DS Smith Technicarton, an International Paper company and leading provider of fibre-based packaging, have successfully innovated the Fibre-Based Automotive Chassis Packaging Solution for the automotive tier suppliers’ sector in Iberia.
The versatile packaging design is intended as a protective and robust mono-material alternative to the traditional metallic reusable solutions that are frequently utilised by manufacturers to facilitate the manoeuvre of automotive chassis during the production, assembly, and transportation processes of an existing supply chain.
The packaging solution is made from 100% corrugated cardboard materials and the structure comprises a recyclable box pallet folding system, a body, supporting base, and cover. Corrugated cardboard positioners are included at the base of the container and on the upper sides of the packaging structure to ensure that the heavy-duty automotive chassis parts remain fixed and secure. The positioners are easy to replace when required and the structure also incorporates custom inserts and dividers to allow for the optimum utilization of space.
The overall design is flexible and adaptable with benefits for the transportation of the heavy automotive chassis as road or sea freight, and the function of the fibre-based design retains the same technical specifications and standards of performance as non-fibre packaging solutions for the same parts. Fibre-Based Automotive Chassis Packaging Solution is also significantly lightweight with benefits for both handling and storage. In addition, as a mono-material solution, the packaging is easy to recycle, and its components do not need to be separated for different waste streams.
Antonio Cebrián, Cluster SMI Manager Tecnicarton Southwest EMEA:
“Our large dimensional and sustainable innovation for the protection of automotive chassis was created in conjunction with a major automotive tier supplier in response to supply chain challenges around their existing metal-based and reusable packaging. Our Tecnicarton solution is intended to ensure the continuity of production under any circumstance, and despite being incredibly robust, its lightweight design makes it easy to manoeuvre. We collaborate closely with our customers to innovate sustainable solutions that both optimise their supply chains and support their business objectives. As a company we are committed to helping them move towards the circular economy.”
The Fibre-Based Automotive Chassis Packaging Solution is ideal for the automotive industry where large components such as chassis are typically transported in returnable metal containers that circulate continuously between suppliers and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) facilities. Supply chain disruptions including component shortages, production interruptions, transport delays, or sudden changes in supply flows, can temporarily disrupt existing cycles and prevent the metal containers from being returned to the supplier in time.
The DS Smith Tecnicarton packaging solution provides a robust and quickly deployable alternative that enables suppliers to maintain operational continuity until their returnable packaging flows are restored. It is also designed for the facilitation of direct-to-line delivery, and it can be easily integrated into existing manufacturing and assembly processes, without a requirement for repacking or intermediate handling.
Overall, the Tecnicarton fibre-based packaging is therefore helpful in reducing internal handling operations, improving efficiency in logistics, and ensuring that parts of delivered to the production line in the correct sequence and condition.
The Fibre-Based Automotive Chassis Packaging Solution was selected as a winner at the Liderpack Awards in 2023 and awarded a WorldStar Global Packaging Awards in the Transit category in 2024, for its collaboration with Gestamp Metalbages, a Spanish entity within the Gestamp Global Automotive Group.
DS Smith has a target-led sustainability strategy, Redefining Packaging for a Changing World, and is committed to leading an industry-wide transition to a circular economy while delivering sustainable circular solutions for its customers worldwide.
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