Hexacomb Corporation has developed HexStack, a new paper-based secondary packaging system designed to enable the more efficient transportation and in-store display of pallet-loads of larger-sized liquid bottles.
Designed to replace traditional methods such as corrugated cases with partitions, or a combination corrugated tray/oriented strand board/shrink wrap approach, HexStack features a single layer of the US-based company’s Hexacomb honeycomb material, custom-die cut to accommodate a specific bottle neck shape.
According to the company, initial customer feedback indicates “an up to 75% cost reduction and/or improved load containment when compared to traditional secondary packaging methods”.
A Hexacomb pad is laid across a layer of bottles, with the closures and necks inserted into the die cuts – the orifice surrounds the bottle neck and rests on the shoulder, thereby immobilising the container.
For bottle designs with a concave base, the slightly protruding closure above the die-cut orifice can nest into the base of the container above it, further stabilising the load.
The final step in the pallet load unitising process is shrink wrapping: using this method, larger liquid bottles can typically be stacked three layers high for transport and retail display, which can enable significantly more product to be merchandised in the same amount of space.
HexStack pads contain recycled content that helps to support brand owner environmental initiatives, and are recyclable in corrugated recycling streams.
www.hexacomb.com
