Recycled Packaging Case Study

Background

As part of our mission to supply our clients with quality technology with minimal waste, we wanted to make our packaging as environmentally friendly as possible, too. Due to its rigidity, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foam has been our standard server packaging; however, LDPE is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfill. So, this was a priority area for us to address.

One of the biggest challenges with sustainable packaging alternatives is finding the balance between performance and price. After we’d trialled several existing solutions to replace our LDPE server packaging, our supplier, Direct Foam and Packaging, created Eco Strata™, a brand-new material with similar characteristics to traditional foams. Eco Strata is made from over 70% recycled plastic waste (10-times more than in average foam), which diverts bottles from landfills or the ocean. What’s more, Direct Foam and Packaging further minimises waste across the packaging lifecycle by using 100% recyclable high-density foam, reusing offcuts throughout the production process, and wrapping this foam in FSC-certified cardboard.

A Win-Win Scenario

We were directly involved throughout the development of the product, offering insights and feedback on sizing and density via several meetings and research sessions. Through this close collaboration, we helped Direct Foam and Packaging develop a highly effective solution that not only meets our specific requirements but also offers a fully traceable supply chain. This allows us to track where the materials come from and where they end up.

In return, we trialled the solution and acted as the first test case. After this successful proof of concept, Direct Foam and Packaging has now patented Eco Strata and offered it to new and existing customers.

Benefits of this Collaboration

Eco Strata has delivered a number of immediate benefits compared to polyethylene alternatives: 

• 10-times less non-recycled plastic used
• No reduction in packaging performance
• No change in time taken to use it (which is crucial given the number of orders we manage)
• No change in price

It has also helped us contribute towards Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) of the UN Global Goals. While our core business already takes used technology and turns it into quality refurbished IT solutions, we wanted this commitment to reflect everywhere in our business to help us deliver on our mission to our clients. Working with Direct Foam and Packaging on this project has helped do this in two ways: it increased the recyclability of our packaging, and it improved the sustainability across our supply chain, as our suppliers are recycling in house.

What Next?

Moving forward, our focus is on achieving our goal of using 100% recycled and recyclable packaging in our orders. We’re currently working with our suppliers to explore how we can address more challenging items like bubble wrap, tape, and server end caps.

We’re also planning to explore how we can embed our circular approach to our packaging by collecting it from clients to be reused in future orders. This will work by sending out packaging to our customers, taking it back free of charge, and then reusing or sending it back to Direct Foam and Packaging. This maximises the effectiveness and usage of our supplier’s packaging and creates additional sustainability benefits.