Airnov Healthcare Packaging, a global leader in controlled atmosphere packaging, has introduced a new, sustainable packaging option to help reduce plastic waste.

The new packaging takes aim at plastic pails, which are harder to recycle than carton boxes and use non-renewable resins for production. Cardboard originates from trees that can be replanted, and if not recycled, naturally decomposes.

“With this new option from our plant in Belen, we hope to pull hundreds tons of plastic out of use by converting secondary packaging from plastic to cardboard,” said Nicolas Martinez, global product manager at Airnov, NM. “Furthermore, cartons are more lightweight and efficient in the space they use, optimizing transport and warehouse space.”

The new offering not only targets plastic consumption but aims to reduce transportation emissions by using double-stackable cartons. The new carton is more durable than standard cardboard, allowing pallets to be double stacked with 50 percent more material in the same footprint as a single pallet. With the additional materials, Airnov hopes to help customers reduce freight costs while also reducing the number of trucks needed to transport goods, saving money and reducing carbon emissions.

In addition, Airnov is removing humidity indicator cards (HICs) to reduce extraneous materials and chemicals used in the packaging.

“It’s a noble thing to offer a more sustainable option. However, without demonstrable benefits to our customers, it is still often challenging to encourage adoption,” continued Martinez. “This new endeavor not only reduces plastic and other waste but helps our customers mitigate skyrocketing freight and commodity costs. With the volatility in the resin supply chain, who knows what’s next with plastic prices.”

The carton packaging performs equally to plastic pails by utilizing high-barrier bags to provide the same shelf-life of three years. The new packaging solutions are available immediately for drop-in products.