2Sustain

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation –one of the industry’s leading integrated containerboard and corrugated packaging producers, and one of the world’s largest paper recyclers –now makes containers that are designed to use less fiber or use the same amount of fiber but achieve greater stacking strength.

Compared to a regular slotted case, Smurfit-Stone’s Meta Tray-8(TM) case can be made with up to 21% less fiber and equal stacking strength, or up to 127% more stacking strength. The Tray-8 also outperforms a BTB. The Meta Tray-8(TM) can be made with up to 18% less fiber than a typical BTB, but with equal stacking strength, or up to 46% more stacking strength.

Greater box strength increases stackability for produce growers and grocers, while less fiber translates into lower supply chain costs and a more sustainable package.

Smurfit-Stone announced these cost-saving opportunities and sustainability benefits at the 2009 Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit International Convention and Exposition held last week in Anaheim, CA.

“Our Meta Tray-8(TM) cases, RecyclaCorr® corrugated containers, and recycling and waste services reduce operating costs and enhance the sustainability of both the produce growers’ and grocers’ operations,” said Dwight Morris, western region vice president for Smurfit-Stone’s Corrugated Container division.

It’s also interesting to note that the Meta Tray-8(TM) cases can incorporate traceability features.

“Food traceability is a serious concern in a supply chain that distributes from state to state and from country to country,” Morris said.

As supply chains continue to grow and become more and more complex, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to turn a critical eye toward their packaging processes –with regard to both sustainability and traceability.

Sustainable packaging is no longer simply a “feel good” item to include in your annual report. It’s now a fundamental necessity for every smart business plan. In fact, a study from Pike Research earlier this year, predicts that sustainable packaging will comprise 32% of the total packaging market by 2014.

Likewise, as DHL is proving with its SmartTrucks initiative, enhanced traceability not only improves product security, but can lead to significant cost-cutting and GHG emission reductions, as well.