Strong & Sustainable Shipping Solutions

Strong & Sustainable Shipping Solutions

One of our established customers contacted us to ask about alternatives to foam inserts for their packaging and we were happy to recommend sustainable shipping solutions. They send large, weighty equipment to customer across the world, so any solutions offered needed to retain the strength and protective qualities of their packaging.

Industrial Boxes & Inserts for Avidity Science

Avidity Science is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of laboratory water purification equipment. The company was established back in 1969 and its specialist apparatus is used in scientific research, healthcare and environmental monitoring.

The company’s vision is ‘Enabling Science to improve the quality of life’ and they view this in the broadest sense. This means understanding the full impact of every aspect of their operations. With company values that include integrity and accountability, the team are driving to increase sustainability. As part of this process, their packaging came under scrutiny.

We have supplied large industrial cartons to Avidity Science for many years. Whilst these are manufactured from recycled and recyclable cardboard, non-biodegradable foam inserts were used to provide additional protection to the equipment.

Foam inserts are formed from polyethylene, polystyrene or polyurethane; all of which are plastic products. In a bid to reduce plastic waste, the team at Avidity Science were keen to explore alternative, sustainable shipping solutions. As some of their equipment weighs 20 – 25kg, alternatives had to provide sufficient strength and protection during international transit.

Cardboard Alternatives to Foam Inserts

Account Manager Helen visited Avidity Science to fully understand the requirements. Then, back at our office, the team used cardboard engineering skills to develop a couple of viable best-fit options. These included adding an internal accessory box for components. This practical suggestion also enhanced the rigidity of the industrial carton.

Switching to cardboard inserts means that all the packaging can be widely recycled and the process is circular. Flattened and collected, it can be reprocessed into new boxes within weeks. Now, that’s sustainable shipping!

FSC© Certified Packaging Supplier

Avidity Science also values the fact that we are an FSC© certified packaging supplier, using responsibly sourced materials. This means much more than a label on a box.

The FSC© actively protect soil health, ecosystems and the livelihoods of people who depend on forests around the globe. For every tree that is harvested for packaging, several saplings are planted. These absorb carbon as they grow, provide habitat for flora and fauna, as well as ensuring future timber supplies.

Re-branded Packaging

As part of this packaging update, Avidity Science decided to rebrand the industrial cartons. The new print design aligns with the brand guidelines and unifies all the global products. We think that the bold red print works well against the brown boxes.

How Easy are the Boxes to Pack?

One aspect of practical packaging solutions that can’t be overlooked is how easy it is to pack. To prevent unnecessary hold-ups, the packing team should find it intuitive to handle. Sometimes, the switch to a new solution can take a bit of time to get used to. However, the feedback from the Avidity Science packing team has been positive. They like the look and feel of our solution when packing and say the branded boxes and sustainable inserts are the next step in the professionalism of the brand.

Our contact at the company provided the following feedback:

“We are very happy with the service received from the Aylesbury Box Company team. They listened and provided a viable solution to meet our requirements. The cardboard inserts are supplied flatpack, so take up considerably less space than the foam used to. This was an unexpected advantage of our shift away from plastic packaging.”

Bespoke Packaging Solutions

As a cardboard box manufacturer, we can design bespoke packaging solutions to meet your exact requirements. Our team love the challenge of applying their cardboard engineering skills to create viable ways of containing bulky, weighty or unusually-shaped products!

Please get in touch on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk if you would like advice on ways to reduce or remove plastic packaging.