chain as ISTA labs are designed to minimise product damage throughout the supply chain, by putting packaging thorough a rigorous testing process.

This is a particularly important matter when it comes to eCommerce ventures, in which packages are sent through the transit chain and can arrive to the customer in substandard conditions.

ISTA tests are designed to determine whether the package and product can withstand transit hazards through testing simulation, whereby real life warehousing and final mile delivery conditions are replicated.

There are certain tangible benefits to having received an ISTA certification – which can only be obtained from an ISTA lab.

What are the benefits of an ISTA certification for brands? One crucial advantage of an ISTA certification is the confidence it instils in buyers, who know that the packaging has undergone rigorous testing procedures – and so won’t cause reputational damage. In fact, an ISTA certification is often required by larger retailers like Amazon.

On top of that, you have the assurance that there will be a reduction in transit damage, and therefore product – and customer – loss.

The new Smurfit Kappa ISTA lab will not only be the company’s first in the UK, but its second globally.  Previously, design samples were sent to the Smurfit Kappa Global lab in Hoogeveen. With the advent of this new facility, Smurfit Kappa customers from all over the UK will have access to quicker testing.

It will also be able to offer customers the facility to design, manufacture, test and certify products, all under one roof, to Amazon’s Frustration Free packaging standards as Smurfit Kappa are proud members of Amazons Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS).

But the lab is not just for full ISTA testing, it can also be utilised for more basic requirements such as compression testing in order to validate how much weight a parcel can withstand during stacking. The lab is designed to help eliminate a range of packaging problems across the supply chain, minimising product damage and boosting manufacturers’ bottom line.

How do ISTA tests work?

There are actually a range of ISTA tests, depending on the level of certification you’re going for. The 1-Series preliminary tests cover shock tests, atmospheric preconditioning, and vibration tests.

There’s a variety of shock test options: it’s up to you and the lab to decide which type of test is most suited to your operation and supply chain. The incline-impact shock test measures how the package holds up under tilted stressors, and it’s noted that impact velocity varies according to the package’s weight.

The atmospheric preconditioning for the 1-Series covers ambient temperatures and humidity. Jumping up to the 3-Series, and more specifically Project 3K – which concerns FMCGs – we find that the atmospheric preconditioning tests become much more thorough. Depending on how the goods are going to be shipped, the test can measure the package’s hardiness in ambient, chilled, or frozen environments.

Then there are five required shock tests – including drop-on impact and flat drop tests – as well as vibration and picking tests.

It really is a rigorous process – and having a Smurfit Kappa ISTA Certified Lab in the UK will make the process much more streamlined for customers.

The Experience Centre

The other half of a perfect pairing, the Northampton Experience Centre doesn’t have the accolade of being the first of its kind in the UK.

Instead, it joins two others in Yate and Mold. The Experience Centres exist to offer Smurfit Kappa customers a wealth of industry expertise. From design elements to sustainability options, the Experience Centre team are more than happy to share their ideas, knowledge and research.

The teams at the Experience Centre are adventurous, and keen to push the boundaries of what can be done – opening up new market opportunities for customers and producing the best packaging solutions for the brief. As they say, “the best way to predict the future is to create it”.

Years of global experience delivered to Smurfit Kappa customers locally – that’s what the Experience Centre promises. They won’t take over your project, though: there’s a holistic approach that combines customer goals and desires with Smurfit Kappa’s endless knowledge.

Packaging often seems like an unknown element in eCommerce – but Smurfit Kappa’s Experience Centre takes the guesswork out of it.

The team at the Experience Centre are full of expertise, and a big reason why Smurfit Kappa is so popular. However, they are backed up by some pretty fancy software designed to demystify the packaging process.

There’s the Paper to Box database: a constantly updated log of paper grades that can be quickly combined to simulate box grades.

Then there’s Innobook: a resource intended to inspire packaging ideas, updated directly by the designers themselves.

Possibly most exciting is the Store Visualiser. Our team of graphic designers have worked hard to create a program that allows you to see your design on-shelf, alongside competitor products. It’s a wonderful tool for comparing how designs stand out – without risking the investment of having actually made the packaging – and for analysing how to improve.

As always at Smurfit Kappa, there’s a focus on sustainability. Brands often want to explore more eco-friendly options, and the team at the Experience Centre help them to better manage their environmental impact – whether that’s through sleeker designs that ship less air or FSC-certified materials.

The combination of Experience Centre with ISTA Lab means that Smurfit Kappa’s customers can reach out at any stage in their packaging journey. Whether it’s a new business who wants to branch into eCommerce and needs some guidance, or an established brand who wants to tweak their existing designs, the new packaging hub awaits. Smurfit Kappa  says no challenge is too big for its team.

 

Nano tape “has strength to replace nails”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Sometimes called ‘magic tape’, a transparent and lightweight double-sided nano tape from Kite Packaging can hold objects up to 1kg in weight. Its outstanding adhesive strength makes it an incredibly versatile product for an assortment of decorating, DIY or domestic applications in addition to the professional purposes it can satisfy within an office or a warehouse.

To use, simply cut off the required amount, seal it onto almost any surface and attach the item you want to suspend. The tape can even be reused by peeling it off the surface, washing with water and leaving it to dry naturally to regain its stickiness. Hence, Kite says its nano tape is a sustainable, multi-purpose solution built to last.

Within a packing station, tapes, scissors or label dispensers can be secured at the most convenient position for the user. The advantage of non-permanent fittings is the flexibility it grants the space. For small businesses, a pack bench may double as a product image backdrop and the tape can facilitate this transformation via the easy removal of suspended objects or the quick tidying up of the flat surface.

Office applications include organising workspaces to be as ergonomic and easily customisable as possible through attaching pens, pencils, calendars and posters to walls or desk divisions. Furthermore, you can elevate desks without causing slipping by inserting tape underneath a table leg, for example.

The nano tape is also popular for household tasks such as hanging picture frames or mirrors without inflicting potential damage to the wall. The clear and washable appearance will not interfere with any existing colour schemes while providing optimal decorative freedom for the user. The tape offers excellent versatility and convenience with the potential to revolutionise many processes.

 

 

Envirotainer handles billionth vaccine

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Envirotainer, a global leader in secure cold-chain solutions for air transportation of pharmaceuticals, is calling for continued collaboration between pharmaceutical firms and the logistics industry.

The call to action comes as Envirotainer passes a major milestone in the shipment of COVID-19 vaccines. One billion have been carried in the company’s fleet of over 6,500 temperature-controlled air cargo containers. These are designed to maintain constant internal temperature, some for over a week, ensuring treatments arrive in perfect condition.

With much of Europe introducing new curbs on freedoms to reduce cases, the whole sector needs to be ready to meet increased demand for vaccines and boosters.

Globally, just 56.9% of the world population has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This illustrates the mountain left to climb. In doing so, pharmaceutical manufacturers, forwards, airlines and cold chain-solutions providers need to work seamlessly as extensions of each other.

This calls for total transparency on which consignments are crucial and need to be prioritised. It also requires further advance planning. Not only in terms of keeping COVID-19 treatments moving, but also other life-saving drugs that are required every day across the globe.

Niklas Adamsson, Envirotainer’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We’re incredibly proud of handling a billion vaccines at a time when air freight has been restricted and demand has been sky high. This is thanks to the incredible collaboration we’ve been part of across the industry.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners and customers, and now want to work even closer with those efforts in the face of Omicron. It’s crucial we continue to work in unity across the cold-chain to get the next doses to the patients, where they’re needed. It’s our responsibility as part of the fight against coronavirus, and we’re ready to do all we can.”

Ribbon printer adds luxury to gifting

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Nothing expresses thoughtfulness more than a sublimely wrapped gift. And prestigious, luxury brands such as Christian Dior take the art of gifting very seriously, with branded ribbons and bows often providing the finishing touches. A good 20-30% of customers prefer to visit stores and concessions where complimentary giftwrapping is offered because it makes the gift appear so much more exclusive and special. And now, thanks to a solution developed by Bryanthings in conjunction with TSC Printronix Auto ID, luxury brands can stand out even more with beautiful, foiled, customised ribbons with which to gift-wrap presents.

As a specialist in designing and creating beautiful retail displays and experiences, Bryanthings teamed up with TSC Printronix Auto ID to develop a solution called Ribbon Printer. It allows brands, at point of sale (POS), to personalise in real-time each piece of ribbon with tailor-made messages before gift-wrapping the presents, making gifts even more special and memorable.

The solution combines a tablet for the retail customer interface with a hot foil ribbon stamping system with 600dpi print resolution. Everything can be customised, from the font, layout, colour and content of the message itself to the ribbon material, its pantone colour, its width and any cut-outs. The software was developed by Bryanthings and the printer used is TSC Printronix Auto ID’s high-performance desktop, the TX600.

An application on the tablet enables the retailer or concession to select, via a simple and intuitive user interface, their desired typography, the message they want written, the brand logo and their choice of ribbon and ink colour. The tablet is connected directly to the TX600, which prints at a very sharp 600dpi resolution on 30m media for gilding and 300m satin ribbons. An optional guillotine cutter can be specified to finish the cut of the ribbon.

Retailers can choose between a 10” or 15’’ screen tablet and the solution can work on- and offline. Tutorials are available to make it easier to get started. The complete system can be either be housed in a cabinet or placed on a counter top. Bryanthings has also developed a specific packaging solution that can be personalised in line with brand colour and image.

The luxurious Ribbon Printer solution has already been implemented in more than 1,000 stores around the world. Renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent are all using Ribbon Printer to personalise their gift packaging, as are some leading florists and chocolatiers. The solution won a prestigious Popai, an award, much prized in POS application and luxury goods.

The three models in the TX Series of thermal transfer desktop printers can support a wide range of printing applications. Each one uses a generous 300m ribbon supply and an easy drop-in media loading of 5” rolls media to save both time and money. The TX Series 4” model is ideal for printing high volume 4×6 shipping labels as well as high-resolution product marking and graphic solutions applications.

Standard interfaces include USB 2.0, USB-A Host, 10/100Mbps Ethernet and Serial connectivity. Optional communication interfaces include Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and Centronics Parallel. Printer options include a bright colour LCD display, label peel and present, and a guillotine cutter.

As with all TSC printers, the TX Series features the TSPL-EZÔ printer-control language, which is fully compatible with the most commonly used printer languages in the industry.

DoKaSch strengthens presence in Japan

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DoKaSch Temperature Solutions continues to expand its business in Asia. With the dedicated subsidiary DoKaSch Temperature Solutions K.K. in Tokyo and a new service station at Narita International Airport, customers in Japan now have optimal access to the “Opticooler” – high-quality and reliable temperature-controlled packaging-solution by DoKaSch Temperature Solutions.

Additionally, the specialist for temperature-controlled packaging solutions will be presenting its active container solutions at INTERPHEX Japan 2021 from 8th – 10th December at booth 8-36.

Japan is considered an important production and export centre for pharmaceuticals in the Asian-Pacific region as well as worldwide. Especially in terms of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, the demand for pharmaceutical cold chain capacity is increasing. Narita International Airport has one of the largest temperature-controlled storage facilities for airports in Japan, the Cargo Climate Control Terminal (CCC). The airport handles half of all pharmaceutical trade in Japan, making it one of the most important hubs for both import and export.

With its office in Tokyo and the new depot at Narita International Airport, DoKaSch Temperature Solutions is strengthening its network in the region and worldwide. In this way, the solution provider for temperature-controlled packaging contributes to a reliable cold chain for highly sensitive pharmaceutical products, especially during the pandemic.

The capacities of RKN and RAP Opticooler at Narita Station can be increased at any time and immediately so that the required number of containers is available for each flight. Back in July, for example, DoKaSch Temperature Solutions K.K. provided Opticoolers for a large-scale and very important transport operation of vaccines.

“I see many opportunities for Opticooler in the important Japanese pharmaceutical market and beyond, because of its technical characteristics, exceptional reliability and availability. Because of our proximity and extensive network, we can serve customers quickly and reliably,” said Kazuyoshi Kakizawa, Head of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions K.K.. The experienced industry expert is responsible for the further development and expansion of DoKaSch’s business in Japan and also for the company’s operational activities in the East Asian island state.

Andreas Seitz, Managing Director of DoKaSch Temperature Solutions, added: “Japan is a major production and export centre for pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. Therefore, we decided to open a new DoKaSch office and station at Tokyo. It is directly related to our growth strategy in Asia and ideally complements our extensive global network. This allows us to further ensure that our Opticooler reaches our customers quickly and thus contribute to a smooth and reliable cold chain.”

DoKaSch says Opticooler is an extremely reliable, temperature-controlled packaging solution. Electrically powered and fully climate controlled, the active containers can both cool and heat without using dry ice or other refrigerants. They maintain the desired temperature level, e.g. between 2°C and 8°C at all times and regardless of external climatic conditions. This makes them the ideal solution for the safe transport of highly sensitive and valuable pharmaceutical products that must always be protected from temperature fluctuations.

Customers who would like to see and inform about the Opticooler can meet Kazuyoshi Kakizawa at this year’s INTERPHEX Japan 2021 from 8th – 10th December at booth 8-36.

INTERPHEX Japan 2021 is Japan’s largest exhibition for pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturing/packaging technologies. With 23 years of history, INTERPHEX Japan is known as the best business platform to network with industry top leaders from pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry in Japan and Asia. The show is held inside INTERPHEX Week Tokyo; Asia’s leading comprehensive pharma and cosmetics event.

Kite introduces recyclable edge protectors

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The external edges, corners and sides of items such as furniture or frames are at high risk of damage if not properly protected before shipping. These outer most areas are the most susceptible to impact, making edge protectors essential packaging equipment for businesses sending out potentially fragile objects.

Historically, polystyrene has been the only available cushioning product for sharp edges such as these, yet Kite Packaging has recently introduced a range of 100% recycled solid board alternatives that can also be recycled after use.

Each product is made from compressed, recycled cardboard to create a highly dense and durable material. Hence, these edge protectors are as effective as they are sustainable by adding reliable reinforcement to vulnerable areas.

Use the standard style for straight edges, the innovative yet simple locked corner design for pointed corners and the curved variety for rounded edges. Each style has unique features to adapt it to the varying properties of the object being packaged.

Tables, mirrors and large picture frames, for example, will all require one or a combination of these protectors. As they are typically high value products too, it is of even greater importance that they do not suffer and scratches or scrapes that could result in returns; damaging your business’s finances and carbon footprint.

Timber pallet sector tackling ‘severe’ challenges

Posted on by David Priestman

The packaging and pallet sector is battling major ongoing pressure as the result of Covid, Brexit and other factors, according to the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON).

Delegates at the organisation’s GM, which was held in person in Manchester at the end of October 2021, heard how industry-specific and wider general influences were impacting heavily on the supply and demand of wood and products such as pallets and packaging.

TIMCON President John Dye said while the annual increase in demand related to Christmas has started, there remains a shortage of used pallets in the UK – with recycling and biomass diverting some stocks away from the market – coupled with strong demand for reconditioned pallets in the EU market. Brexit continues to have an impact on the business with additional administrative, time and cost burdens for goods crossing between the UK and the EU.

In general, several interlinked crises in related industries were deepening the issues, he added. These include the ongoing global imbalance of container locations around the world, which has pushed the price of shipping to new highs; the difficulty in logistics, haulage and related industries in recruiting and retaining staff; and continued pressure on supplies due to a post-lockdown rebound in demand for timber in several markets, including China and the US.

Dye said: “While the pallet and packaging industry is fully operational, ongoing challenges for logistics-focused industries in general and our sector specifically, is placing intense pressure on our members. We are continuing to monitor the situation and communicating with other industries and the government to ensure keep the supply chain updated.”

TIMCON recently wrote to MPs including Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, asking for urgent assistance to address staff shortages; and to reinstate both the mothballed Renewable Heat Initiative to allow the industry to invest in kilns and the subsidy for red diesel. The organisation has also engaged fully with the recent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Packaging Waste Regulations (PWR) consultation processes.

Also at the meeting, TIMCON launched its annual UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market survey for 2020, which it publishes jointly with the Forestry Commission. The latest study showed a 1.5% growth in reuse of wooden pallets, to a total of 49 million; while, despite the pandemic, production of new pallets remained similar to the previous year, at a total of 44.9m.

“Who would have ever imagined that in a year that saw our supply chains being decimated and the main customer of our products, the construction sector, shutting down for four to five months, the wooden pallet and packaging sector has actually ended up manufacturing the same quantity of pallets as 2019,” said Dye. “After this incredibly difficult time this is a really positive outcome. And we are pleased to see further growth in the recovery, repair and reuse of pallets; this is part of a welcome trend that further still improves our sector’s unrivalled environmental credentials.”

TIMCON gave the meeting an update on projects including the production of a document on safe pallet stacking heights, further engagement with government, and its communications activity.

It also reported on extremely high membership retention (98%) and the addition of seven new members during the past year, which Dye said is evidence of the industry’s desire for strong representation in the face of multiple challenges in the market.

European business reusing more wooden pallets

Posted on by David Priestman

European pallet and packaging manufacturers are repairing more wooden pallets for reuse than ever, according to a survey by European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB).

Latest figures from the organisation, show that 197.5 million pallets were repaired in 2019, an increase of 25% on the previous survey carried out three years earlier.

In countries that are running formal packaging surveys – such as France, the Netherlands, and the UK – pallet repairs are generally equal to, or exceed, the numbers for new pallet production. Some 435.9 million pallets were manufactured during the same three-year period, an increase of 12% on FEFPEB’s 2016 study. Accordingly, the organisation estimates the European total to be closer 500 million.

These figures do not yet include repairs to pallets in several of FEFPEB’s 18 member countries and there are also significant numbers of pallets inspected and reused every year without needing to be repaired.

The figures also show an increase in the use of industrial and lightweight packaging, growing by 8.5% and 14%, respectively, between 2016 and 2019.

FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel said: “We are encouraged by the results of FEFPEB’s latest manufacture and repair survey, as they show not only an increase in the use of all kinds of wooden packaging, but also a welcome growth in reuse and repair of these products. Wooden pallets and packaging have a key role to play in reducing the carbon footprint of businesses and establishing true sustainability in supply chains.

“Awareness about the need for action on climate change has increased, so we can expect demand for environment-friendly business solutions such as wooden pallets and packaging to increase in the months ahead. I will be interested to see the impact of this on our manufacturing and repair figures for the three years ahead.”

At FEFPEB’s 2019 AGM, Van Hoesel called for the pallet and packaging industry to target sourcing 100 per cent of its timber from certified sources, such as PEFC and FSC, to further increase its strong environmental credentials.

“With COP26 taking place in Glasgow, it’s a great time to remind ourselves of the important place wood has in building the circular economies we need for the future. Wood is already the most sustainable choice of raw material for manufacturing and as such has been recognised as central by authorities including the European Commission to doing this and lowering the carbon footprint of businesses,” said van Hoesel.

FEFPEB is continually seeking to improve the collation and analysis of data on the manufacture, reuse and repair of wooden packaging and pallets. With packaging surveys already taking place in several countries, the organisation is working with its membership to encourage further measurement and reporting to build up an increasingly accurate picture of developments within Europe.

FEFPEB has collaborated with the European Woodworking Industry Confederation (CEI-Bois) to ensure that pallets and packaging have been included as part of the organisation’s presentation of the forest-based industries at COP26 and submissions on developing more sustainable business in the EU.

The packaging and pallet industry purchases approximately 25% of the European sawmill output of timber.

Christmas worst time for RTP loss

Posted on by David Priestman

More returnable transit packaging (RTP) equipment goes missing during the festive season than any other time of year. But with multiple external forces continuing to wreak havoc across the food industry supply chain in 2021, this year should be the season for giving back. Paul Empson, general manager, Bakers Basco, explains why and how.

The festive season has traditionally been a time for giving, but with supply chains facing additional pressure due to the ongoing national driver shortage, the cogs (companies) that keep the food industry engine running to deliver food from source to supermarket shelves, need to reverse this trend in 2021 and encourage everybody to start giving back.

By everybody, I mean everyone – from the general public to warehouse staff, logistics managers and supermarket workers – and by giving back, I mean ensuring the safe return of equipment that might be lost or clogged up at distribution centres, in warehouses, delivery bays, Recycling & Reclamation Units (RRUs), abandoned on the street or elsewhere.

Anyone who works in the food logistics industry knows that the demand for safe, secure and efficient returnable transit packaging (RTP) hits an all-year high during the festive season. Thanks to a spike in food sales, those working behind the scenes face increased pressure to ensure additional equipment is available to transport goods across the UK to ensure that everyone gets what they need in time for Christmas Day.

But that’s easier said than done. Just as Santa has to deliver gifts across the world in just one night, that same miracle has to happen in the days leading up to Christmas to ensure that suppliers can deliver their fresh goods in a timely and efficient manner.

The problem is that, particularly in our corner of the food industry – baking – the memo alerting people to return any equipment that has been diverted out of the supply chain seems to have gotten lost in the post. Bakers Basco equipment – which includes our plastic bakery trays and dollies – carry an embossed label stating who the owner is. All of this equipment is designed to be reused again and again for a life span of up to 10 years and is then recycled once it has come to the end of its useful life.

It might not be a diamond ring or the latest tech gadget, but this vital piece of equipment has value. It is relied upon daily to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of fresh bread and baked goods across the UK – even more so during the busy festive season – plus, it’s designed to be environmentally friendly as part of the circular economy.

When any piece of equipment goes missing from the supply chain, it can be costly to replace – not just from a monetary value but to the detriment of the environment. After all, who wants more unnecessary plastic out in the world if it’s not being returned and reused responsibly?

It’s not a shortage issue, it’s a stuck issue. There is plenty of equipment in circulation to keep the festive spirit alive – but not if it’s stuck in the wrong place or in the wrong hands.

So, as I’m writing my wish list to Santa for Christmas this year, it’s to send this important message to everybody, raise awareness of what people should do if they come across any of our equipment where it shouldn’t be, and know that all they have to do is give us a call and Bakers Basco will come and collect it for free, wherever it is in the UK.

And while ‘Basco’s little helpers’ – our national investigations team – are working harder than ever to track down and reclaim equipment that has been diverted out of the supply chain, today it’s on everyone to play their part to ensure that everyone gets a gift they deserve this Christmas.

ORBIS launches brown box replacement

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ORBIS Europe, an international manufacturer of innovative and sustainable plastic transport packaging, has launched its reusable PlastiCorr boxes at the Sustainability in Packaging Europe event in Barcelona.

It is the first direct replacement for single-use corrugated packaging on the market requiring no changes to pack out quantity or logistics processes. ORBIS says PlastiCorr is ideal for FMCG applications with closed supply chain loops including inbound receiving and finished goods to co-pack. By switching from corrugated to plastic, users benefit from long-term cost savings, a significant overall reduction in the environmental impact and improved efficiency and cleanliness on site.

“With this reusable and recyclable solution, ORBIS makes a huge step towards a coherent circular economy in FMCG supply chains,” says Jürgen Krahé, Senior Commercial Director EMEA at ORBIS. “Our sustainability journey continues. PlastiCorr caters to companies’ sustainability targets while helping to save costs.”

The plastic boxes are reusable up to 70 cycles through the supply chain for a significant ROI of 30% or more.

More than 65% of all transport packaging in Germany is made from corrugated board. Thus, paper and cardboard account for the majority of packaging waste in the EU. But fibre corrugated recycling uses huge amounts of water every year. Krahé says: “With our new product, water consumption decreases by around 90%. At the same time, we offer a more sustainable alternative in times of shortages in paper supply.

PlastiCorr is designed to perform identically as a single-use fibre corrugated box – with superior performance qualities. The all-plastic design eliminates dust and moisture issues common with corrugate for enhanced box durability and merchandise protection. All edges are sealed to reduce the potential harbour area for contaminants and improve safety and ergonomics.

PlastiCorr works with most non-glue automated packaging lines and is compatible with existing box sealing methods (no residue tape, bands). The patented design offers repeatable, reliable performance: The Enfold technology allows box flaps to return to the straight position after each use, so the boxes stay within spec after multiple uses to reduce line downtime.

ORBIS offers a sustainable way of handling of empty boxes during return shipment and storage: Custom sleeve packs are used to consolidate, orient and protect the reusable PlastiCorr boxes. Truck and warehouse utilisation can be optimised by double and triple stacking. At the end of the service life, PlastiCorr is 100% recyclable. ORBIS offers to buy back the plastic materials and uses them for new packaging production.

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