Smurfit Westrock has packed LPA Group’s electrical connectors in reusable, recyclable, and FSC-certified corrugated cardboard – a move set to phase out conventional bubble wrap and timber without sacrificing their protective qualities.
From the outset, LPA Group sought a paper-based material that replaced affordable single-use plastic bubble wrap and timber packaging while maintaining its flexibility and close fit, thus saving space in the bulk shipper.
Packaging experts at Smurfit Westrock Peterborough responded by designing a packaging fitting using E-flute corrugated cardboard. While this material is bulkier and less flexible than plastic, the ‘sleek’ pack has been shaped to wrap neatly around various connector sizes and ensure a perfect fit, therefore keeping the products safe in transit.
The pack is delivered flat and, according to Smurfit Westrock, can be easily folded and fitted to the connector. It is not thought to lessen the number of connection cables that can be packed in one delivery, but it has reportedly eliminated the use of bubble wrap and rolls of tape.
At the same time, it claims to have unlocked full reusability and recyclability, contributing to LPA Group’s goal of removing single-use plastics from its operations.
“LPA is committed to reducing our environmental impact, and eliminating single-use plastic from our packaging was a key priority,” says operations manager David Gould. “Smurfit Westrock’s innovative corrugated cardboard solution has not only helped us meet our sustainability goals but also ensures our products are well-protected during transit.
“It offers the same flexibility and protection as bubble wrap, and we’re proud to showcase our dedication to green initiatives with this recyclable, FSC-certified packaging.”
Brian Smith, technical design manager at Smurfit Westrock Peterborough, added: “LPA are really happy with their packaging and due to its success, we are planning to continue working with them on their packaging solutions. We’re going to do a full single-use plastic audit on the LPA packaging and shipping process used by LPA, which will push them even further towards being a sustainable business.”
In other news, DS Smith Tecnicarton is delivering automotive products in single-use corrugated cardboard trays instead of expanded polystyrene; these feature a double fingerprint die cut to hold the product in place from the top and bottom, keeping it safe in both transit and storage.
Even earlier this year, Priory Direct helped STG Aerospace ship its emergency floor path marking system in a ‘100%’ recycled and recyclable cardboard pack. It is expected to negate the need for extra filler materials, save space in transportation, and lower the overall shipment weight.
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