Packsize and Henkel Launch Eco-Pax: A Biobased Adhesive to Drive Sustainable Packaging
In a significant step toward a more sustainable packaging industry, Packsize, a pioneer in on-demand packaging, has teamed up with Henkel Adhesive Technologies to introduce Eco-Pax. This new biobased hot melt adhesive is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint associated with packaging materials and processes. The collaboration aligns with Packsize’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, offering a fresh solution that meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging.
The launch of Eco-Pax represents more than just a new product; it’s an effort to change industry standards. With an increased focus on minimizing environmental impact, Eco-Pax is designed to reduce the reliance on traditional adhesives used for sealing boxes. Through this innovative partnership, Packsize and Henkel have developed a solution that not only enhances eco-friendly specifications but also maintains the high-performance standards that customers expect.
The Eco-Pax Innovation and Its Benefits
Eco-Pax stands out because it’s formulated from biobased raw materials instead of the conventional fossil-based ingredients commonly found in packaging adhesives. By transitioning away from petroleum-derived adhesives, Eco-Pax contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with science-based targets aimed at mitigating climate change. The shift to biobased materials is not merely an environmental gesture but also a step toward reducing the industry’s dependence on finite resources.
According to Packsize’s director of product management, Kristin Bauer, the drive toward sustainable solutions is deeply ingrained in the company’s ethos. “At Packsize, sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” Bauer said. “By partnering with Henkel, we are expanding our sustainable product offerings with innovative solutions designed to help businesses minimize the ecological impacts of their products.”
The product’s eco-friendly attributes are compelling. Eco-Pax is estimated to reduce Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-relevant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 32%. This reduction is equivalent to preventing the burning of 1.75 million pounds of coal each year. Implementing Eco-Pax on Packsize’s packaging systems could yield substantial environmental benefits, especially considering the scale of Packsize’s operations: the adhesive will be used on over 340 million boxes produced annually.
Aligning with a Broader Industry Shift
The global packaging industry is undergoing a transformation, with brands and consumers alike pushing for greener solutions. Eco-Pax arrives at a time when many companies are under pressure to improve their sustainability metrics, and it offers them a viable path to do so without sacrificing product quality. Henkel’s North America Consumer Goods Adhesives and Business Development head, Kevin Heffernan, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Packsize in advancing sustainable packaging standards. “Partnering with an innovative leader like Packsize to launch a biobased adhesive solution is a big step towards building a more sustainable packaging value chain,” Heffernan stated. “Together, we’re setting a new standard for sustainability in packaging while delivering the high performance brands and consumers trust.”
The choice of biobased materials for Eco-Pax is aligned with broader sustainability goals shared by Henkel and Packsize. As the adhesive replaces traditional materials, companies using Packsize’s right-sized packaging solutions can benefit from a reduced environmental impact across their operations. This new adhesive fits seamlessly into Packsize’s machinery, which is designed to create custom-sized boxes for products, reducing excess packaging and material waste in the process. This integration of Eco-Pax complements Packsize’s mission of optimizing packaging systems for efficiency and sustainability.
Expanding the Sustainable Packaging Ecosystem
Eco-Pax’s introduction is part of a broader series of advancements by Packsize to support companies in adopting more sustainable warehouse and packaging practices. Beyond adhesives, Packsize has partnered with various companies in warehouse technology, including system integrators, manufacturers of warehouse automation equipment, and third-party logistics providers. These collaborations allow Packsize to offer a full suite of solutions to businesses aiming to improve their environmental footprint.
Earlier this year, Packsize also announced the opening of its new Innovation Centre in Louisville, Kentucky. This center serves as a hub for developing and testing cutting-edge packaging technologies and sustainability-focused innovations. The Innovation Centre is a testament to Packsize’s commitment to continuous improvement, as it provides a space for experimentation and collaboration on future packaging solutions. By expanding its research capabilities, Packsize is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the industry and offer even more sustainable options to its customers.
Setting a New Standard for Eco-Conscious Packaging
As companies and consumers demand more sustainable solutions, Eco-Pax represents a pivotal shift toward eco-conscious packaging standards. With its strong performance characteristics, Eco-Pax challenges the traditional notion that green solutions must compromise on quality. For Packsize and Henkel, this adhesive marks an important step forward, demonstrating that it’s possible to achieve both sustainability and durability in packaging materials.
Eco-Pax is likely to inspire further innovation in the industry, encouraging other companies to explore biobased alternatives for their products. This launch reinforces Packsize’s position as a leader in sustainable packaging, showing that impactful change in the industry is achievable through partnerships focused on shared environmental goals. As companies like Packsize and Henkel continue to lead by example, the packaging industry may see a growing shift toward more environmentally responsible materials, creating a positive impact that extends beyond individual companies and benefits the global community.
