8 Innovations are Reshaping Automotive Packaging
The automotive industry is a pioneer in designing packaging to optimize space utilization. i.e. the automotive packaging focuses on shipping more parts in the same amount of space. In fact, automotive packaging innovations are not only confined to optimal space utilization. The research is ongoing to find sustainable and efficient packaging solutions to better suit the automobile parts. In this read, we bring to you noteworthy innovations in the automotive packaging industry.
Detailed Read: How to manage inventory space for a large number of SKUs?
#1 - Poultry Feather to Replace Polystyrene Foam
Polystyrene is a plastic derivative extensively in use for making car parts like- knobs, instrument panels, energy absorbing door panels, etc. But, this polystyrene is not decomposable and hence its alternative can revamp the industry. Aeropowder, a young startup is making use of waste poultry feathers to create temperature sensitive packaging. The idea is to use the natural thermal insulation properties of the bird’s feather. The company is trying to create a sustainable biodegradable polystyrene replacement.
Answering the key questions - “Does it make things better? What are the environmental impacts? Does this solve an existing problem?” more developments to this innovative packaging is foreseen. You can read more information about Aeropowder here.
#2 - Recyclable Corrosion Protection Packaging
Smurfit Kappa has developed a special corrosion free packaging, which ensures the automobile parts reach their destination corrosion free, no matter how long is the transit. This protective packaging uses the properties of VCI (Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor) and is applied as a layer on the packaging like an ordinary print process. The layer is colorless and odorless and allows using the goods directly, without the need for cleaning.
You can read more information about this corrosion resistant packaging here.
#3 - Engineered Packaging for the Vehicle Industry
Globally, the automobile industry accounts for more than 40% industrial and transport packaging. The automobile packaging demands for handling stress during long distance transit. Nefab group has designed customizable ExPak boxes with wooden crates and inner fittings, which is able to save about 50% space. At the same time, compact packaging of automotive parts makes them less prone to damage.
You can read more about this case study here.
#4 - Protection from Vibrations
Pregis LLC has developed a low-density polypropylene sheet foam under the brand name - Microfoam® Polypropylene Sheet Foam. This microfoam has a high coefficient of friction, which protects the products’ surfaces form vibrations and shifting during transit. Adding to the benefits, Microfoam is stable across a wide temperature range and is extremely lightweight.
You can read more information about this product here.
#5 - Induction Heat Sealer to Prevent Oil Spillage
Induction heat sealing involves controlled heating for package fabrication. The seal formed is leak and tamper proof. This technology is effective in the automobile packaging industry because leak prevention is an utmost priority. For example, Enercon Industries Ltd makes Induction Seal Automotive Products ensuring the product reaches the customer in its present condition. The packages for automobile oil, grease, and other car-care products make use of this technology for ensuring leak-protection.
To understand how leak and tamper protection is benefitting automotive packaging, you can read here.
#6 - Dispensing Closure With a Spout
Generally, people use dropper and syringe for oiling or greasing automobile parts. This is sometimes not safe as the user comes in contact with the chemicals in the liquid. Silgan Dispensing Systems has designed spouted dispensing closure to better handle the liquid dispensing system. The closure with a spout allows pinpoint directional dispensing and comes in orifice sizes ranging from a dropper to large rectangular. The spouted closures are friction-fit, which also allows child protection.
You can read more information about this product here.
#7 -Laser Coding for Automotive Labels
Many automobile parts come with labels describing the safety information and barcodes to convey important information across manufacturers, service centers, etc. These labels need to be durable enough to go through the assembly process, stock control, anti-counterfeiting, and multiple servicing. Linx Printing Technologies has developed laser coding for automotive labels as a cost-effective alternative to pre-printed labels. Linx laser coder is a compact solution and can deliver permanent codes on a wide range of material. Also, it is applicable to a number of different surfaces like glass and rubber.
You can read more about this compact laser coder here.
#8 -Re-inscribable Labels
Schreiner ProTech has developed a technique for inscribing name-plates along with the assembly process. It is a membrane-based pressure compensation technique, which allows a component to ventilate and marks the label permanently concurrently. Therefore, the label is automatically applied as a self-adhesive label on the component, eliminating additional labeling process.
You can read more information about this innovative technique here.
