DS Smith creates fiber packaging to protect smart bike-lane separators

DS Smith Tecnicarton has developed corrugated cardboard packaging for smart bike-lane separators by Zicla, a street safety company. The fully fiber-based solution is designed to protect the smart separators and their electronic counting components. 

Antonio Cebrián, sales director at DS Smith Tecnicarton, says: “Our collaboration with Zicla demonstrates a clear example of how an innovative packaging design can turn a technical and logistical challenge into an efficient, sustainable, and scalable solution.”

“We have worked closely to develop packaging that protects a high-value-added technological product and effectively optimizes an entire supply chain. This project highlights DS Smith Tecnicarton’s ability to be a strategic partner in the development of our future-oriented packaging solutions.”

The offering is a single packaging format that can accommodate two product models with distinct geometries and dimensions.

The packaging and palletization process is said to be simplified as less space is required for storage and transportation. It can reduce costs and optimize product protection and logistics efficiency across the entire supply chain.

Circular transport protection

DS Smith’s solution includes two corrugated cardboard elements. One is an outer box with a tab-locking system for secure transportation without the need for adhesives and staples.

The second is an internal positioning insert adapted to fit the geometry of the product and designed to fit into the recesses of the corrugated structure instead of traditional screws.

Lain Guio, chief operating officer at ZiclaI, adds: “Our new packaging solution represents an important step forward in ensuring the protection of our smart counting separators during transportation and in reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.”

“Our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our services is fully aligned with our values as a specialist in urban mobility solutions manufactured from recycled materials. Our collaboration with DS Smith Tecnicarton has been essential in achieving an efficient, safe, and value-aligned solution.”

The DS Smith Tecnicarton team used 3D engineering tools to create visualizations of the final concept. The team also conducted a detailed evaluation around key performance objectives ranging from handling and storage, assembly, packing, picking, and transportation.

DS Smith recently created fiber-based packaging for navigation systems and electronics for the marine and boating sector, and for industrial logistics buffers.