Block-and-brace cushioning pads keep companies green

Sustainability in packaging is no longer a trend; it’s a reality for today’s shippers as customers demand environmentally friendly protective packaging that can be disposed of in an ecologically responsible way, says Tommy Moorman, marketing manager for Storopack NA.

“Companies are truly making an effort to be green while improving their customers’ packaging experiences,” Moorman explains. “Therefore, our PAD LOC Renature pad combines two of our certified compostable products: PAD LOC micro-perforated film bags filled with a mix of air and our Renature loose fill shipping peanuts. Both products are formulated from plant-based starches and grains.”

Bagging the peanuts prevents migration and allows the PAD LOC Renature pads to be used as moldable padding. Each conforms to the shape and contours of the item (or items), replacing custom-engineered pre-formed packaging. It also prevents the customer from being showered by an explosion of individual packaging peanuts when they open the box.

“The block-and-brace properties of the cushioning pads provide protection against shocks and absorb impacts better than air pillows—which can be punctured. They also recover better than crumpled paper, which doesn’t rebound as readily when it’s compressed,” Moorman adds.

The pouches are offered in standard sizes of 12 x 12 inches, 12 x 18 inches and 12 x 24 inches, or in custom sizes. Recipients can either put the packaging directly into their compost bin, or they can route it to their municipality’s compostable waste service. “I’ve also seen people tuck it into the bottom of a planter box. When the materials break down, they’re completely non-toxic and add nutrients back into the soil,” he adds.

Interestingly, Moorman notes, the film itself has been shown to begin breaking down within six months, leading the company to advise customers to only stock roughly three months worth of packaging to ensure it’s used before it degrades. “We discovered in one of our manufacturing plants that a roll of the film that hadn’t been converted yet broke down after six months—and was unusable,” he chuckles. “It definitely works as it’s supposed to.”