Opal and JBS Australia have won a 2023 WorldStar global packaging award in the transit category for their innovative corrugated cardboard dunnage solution. Source: Timberbiz
The dunnage was previously awarded Gold in both the Sustainable Packaging Design of the Year Industrial sub-category and Outside of the Box Design of the Year at the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards in 2022.
Opal developed the innovative dunnage solution in collaboration with JBS to limit product movement during transportation, which can result in costly damage and food waste.
Dunnage is usually constructed from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which can’t be easily recycled and ends up in landfill. Opal’s dunnage is a column-like corrugated structure, and a sustainable, 100% recyclable cardboard alternative to non-recyclable EPS.
The dunnage also provides enhanced transportation and distribution efficiency for JBS Australia as it accommodates 1,800 boxes per pallet compared to traditional EPS dunnage, which enables only 200 boxes packed per pallet.
Importantly, the sustainable dunnage supports the phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging under Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets by substituting EPS dunnage with recyclable cardboard packaging.
According to Sam Churchill, Group Manager Sustainability for JBS Australia, the Opal Dunnage Solution aligns with JBS Australia’s Sustainability commitment to reduce its packaging footprint, by working with its customers and supply chain partners to increase recycled content and recyclability of its packaging and reducing packaging material use and waste within its operations.
“This innovative product has resulted in tangible cost savings and operational efficiencies. By reducing our packaging footprint, we are meeting our sustainability objectives for the benefit of our business and customers, and providing positive environmental outcomes,” Mr Churchill said.
Mr Brad Hinds, Group General Manager Opal Fibre Packaging said that Opal is committed to providing its customers with sustainable, innovative solutions.
“We are delighted to be recognised on a global scale through the WorldStar global packaging award in the transit category. By collaborating with our customers, we are able to design and produce products that can deliver on functionality, supply chain efficiency and sustainability,” Mr Hinds said.
