At ebm-papst, we make sure that we produce as little packaging waste as possible. Reusable packaging made of paper or plastic has proven to be particularly effective. For example, we use reusable plastic folding boxes to ship goods to our customers and order materials from our suppliers. This enables us to save around 900 metric tons of corrugated cardboard every year. But the reusable box also offers other benefits: “It is completely recyclable, highly sturdy, and can be used up to 60 times,” says Ulf-Peter Klotz, Group Manager Packaging Management & Quality Assurance at ebm-papst.
“With the reusable box, we can transport almost any product within a certain size and weight range,” Klotz explains. Due to its versatility, a similar plastic box is also used at our plant in Xi’an, China. In 2023, we were able to save a total of 89 metric tons of packaging material at the site by using 1,800 folding boxes – 41 tons when shipping to customers and 48 tons in exchange with suppliers. This means that the boxes are helping us to protect the environment and conserve resources.
Sensible, practical packaging solutions
The success of the reusable boxes is the result of thorough preparation. Years ago, ebm-papst carried out a comprehensive analysis in order to accurately compare “disposable versus reusable.” “We took into account many different factors of the reusable system that affected our carbon footprint, from return and reuse to cleaning and repairing the containers. This comprehensive approach is time-consuming, but it is important for our climate objectives,” Ulf-Peter Klotz is keen to stress. “Ultimately, we want to be sensible and practical in our actions, and to optimize the sustainability of all our business activities. This includes closely examining in advance whether we can actually achieve the desired result.”
Reusable packaging made of paper or plastic has proven to be effective. (Photo | ebm-papst)
With the reusable box, we can transport almost any product within a certain size and weight range. (Photo | ebm-papst)
In 2023, we were able to save a total of 89 metric tons of packaging material at the site by using 1,800 folding boxes. (Photo | ebm-papst)
Driving further development forward together
The use of the plastic folding box is an important step toward reducing packaging waste, and many more projects and measures are set to follow in its footsteps. ebm-papst has now set up a special Sustainable Packaging Management working group to handle these schemes. This initiative is working on new, innovative packaging solutions within the Modell Hohenlohe network organization. As Ulf-Peter Klotz explains, this is a milestone for the company. “When it comes to packaging, we still have some challenges to deal with over the next few years. We want to solve these together, and by exchanging ideas with companies from the region. As such, we are more than happy to take part in discussions and share our knowledge with others.”
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