DS Smith, an International Paper company, and leading manufacturer of fibre-based and sustainable packaging solutions, are collaborating with ELVIAL, a fast-growing producer of aluminium products and materials, to introduce Fanfold to customers across the industrial sector in Greece.
The Fanfold packaging solution and design has been made bespoke for ELVIAL's specific production and supply chain requirements and it is intended to provide optimum protection for the company’s heavy aluminium products during transportation. The aluminium is used in the construction of frames and sharing systems, ranging from doors and windows to lighting, automotive, and medical equipment, in a wide variety of shapes and dimensions. The solution is therefore designed in an accordion styled structure to allow for the folding and adjustment of sizes, and ELVIAL’s products are routinely transported to customers in both local and international destinations - requiring a robust and versatile protection as freight.
Optimized supply chain
Comprised of a single-sheet of fibre-based corrugated cardboard, Fanfold effectively replaces the multiple sheets that were previously used by ELVIAL with a simple packaging alternative. The innovative design is effective in reducing material waste, preparation, assembly times, and costs. It is designed for operational efficiency, and as well as taking up less space, the shape provides a natural cushioning, further eliminating any requirement for additional filling materials.
Giorgos Filippoglou, Managing Director, Greek Cluster, Packaging Division, DS Smith Hellas: "Our collaboration with ELVIAL reflects DS Smith's philosophy around sustainability and the company’s commitment to creating packaging solutions that are designed to fit the operational needs of the customer as precisely as possible. Fanfold is a fantastic example of innovation in industrial packaging. The solution offers flexibility and reliable protection for customers’ products and meets with both a supply chain optimization and sustainability agenda. We are proud that we are successfully helping our customers in the Greek industrial sectors and strengthening their position as competitors in the wider international marketplace."
Designed for operational efficiency and sustainability, Fanfold benefits include:
- Dimensional flexibility: a single sheet of fibre-based packaging material that adapts dynamically to the size of each product.
- Increased product protection: enhanced containment and stability for heavy products during transportation.
- Full compatibility with automated production lines: integration without the need for modifications to the customer's existing process.
- Cost savings: elimination of the requirement for additional filling materials.
- Optimization of transport and storage space: adjustment to the size of the product.
- Circular ready approach: less material, reduced waste, and easy to recycle.
Tania Tzika, President of ELVIAL comments: "For ELVIAL, the superior quality and safety of our products during transportation is a strategic priority, and especially due to our intense critical export activity. DS Smith Fanfold offers us the flexibility we need to manage and transport products of different dimensions with confidence, while simplifying our production and supply chain processes, and helping us to reach our sustainability targets. Our collaboration with DS Smith is strengthening the efficiency of our supply chain and supporting our company's overall sustainability goals”
ELVIAL’s commitment to using sustainable packaging within its supply chain processes is in alignment with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) which is anticipated to impact on how packaging solutions are designed, manufactured, utilised, and recycled, across Europe from 2026.
Through its purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World and its company-wide and target-led sustainability strategy, DS Smith is committed to leading a transition to the circular economy, and to delivering innovative sustainable packaging solutions for customers worldwide.