Improving the usability of sustainable specific suspension packaging

Abstract

In the rapidly growing e-commerce sector, preventing product damage and weight reduction are crucial. Previous research on this topic has led to Sustainable Specific Suspension (3S) packaging. This packaging concept consists of a cardboard tray holding a product and securing it in place by wrapping the product on the tray with wrap film. Lastly, the tray is folded and placed in a box to ensure optimal protection during handling and transportation. Previous research shows that it would be more cost efficient to optimize the cardboard tray instead of the wrap film (Nica in Development of suspension, KU Leuven, Gent, 2024). The maximal permitted product weight was 0.5 kg which limits the usability of it in e-commerce. This study aims to enhance the tray’s shape, increase its load-bearing capacity while maintaining product protection and suitability for e-commerce applications. To achieve this, various drop tests were conducted to map different tray parameters. The findings contribute to an optimized packaging method that enhances durability, cost reductions, increased product weight and flexibility in e-commerce logistics.