Smurfit Kappa have partnered with McBride to produce the “100% paper-based” Click-to-Lock Pods Box, which it says is a safe and sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic box for laundry pods.
According to Smurfit Kappa, the new packaging reduces CO2 emissions by 32% during production. In addition, the company claims that the box itself is fully recyclable and biodegradable.
The pack reportedly has 25% more capacity than the previous plastic version. Smurfit Kappa says that this can make the supply chain more efficient by facilitating an increased pallet load.
In addition, the Click-to-Lock Pods Box features a child-lock system that the company adds has undergone successful protocol testing in line with the International Association of Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products.
A varnish inside the packaging also provides a moisture barrier and protects the contents of the box, according to the company.
Chris Smith, CEO of McBride plc, comments: “This project is an excellent example of the success that comes from pooling expertise between suppliers and customers to deliver the innovation to support the essential move to more environmentally friendly products.”
Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, adds: “By combining our collective expertise, we have created this first-to-market innovative packaging solution that provides our customers with a child safe, cost effective and sustainable packaging option for laundry pods.”
Safety is a design priority for the packaging of products like detergent, as demonstrated by brands such as P&G, which uses a specialized Child-Guard lid for its Tide PODs tubs. However, balancing safety and security with sustainability has been a challenge for companies across household, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications – an issue Smurfit Kappa’s innovation could help to address.
Earlier this month, Smurfit Kappa also introduced a new paper-based portfolio of e-commerce solutions for the health and beauty sector that featured a Tamper Evident Pack with a double self-locking mechanism that eliminates the need for tape and facilitates secure returns.
The Click-to-Lock Pods Box is already on shelves in France and is due to be rolled out across Europe in the coming months.
