Ireland-based corrugated packaging company Smurfit Kappa has collaborated with Dutch LED lighting systems manufacturer Signify to develop an integrated sustainable packaging system.
The companies have developed the BioShift UV-C Chamber Case, a packaging solution for shipping and transporting UV-C lights that can kill germs and viruses.
The fully paper-based solution removes all plastics and reduces the number of packaging materials used from five to one.
The case is secured by a fit-to-size hood with special multi-use locks before being placed on a corrugated pallet.
As well as its sustainability aspects, the case is claimed to be cheaper and reduce assembly labour by 50%.
It also reduces storage space by 30%, allowing up to 16 additional pallets to fit in one truck, and is claimed to guarantee 100% security during transport.
Smurfit Kappa Poland CEO Jacek Nieweglowski said: “Working with Signify locally to create more sustainable packaging, which is innovative in design and optimised from a cost perspective, has brought a great sense of pride to our team, especially by supporting the worldwide shipping of a product offering protection against viruses.”
Signify EMEA strategic buyer Damian Grzelak said: “UV-C lights are a growing segment of business for us, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Smurfit Kappa has been vital in helping us reduce costs and ship our products in a safe and more sustainable manner.”
The BioShift UV-C Chamber Case is part of Smurfit Kappa’s Better Planet Packaging product line, which offers renewable, recyclable and biodegradable products.
This week, Smurfit Kappa launched an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film for its Bag-in-Box solution.
The 60-micron film, to be marketed as E Compact 60, will reduce the amount of plastic used by the company when manufacturing bags.
