Capsa SA interview

Capsa is a finalist in this year’s Sustainability Awards with its reusable cardboard box entry, nominated in the Commercialized Driving the Circular Economy category. We spoke with the company to learn more about this innovation.

You’re a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2024. Congratulations! To start off, could you summarize your entry, in less than 50 words?

Capsa 2in1® is a specially designed reusable corrugated cardboard box that reduces carbon footprint by up to 80%. Its multifunctionality and exceptional durability optimize logistics and promote a circular economy by significantly reducing resource consumption, minimizing waste, and saving costs, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional single-use packaging.

Why do you think the judges were impressed with your entry? Tell us about what is innovative about your project and/or about its impact on packaging sustainability.

The Capsa 2in1® box stands out due to its innovative design that merges functionality with sustainability. Its ability to be reused while maintaining strength and efficiency is a game-changer in packaging sustainability. The Texsospack LCA study - conducted by Packaging Clúster and AEI Tèxtils in collaboration with the Catalan Waste Agency and Leitat Technologies - compared the environmental impact of using 6 conventional boxes versus 1 Capsa 2in1 box reused 6 times.

The study revealed significant reductions at a reuse distance of 50 km: an 80% reduction in carbon footprint, 84% in water consumption, and 82% in fossil resource use. These results remain extraordinary even at larger distances of 100, 500, and 1000 km, elevating sustainable supply chains to the next level.

The Capsa 2in1® box excels in durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It is 33% more resistant than standard boxes, minimizing the risk of damage and content breakage during transport.

Its double-closure system serves both storage and transport purposes, enabling efficient and optimized logistics, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, this robust design reduces the need for additional protective materials, such as plastic bubble wrap, as well as cutting tape consumption.

All our boxes feature the patented Capsa 2in1® system that integrates a multi-function closure mechanism, allowing the boxes to be used interchangeably for storage and transport. This system includes two pairs of flaps: one for easy, tape-free access during storage and another for secure closure during shipping. This feature streamlines order preparation and storage processes, making our boxes easier and faster to handle.

Finally, can you tell us about the ongoing development of your project, e.g. how your innovation/initiative has been received by the industry, or what the next steps are in commercialization/product development?

The Capsa 2in1® reusable box has already been embraced by many clients. By offering a reusable alternative to single-use packaging, businesses can benefit from a sustainable, cost-effective, and functional solution that not only meets their packaging needs but also aligns with their environmental goals.

Protected by 75 patents, our technology ensures that Capsa Packaging leads the reusable packaging market with unmatched quality and innovation. Within our circular project, we aim to offer a comprehensive range of reusable cardboard boxes, designed to meet diverse industry needs while promoting sustainability.

Our product lineup includes standard boxes for various purposes such as e-commerce, shipping, industrial packaging, and moving. These boxes come in a wide array of sizes, catering to different requirements, and can be personalized with client logos and graphics. We also specialize in designing custom boxes tailored to specific client needs.

Through our licensing program, we share this advanced technology with other cardboard manufacturers, expanding the reach and impact of our sustainable solutions. As we move forward, our focus includes expanding our market reach in Europe and developing new patents to further enhance our product’s functionality and sustainability.

The winners of the Sustainability Awards 2024 will be announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place in Amsterdam on 12-13 November. The Summit mobilizes leaders of the FMCG value chain, policymakers, NGOs, recyclers and investors to collaborate, remove barriers and identify opportunities on the road to sustainable transformation.

To learn more or register, visit: https://www.packagingsummit.earth/2024

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