Industrial Packaging: The Game-Changing Guide

 

Navigating the world of industrial packaging can be a daunting task, especially when you're looking for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions that guarantee product protection during transit and storage.

In this blog post, we delve into industrial packaging, explore the challenges of traditional packaging methods, and introduce you to our game-changing, sustainable Honeycomb packaging solution – Hexacomb.

Find out how to master the art of optimising industrial packaging and discover why, from looking for a sustainable alternative to Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) to providing superior product protection, Hexacomb packaging should be the go-to option for your packaging needs.

• What is industrial packaging?
• Sectors where industrial packaging is particularly important
• The challenges with traditional industrial packaging
• Game-changing Honeycomb packaging
• Advantages of Honeycomb packaging
• The future of industrial packaging
• Conclusion

What is industrial packaging?

Industrial packaging is a crucial component in sectors such as: manufacturing, distribution, export, and retail, designed to secure and protect goods during transit and storage.

 

Unlike consumer packaging, which is primarily designed to attract customers and provide product information, the primary objective of industrial packaging is to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods from the manufacturer to the distributor, and ultimately, to the end-user.

Solutions range from basic boxes to complex pallet systems, all customised to meet industry-specific standards for durability, hygiene, and environmental impact.

Also read: How we helped Scania substitute non-biodegradable packaging materials

Sectors where industrial packaging is particularly important include:

• Manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Electronics
  • Machinery
• Food and Drinks
  • Meat and Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Processed Foods
• Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
  • Medicine
  • Vaccines
  • Industrial Chemicals
  • Agricultural Chemicals
• Agriculture
  • Seeds
  • Fertilisers
• Construction
  • Building Materials
  • Hardware
• Retail
  • Wholesale Goods

The challenges with traditional industrial packaging

Industrial packaging is traditionally made from materials like plastics, metal, and wood. However, as industries worldwide grapple with the challenges of climate change and waste management, sustainable industrial packaging has become more than a buzzword—it's a necessity.

On top of the need to address environmental impact concerns, traditional packaging frequently falls short in protecting sensitive or uniquely shaped items, which require excess material for cushioning or settling for a one-size-fits-all approach that can lead to product damage.

 

Faced with climate change and waste management issues, companies are turning to eco-friendly materials like recycled cardboard and sustainable solutions such as Honeycomb (Hexacomb) packaging instead of alternatives like plastics and wood. Modern designs now also focus on waste reduction, space optimisation, and recyclability.

Meeting environmental regulations is becoming a baseline, with many firms adopting circular economy principles. Choosing sustainable industrial packaging is not only eco-friendly but also a business imperative that attracts conscientious customers and future-proofs your supply chains.

Also read: The future of packaging smart in the automotive sector

Game-changing Honeycomb packaging

In an era increasingly defined by the need for sustainable, space-efficient, and adaptable solutions, the industrial packaging sector has found its game-changer: Honeycomb packaging. Honeycomb packaging is made from corrugated cardboard or other paper-based material arranged in a honeycomb pattern.

This design provides excellent strength and rigidity, making it ideal for protecting fragile items during shipping or storage.

 

At Smurfit Kappa, we’ve gone one step further with Hexacomb, our revolutionary Honeycomb cardboard sheet. Crafted to be lightweight yet remarkably strong, Hexacomb material provides unparalleled compression strength and exceptional shock resistance.

Its cushioning performance is specifically designed to protect even the most delicate or uniquely shaped items. Thanks to its versatile structure, Hexacomb can be easily die-cut, assembled, or fabricated to conform to the shape of any object.

Available in an extensive range of formats—including simple panels, die-cut boards, edge and corner protectors, cradles, and wedges— Hexacomb offers unprecedented flexibility. Most importantly, it’s 100% recyclable and made from a renewable resource, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to minimise their environmental footprint and seek EPS packaging replacement.

Advantages of Honeycomb packaging

• Tailored designs minimise the amount of packaging material needed for secure protection, leading to less waste and easier handling.
• Enhances product safety, thereby decreasing incidents of damage and associated freight claims.
• Lighter packaging during transport results in cost-effective shipping and an exemplary carbon footprint.
• Streamlined packing and loading process due to user-friendly handling, resulting in minimal assembly and reduced labour costs.
• Serves as an excellent, fully recyclable alternative to crumbly or shedding Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).
• Eliminates the need for export certification unlike wooden packaging options, offering a seamless and worry-free export solution.

Also read: Mastering heavy-duty packaging: Safeguarding industrial equipment with expertise

The future of industrial packaging

The future of industrial packaging is shaping up to be smarter, more sustainable, and increasingly automated. With sustainability a major driving factor, biodegradable and recyclable materials are quickly replacing traditional packaging options that are harmful to the environment.

Together with the streamlined processes these new solutions offer, automation and robotics are revolutionising packaging lines, allowing for faster and more accurate packaging processes.

 

These changes offer a tantalising glimpse into an era where industrial packaging is not just a protective shell but an intelligent, eco-friendly component integral to modern supply chains. Honeycomb (Hexacomb) is leading the way as a customisable and sustainable packaging solution whilst offering unparalleled durability and strength. With Honeycomb (Hexacomb), the future of industrial packaging is not just secure; it's sustainable.

Find out more about our game-changing Hexacomb Packaging here.

Conclusion

With decades of expertise in the field, at Smurfit Kappa we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of industrial packaging solutions, continually evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape.

If you're seeking cutting-edge, sustainable cardboard solutions tailored to your specific needs, get in touch and explore how we can elevate your packaging game, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of your products.