Research in design methodology for environmental-friendly paper-based product packing

• Main Authors: Tai, Kang, Lye, Sun Woh, Lee, Stephen Siang Guan, Leong, Kah Fai, Tor, Shu Beng
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Production Engineering
• Format: Research Report
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Manufacturing::Product engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/7019
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

There is increasing concern over the adverse impact of discarded packaging waste on the limited solid waste disposal capacities all round the world, exerting pressure on available landfill space and endangering the ecological system with groundwater and air pollution. The most desirable solutions to this problem is the minimization of packaging materials required and adoption of materials which are recyclable and/or bio-degradable This project looks at the use of paper, in the form of corrugated board and paperboard, for making container boxes and protective buffers and how their designs can be created and optimized. Compared to polymer foams (such as expanded polystyrene EPS, etc.) commonly used for malung protective buffers needed for cushioning products, paper is an environmentally responsible material because it is reusable, recyclable, bio-degradable and is derived from renewable resources (from wood/trees). It is widely used for malung container boxes, but has been used with only limited success for making protective packaging buffers (compared to polymer foams).