The Flock Box is a novel packaging concept that combines natural fibre flocking technology with cardboard to create a fully recyclable premium gift box. The concept aims to demonstrate how collaboration across the entire value chain can drive the development of sustainable packaging solutions.
The Flock Box plastic-free packaging concept is a new and sustainable solution for gift boxes and is ideal for a wide range of applications where luxurious presentation and a high quality finish are important. a special unboxing experience such as cosmetics, electronics and jewellery.
The Flock Box concept was developed in collaboration between four companies Holmen Iggesund, Krekelberg, Inmaco Solutions and Van de Velde Packaging Group - through a joint approach in which brands along the entire value chain are invited to work together to find sustainable packaging solutions for the future.
The box consists of consisting of an embossed outer box and an insert tray with customised cut-outs in different shapes and sizes, which are suitable for various products such as wristwatches or perfume bottles. The high-quality look and feel of the insert tray have been with the help of flocking technology designed. Static electricity is used to make the fibres stand up and give the material a silky appearance.
„The Flock Box was only made possible by the mouldable cardboard Inverform from Holmen Iggesund, which can be moulded into any desired shape thanks to its unique properties.“
Per Berglund, Head of Formables at Holmen Iggesund
The Dutch company Krekelberg has been producing flocked materials since 1948. For this joint project they flocked Inverform with cellulose fibres, which gives the cardboard a touch of luxury. The fibres can be in any desired colour can be coloured.
Inmaco Solutions is a Dutch machine manufacturer with extensive experience in sustainable mechanical engineering and a specialist in the field of 3D forming of cardboard and wet-formed fibres. They presented the Moulds for press forming the flocked inverform insert trays for the Flock Box.
The Van de Velde Packaging Group is active within the packaging industry in the areas of folding cartons, solid board, corrugated board and machines. They developed the outer Flock Box packaging from Holmen Iggesund's Invercote DUO cardboard and die-cut the upper part of the inlay trays from Inverform. The surface of the gift box was treated to emphasise the embossing and the luxurious look of the cardboard.
„The collaboration aspect is very important,“ says Berglund. „Four positive forces have worked together on a packaging development project in which materials, machinery, tooling and production all played crucial roles. The result is a proof of concept and shows brands what is possible. We can see that More and more environmentally conscious luxury brands are replacing plastic with fibre-based solutions want."
Berglund adds: „The Flock Box is made from cardboard and fibres that can be 100 per cent recycled through the existing paper disposal system, making a direct contribution to a circular packaging ecosystem. Fibre-based flocked liners could Replace large quantities of plastic trays."
The Flock Box is made of cardboard, for the Holmen Iggesund Raw materials from sustainably managed forests used. The cardboard boxes are made from fresh wood fibres, a renewable raw material that is ideal for recycling. The outer box is made of Invercote DUO, whose printing surfaces enable optimum reproduction of even the most demanding print motifs. The inlay tray is made of Inverform, a cardboard with high rigidity, developed for stable pressed and folded trays that meet the highest visual requirements.
Source: Holmen Iggesund
