Shaking up the eCommerce packaging industry
Where convenience meets sustainability
One example of a design that can be improved upon in the eCommerce sector is the padded mailer. Its lightweight and flexible design makes it the obvious choice for a range of deliveries. However, its construction from mixed materials – often paper bonded with a plastic bubble-wrap interior – means it’s difficult to recycle.
Seeking an alternative, our experts at Henkel looked at ways of innovating existing recyclable-friendly material to improve its functionality – specifically, paper.
Our patented EPIX technology is a portfolio of materials and chemistries that enhances the performance of paper in many different applications. For the eCommerce industry, it can deliver a new generation of padded mailer that is flexible, form fitting and recyclable. Consumers receiving e-commerce paper mailers with the technology can put them straight into the recycling bin.
This doesn’t just win brownie points for sustainability – smarter packaging can improve the profitability of a business too. The EPIX enhances the performance of the protective package which helps reduce damage rates in eCommerce shipments. This in turn reduces the rate of costly returns and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
EPIX technology has been employed in a collaboration with Amazon to develop a single-stream, recyclable package in selected regions.
“At Henkel, we understand the changing market dynamics and the consumers push for more sustainable products. We strive to develop innovations that add functionality to paper and create alternatives for our customers and consumers to consider.” – Scott A. Farber, Global Market Strategy Manager for Henkel Paper Solutions.
And it’s not just our paper innovations that are shifting the industry. Our adhesives are playing an important role too …
On-demand packaging systems are picking up speed. These systems use smart data to create custom-sized packages for eCommerce items – quickly and with minimal waste. Here, the curing quality of the adhesive used to secure the box is critical to success. Fortunately, Henkel has adhesives with the attributes to match.
This is the power of Henkel innovation. Find out how partnering with us can increase the sustainability of your designs.
