Sustainable Packaging Option

Sustainable Packaging Option Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in controlled atmosphere packaging, has introduced a new sustainable packaging option to help reduce plastic waste. The new packaging targets plastic buckets that are harder to recycle than cardboard boxes and use non-renewable resins in production. Cardboard is sourced from renewable trees and degrades naturally if not recycled. Nicolas Martinez, Global Product Manager at Airnov, stated: "With this new option from our facility in Belen, we hope to eliminate hundreds of tons of plastic from use by converting secondary packaging from plastic to cardboard. Additionally, the cardboard is lighter and more efficient in the space it occupies, optimizing shipping and storage space." [caption id="attachment_133847" align="aligncenter"] Airnov's environmental focus is reflected in new sustainable packaging aimed at reducing plastic waste. (Photo: Airnov)[/caption]

Targeting Reduced Shipping Emissions

The new offering not only targets plastic consumption but also aims to reduce shipping emissions by using double-stackable cardboard. The new cardboard is more durable than standard cardboard and allows pallets to be double-stacked within the same footprint of a single pallet with 50 percent more material. While Airnov helps customers reduce freight costs with additional materials, the company also hopes to lower the number of trucks needed to transport goods, save money, and reduce carbon emissions. Airnov is also removing humidity indicator cards (HICs) to reduce foreign materials and chemicals used in packaging. Martinez stated: "Offering a more sustainable option is a noble thing. However, without providing demonstrable benefits to our customers, encouraging adoption is still often difficult." He added: "This new effort not only reduces plastic and other waste but also helps our customers reduce rapidly increasing shipping and commodity costs. Due to volatility in the resin supply chain, who knows what's next in plastic pricing…" Cardboard packaging performs equally to plastic buckets by using high-barrier bags to provide the same three-year shelf life. New packaging solutions for drop-in products are already available. Source