With a global distribution network and customers all around the world, the safe shipping of our range of infrared heating components is a key process in Ceramicx’ operations. Of course, this involves a large amount of packaging, so we’ve made a series of small changes to our packaging materials so we can be as eco-friendly as possible without compromising on quality or protection.
Our green new deal
In shipping almost 7,000 boxes of infrared elements and components every year, each containing anywhere up to 60 individual packages, it means we depend on strong and durable packaging to ensure their safe delivery, wherever their destination is in the world. To help us lessen our environmental impact and improve our packaging overall, here are a few of the investments we’ve made to help us go greener and better.
1). Calling time on polystyrene
In all our shipping box packaging, we’ve relied heavily on the use of polystyrene as a top and base layer, as well as a packing void filler for maximum protection. Based on our volume of shipping boxes, we can use around 12,000 sheets of 600 x 400 x 18 mm (approx.) of expanded polystyrene a year for all packaging.
While polystyrene is effective, it’s also largely non-biodegradable and takes many decades to decompose effectively, if at all. Therefore, the majority of it ends up in landfill after use. But, given its weight and composition, it also causes pollution as it finds its way into oceans and rivers, while its production is also a huge contributor to global warming.
So we’ve called time on polystyrene and eliminated it from our processes for good. As a replacement, we now use reinforced card for all top and base packing layers, and have moved to starch-based void fill ‘peanuts’ which are fully biodegradable and even dissolvable in water.
2.) Water-based adhesive packing tape
Another small but significant change has been a move to new packaging tape with water-based adhesive. Featuring our new logo, this new tape uses an environmentally-friendly formula for its glue that contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) so it’s not harmful to people or the environment.
Matching the high standards of our old tape, this type of adhesive gives us the strong level of tack we need as well as excellent flexibility and heat and water resistance, so every shipping package remains tightly closed and secure on its journey.
3). Clearer branding and handling instructions
This isn’t so much a ‘green’ initiative, more just a concerted effort to tie in with our recent Ceramicx rebrand. All our new outer shipping boxes (100% recyclable reinforced cardboard) now feature all-new Ceramicx branding, as well as clear handling instructions using the international packing symbols for ‘handle with care’ and ‘this way up’.
We’ve also taken the opportunity to rebrand and refresh the packing boxes for all our infrared elements and components as well. Again featuring our new logo, they also show clear and easy to read information on their contents, such as naming and product codes.
Small changes for a global view
While all our packaging can now be recycled or repurposed effectively, we’ve also sought to ensure as much of it as possible is sourced from Ireland in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible.
As a global business, it’s important for Ceramicx to be as green as possible in every aspect of our production and delivery. We’re proud of the changes we’ve made so far and we’ll continue to look for new ways to lessen our carbon footprint and be responsible in this climate emergency.
