HARTSVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 30, 2009--
Sonoco’s new protective packaging for HP LaserJet printing devices was
recently recognized by The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP)
with a 2008 AmeriStar award. The package, along with other category
winners, will be displayed at the IoPP Packaging Summit May 19-20 in
Chicago.
Developed by Sonoco’s Protective Packaging division as part of its
packaging transformation program, the new designs greatly reduce the
amount of packaging materials required. For example, in one pack, the
foam volume was reduced by more than 50 percent, the corrugated weight
was reduce by more than 69 percent, and overall packaging volume reduced
by 52 percent. In addition, most of the new components used are recycled
paper based, which makes the entire package more readily recyclable in
many areas.
Jim Lowry, director of new business development for Sonoco’s Protective
Packaging group, said Sonoco believes in and works hard to deliver
“total solution” packaging for its customers. He explained that the
company worked with HP for two years on the new package design and that
the process began with the concept phase and included prototype
development, certified testing, production packaging trials, system cost
analysis, and assembly line and field audits.
“The whole idea behind our packaging transformation program is to find
new and innovative ways to redesign packages and make them better,”
Lowry said. “With HP, we were able to use less material and reduce the
weight of the packages, which resulted in lower costs for our customers
while providing the same level of protection as the older, heavier, more
expensive package.
“And there are certainly benefits from a sustainability standpoint. Less
material during production results in less waste material in the end,
lower freight emissions, easier disposal and reduced landfill space.”
This new format for office printers helps to protect the unit by using
top and bottom corrugated trays, Sonoco’s proprietary Sonopost®
cornerposts for advanced vertical compression and impact performance,
and top and bottom foam pads, all shrink wrapped together to produce a
unique pack design. For the larger, heavier units, Sonoco also kept the
consumer in mind by providing ramps for unloading once the unit arrives
at its location. This new style of package can also be “dressed up” to
increase consumer appeal in the club stores or retail environments.
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $4.1 billion global manufacturer of
industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services,
with about 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85
nations. For more information on the Company, visit our Web site at http://www.sonoco.com/.
Source: Sonoco
Sonoco
Robin Montgomery, 843-383-7509;
robin.montgomery@sonoco.com