Smurfit Kappa launches the Thermo Box, a recyclable packaging that keeps frozen and chilled food fresh throughout the supply chain. Made from corrugated cardboard and honeycomb, the Thermo Box keeps food frozen at temperatures similar to expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes, while being fully recyclable.
The new insulated packaging was developed at the request of Patani Global Food, a Dutch supplier of fresh and frozen food and non-food products.
Patani Global Food exported its goods in EPS packaging all over the world, including to the Caribbean. But since January 1, 2020, seven Caribbean countries have banned single-use plastic in order to reduce ocean pollution, which is particularly prevalent in this region of the globe.
The company therefore wanted to use an alternative solution to EPS boxes.
Patrick Oostveen, Managing Director of Patani Global Food, says : "We did a series of temperature tests to compare the new packaging with the EPS box. And the results showed that the Thermo Box is a really excellent product that does more than meet the original brief: the average temperature was kept lower for a longer period of time than with the EPS box."
In addition to being recyclable, the Thermo Box can be stored flat unlike EPS boxes, which reduces logistics costs. And different sizes can be easily created. It is also possible to print on the outside of the corrugated cardboard.
The product is the latest addition to Smurfit Kappa's Better Planet Packaging product line, many of which are substitutes for single-use plastic.
Arco Berkenbosch, Vice President of Innovation and Development at Smurfit Kappa, adds : "The Better Planet Packaging paper solution we have developed draws strength from its corrugated and honeycomb capabilities and offers significant potential for the fresh and frozen food and e-commerce sectors."
