Protective packaging: Eco-friendly cushion
Scrapbooking supply company helps families preserve memories while helping to conserve Mother Nature.
By Lorie King Rogers, Associate Editor -- Modern Materials Handling, 11/1/2009
In addition to quality products, the Creative Memories image is very important. "One way we support this is by brand positioning that promotes the use of packaging materials that are as earth-friendly as possible," says Roger Olson, technical resources group manager.
The company's corrugated shipping boxes are recyclable and biodegradable. The same wasn't true for their air pillow packaging material until they adopted new high-performance, low-density polyethylene air pillows (Pregis, 877-692-6163, www.pregis.com). The air pillow film is made with up to 50% less resin than competitive inflatable void-fill products and contains a proprietary organic additive that accelerates microbial biodegradation without compromising recyclability. It's also 100% biodegradable and contains up to 10% recycled content.
But prior to adopting the new packaging material, Creative Memories conducted independent lab and performance testing to simulate extreme shipping conditions. "We wanted to make sure the cushioning held up in Arizona in July as well as Alaska in January," says Olson.
With successful lab results, the conversion is complete. There are five dispensing units in place over each packaging line, capable of delivering 75 feet of material per minute. Tough, flexible and eco-friendly, the new air pillows provide protection for the product and protection for the environment.
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