Together with partners, the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF has successfully tested a new concept for a fully recyclable reusable transport solution in practice.
Sustainable packaging materials instead of throwing away disposable packaging are the goal of modern logistics today. Disposable cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, wood wool or plastic flakes and films are often still used in the outer packaging to protect cargo. Above all Recycling of the fillers used often does not pay off.
Reusable transport box made from easily recyclable mono-material
Intelligent reusable systems, which also ensure comprehensive transport protection, offer an alternative to the widely used disposable packaging solutions. Against this background, a concept for a new type of reusable packaging was developed, Fully recyclable reusable transport box (made from single-origin mono-material) with built-in load protection developed. The first successful practical test is now available. The concept was developed by Berges together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF. The companies G & H Rothschenk and Turtlebox have designed and manufactured a demonstrator series from it. The Uvex Safety Group then tested the transport boxes in everyday logistics operations.
Efficient work processes impress in the practical test
A foldable and robust transport box contains a reversible inflatable air cushion, which wraps around the sensitive packaged goods when inflated and ensures stable transport protection. An initial demonstrator series was tested for 30 days at the Uvex Safety Group in cooperation with a logistics service provider. tested in intralogistics shuttle transport. The packers rate the assembly of the crates and loading as well as the removal and dismantling of the crates as simple. The work processes are at least as fast or even faster than the previous packing and unpacking processes with cardboard boxes and disposable fillers.
All of the packaging material could be saved and No additional investment in shipping logistics were necessary. Direct implementation in the logistics processes was possible without any problems. The empty return shipment was uncomplicated and space-saving, as the transport system is completely foldable once the air has been released from the cushion. The fragile contents were fully protected.
Additional development partners wanted
The partner consortium would like to expand and optimise the overall system. To this end, interested additional application partners from various sectors are being sought. There are still various possibilities for Joint further development customised for the application can be customised: The transport box and padding can be customised to meet individual mechanical or physical requirements, such as anti-static properties or food compatibility. The recyclable transport boxes can also be customised and used for advertising purposes.
Source: Fraunhofer LBF
