Persson Re-think LAB: Paper handles in tropical conditions

From Student Project to Industry Partnership

This journey began when a packaging student from Nackademin, Sweden, tasked by Sandvik with finding sustainable packaging alternatives, reached out to us. Impressed by our paper-based handles, she incorporated them into her project, replacing the plastic handles in Sandvik’s heavy-duty packaging. Our team conducted initial lab tests on our Heavy Grip handles, which are designed to carry over 30 kg, to ensure they met weight requirements. Following her successful thesis presentation, she was offered a position at Sandvik, setting the stage for broader collaboration.

With Sandvik onboard, we collaborated closely to refine the packaging. Sandvik then introduced DS Smith to the project as a converting partner to aid with final product development. This marked the beginning of an effective three-way partnership where each party brought unique expertise to the table: Persson Innovation provided the sustainable handle design, Sandvik managed packaging design and testing, and DS Smith facilitated the final product’s materialization.

Withstanding Tropical Climates

The project demanded the handles to be tested in unique and tropical climates, something that has not been done before.

– A significant challenge was testing the packaging under unprecedented levels of humidity. Sandvik tested our handles in a RISE climate chamber at 90% humidity over a 72-hour period, our Heavy Grip handles not only met but exceeded expectations, providing both us and Sandvik with reassurance about their durability, says Thomas Call, Head of Quality, Research and Development at Persson Innovation.

This rigorous testing approach is a breakthrough for our team, highlighting the robustness of selected products within our portfolio. We now have valuable data on how certain handles withstand extreme climates, reinforcing our confidence in the quality and resilience of our designs.

 

Three-Way Partnership: A Joint Success in Receiving a ScanStar

The success of this collaboration has been a milestone for Persson Innovation, not only validating our capabilities in sustainable, high-performance packaging but also underscoring the value of three-party cooperation. Working alongside Sandvik and DS Smith has allowed us to deliver a comprehensive solution that aligns with our clients’ environmental goals and contributes to the packaging industry’s evolving standards. This partnership also led to our joint success in receiving the prestigious ScanStar award, affirming our product’s innovative design and environmental impact.

– We are pleased with the collaboration, Sandvik has high ambitions when it comes to sustainability. The packaging turned out to be both functional and sustainable, which has resulted in great feedback. Everyone loves the paper handles, and we now have more boxes in the works using the same concept, says Kristina Wickholm, Packaging Development Manager at Sandvik.

Advancing Sustainable Packaging through Collaboration

In the future, we look forward to similar partnerships, collaborating closely with clients and industry experts to develop high-quality, sustainable solutions tailored to real-world demands. Through these collaborations, we aim to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial packaging, ensuring our products remain both resilient and environmentally responsible.