Citation
(2007), "Lightning Packaging announce launch of biodegradable and compostable air pillows", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 19 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2007.21919bad.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Lightning Packaging announce launch of biodegradable and compostable air pillows
Lightning Packaging announce launch of biodegradable and compostable air pillows
Packaging supply specialist Lightning Packaging has been awarded sole distribution rights for a range of environmentally friendly air pillows, which can be used to cushion high- value IT and electronic items whilst in transit as well as being a cost effective voidfill.
The air pillows will enable companies in the IT and electronics sectors to dramatically reduce waste, maximize storage space and reduce transport costs.
The flexible film used to make the pillows is manufactured from sustainable and renewable starch materials. Once the packaging has reached its destination, and been disposed of, the air pillows are formulated to harmlessly degrade, completely, in landfill conditions in 60 days.
Declan Hughes comments: “There are several distinctive benefits of this new form of packaging. The first – and most significant – is that it is manufactured from completely environmentally friendly material.”
“Second, because the film is inflated into air pillows at the point of packaging, it takes significantly less storage space for users. Many companies may currently be using biodegradable loose-fill cushioning, which is a very responsible move. However, the air pillows represent further progress because transportation and storage take less energy and space and the air pillows cost less than loosefill.”
For example, one bag of loose-fill cushioning requires 15ft3 of transportation and storage space, with all the associated energy costs.
By comparison, one 200mm roll of air cushioning needs less than 1ft3 of transit and storage space and produces the equivalent of eight bags of loosefill (i.e. 120ft3!).
Early interest in the new air pillows product has been brisk with enquiries coming from companies as diverse as mail order companies; camera specialists, IT and electronic equipment, pharmaceutical companies and many other major market sectors.
In addition to cost savings, Lightning Packaging claim that the new packaging is helping many companies to demonstrate their environmental responsibilities.
“We have found that firms are interested in the environmental benefits as well as the cost savings.” says Declan Hughes. “There is increased legislative pressure on suppliers to manage their waste and landfill disposal more responsibly, and this new material will certainly help.”
“Many companies are also beginning to appreciate the carbon footprint for their business – the carbon dioxide emissions that occur as part of their business, and throughout their supply chain. Adopting packaging that helps to reduce in-bound and outbound transit costs, and fuel usage, will help more companies to discharge their corporate and social responsibilities.”
The material is certified to EN13432 and DIN CERTCO standards.
Declan Hughes, Lightning Packaging, 01707 635343, declan@lightningpackaging.co.uk
Martyn Taylor, Lightning Packaging, 01707 635343, martyn@lightningpack aging.co.uk