Plastic free solution for Radio Base Stations
A global telecom OEM wanted to replace polyethylene (PE) foam with recyclable, high‑performance cushioning that would protect the product throughout transport and installation while delivering measurable sustainability gains. The objective was to avoid plastic waste, reduce packaging carbon footprint, and maintain or improve product protection throughout the entire supply chain.
The Challenge: End-to-End Plastic Free
The incumbent PE foam generated large volumes of plastic waste and was incompatible with paper recycling streams, preventing alignment with the customer's circularmaterials targets. In addition, the packaging needed to provide reliable protection not only during transport but all the way to the final installation site, without adding complexity to handling or installation processes.
Nefab’s Solution: FiberFlute
Nefab introduced FiberFlute, a paperbased cushioning material engineered to replace plastic foam. Rigorous technical testing demonstrated FiberFlute’s strength and impact resistance, confirming its ability to safeguard the product during transport and handling across the supply chain. The packaging was designed to remain with the product until final installation, ensuring continuous protection, and because FiberFlute is paperbased it can be recycled through established paper waste streams, eliminating the PE foam from disposal flows.
Rigorous technical testing demonstrated FiberFlute’s strength and impact resistance, confirming its ability to safeguard the product during transport and handling across the supply chain.
The Results: Improved Sustainability
The new packaging solution resulted in sustainability improvements. Key outcomes included:
- Plastic waste avoided: ~44,000 kg annually by replacing PE foam with FiberFlute.
- Carbon reduction: ~7 tonnes CO₂ saved per year via a lower Packaging Carbon Footprint.
- Protection maintained or improved: Product integrity preserved throughout transport and final installation.
- Recyclability: Packaging can be processed through established paper waste streams, eliminating PE from disposal flows.
- Business impact: Enables the customer to meet sustainability targets while preserving supply chain performance.
We save resources in supply chains for a better tomorrow.
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