HexcelPack launches recyclable protective mailer from slit paper tech as e-commerce booms
01 Dec 2021 --- HexcelPack is introducing a fully recyclable and protective mailer branded Hexcel’ope. The mailer consists of 100% paper and is suitable for the e-commerce market. As a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to plastic bubble mailers, Hexcel’ope is also biodegradable.
Hexcel’ope mailers are designed with HexcelPack’s proprietary slit paper technology, guaranteeing cushioning and complete product protection during transportation.
HexcelPack’s process converts extensible paper into a three-dimensional, patented cushioning product by making precise cuts at specific angles. This method makes the paper “flex,” expanding its volume while maximizing the strength and stiffness of its fibers.
The result is a superior cushion proven to outperform environmentally harmful protection alternatives, particularly plastic-based bubble mailers.
E-commerce product protection is a hot topic right now, with DS Smith research suggesting faulty and insufficient packaging designs could have resulted in over €1.3 billion (US$1.5 billion) worth of damaged goods being delivered in Europe this Black Friday.
According to Innova Market Insights, half of US consumers (49%) regard packaging’s recyclability as its most important environmental sustainability credential, followed by reusability (44%) and recycled material use (35%). Meanwhile, 72% of global consumers and 62% of US consumers recognize paper’s exceptional recyclability.
Hexcel’ope mailers are designed with proprietary slit paper technology for product protection.
E-commerce boom
The market researcher also found 35% of global consumers have increased their home food delivery use since the virus outbreak. Brazil is above average, with more than half (58%) of consumers turning to online purchasing.
“As e-commerce shipping volumes have increased at an incredibly rapid pace, so has demand for [environmentally] sustainable yet protective packaging solutions from both brand owners and consumers,” supports Lorne Herszkowicz, partner at HexcelPack.
“With Hexcel’ope, it was our goal to design a functional, highly protective, yet simple solution to meet the needs of the e-commerce industry – one we firmly believe to be the most innovative mailer on the market.”
Ahead of HexcelPack’s showing at Pack Expo 2021 in Las Vegas, US, in September, PackagingInsights sat down with Herszkowicz to discuss how the company’s plastic-alternative, paper-based protective packaging solutions are taking e-commerce and retail by storm.
Beyond recyclability, Herszkowicz outlined HexcelPack’s total carbon impact compared to conventional options like bubble wrap. He also explored the effects of COVID-19 on expanding e-commerce markets in greater detail.
Hexcel’ope’s benefits
The advantages of using Hexcel’ope instead of plastic bubble mailers are:
- Product protection: Hexecel’ope mailers are economical yet strong and lasting by “offering the superior cushioning and product protection needed for shipping fragile items and reducing product damage.”
- Environmental sustainability: The mailers are made entirely of PEFC-endorsed paper, which has “little to no impact on the environment.”
- User-friendliness: Hexecel’ope mailers are equipped with “self-sealing adhesive closures” and offer postage savings when a shipping box is unnecessary.
Paper-based wrapping system
This year, HexcelPack also developed a protective paper-based wrapping system as a cost-effective alternative to bubble wrap.
With three US dealers using the HexcelWrap system, the invention is suitable for e-commerce, retail catalog, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products, and third-party logistics and contract packaging applications.
By Natalie Schwertheim
