Sustainable Packaging
Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in controlled atmosphere packaging, has unveiled a new, environmentally friendly packaging option that will help reduce plastic waste.
The new packaging targets plastic pails, which are more difficult to recycle than carton boxes and are made with non-renewable resins. Cardboard comes from trees that can be replanted, and it decomposes naturally if not recycled.
“With this new option from our plant in Belen, we hope to pull hundreds tons of plastic out of use by converting secondary packaging from plastic to cardboard,” said Nicolas Martinez, global product manager at Airnov, NM. “Furthermore, cartons are more lightweight and efficient in the space they use, optimizing transport and warehouse space.”
Aiming to Reduce Transportation Emissions
The new offering aims to reduce transportation emissions by using double-stackable cartons, in addition to reducing plastic consumption. The new carton is more durable than traditional cardboard, allowing pallets to be double stacked with 50% more material in the same footprint as a single pallet. Airnov hopes that the additional materials will help customers save money and reduce carbon emissions by lowering freight costs and reducing the number of trucks required to transport goods.
In addition, Airnov is removing humidity indicator cards (HICs) to reduce extraneous materials and chemicals used in the packaging.
“It’s a noble thing to offer a more sustainable option. However, without demonstrable benefits to our customers, it is still often challenging to encourage adoption,” continued Martinez. “This new endeavor not only reduces plastic and other waste but helps our customers mitigate skyrocketing freight and commodity costs. With the volatility in the resin supply chain, who knows what’s next with plastic prices.”
By utilizing high-barrier bags to provide the same three-year shelf-life as plastic pails, carton packaging performs equally well. For drop-in products, the new packaging solutions are immediately available.
Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
