Smurfit Kappa and Scania collaborate on sustainable and optimised packaging solution

Smurfit Kappa worked with global transport provider Scania to replace some of the materials used in its supply chain with paper-based packaging solutions.

The packaging leader was working with the ‘Scania Parts Logistics’ division which is responsible for the distribution of all Scania parts. Scania has a complex supply chain with many different sized products, some of which are particularly fragile.

Scania had a requirement for packaging for truck windows that were currently transported using four different materials, which included wooden pallets and expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Smurfit Kappa used its SupplySmart service to review every aspect of Scania’s supply chain. The analysis was then compared with insights that have been gathered from over 60,000 supply chains to identify opportunities to make sustainable changes.

Smurfit Kappa came up with an innovative new concept that replaced the EPS interior and wooden pallet with honeycomb, a completely sustainable, paper-based material. Along with the switch from multiple materials to a single material solution, the storage space required was cut by 50% which resulted in significant transportation savings for Scania.

Brechtel Coox, Packaging Engineer at Scania Parts Logistics said: "After a comprehensive review of the challenging brief that we presented them with, Smurfit Kappa managed to present us with an ingenious solution that exceeded all our expectations.

“Scania Parts Logistics depends on an optimised supply chain so we can guarantee our customers a first-class service.”

Erik Bunge, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Corrugated Benelux added: "This project was the result of a collaborative process between Smurfit Kappa and Scania Parts Logistics. Our starting point was to see how we could optimise their supply chain in terms of time, costs and sustainability.

“The paper-based solution we came up with which combines corrugated and honeycomb production capabilities within is strong and enables us to deliver an innovative and reliable service to our valued partner Scania.”