Logistics company DHL’s Supply Chain division in Japan has developed new Multipurpose Returnable Containers (MRC) that can cut down the environmental footprint during shipping of precision equipment.
The containers will be used in Fujitsu's IA server repair service under a three-year agreement with DHL Supply Chain, which manages over 55 packaging operations across Asia Pacific.
Developed to promote the 3R principle (reduce, reuse and recycle), the containers use a new technology to improve fortitude by trapping air within the two layers of urethane film used for shock absorption.
According to the company, the weight of the container was reduced to 5kg, about 50% less compared to the weight of previous containers, by using hardboards made of recycled paper for the frame supporting the urethane film.
DHL Supply Chain president Shuichi Kawamura said the company is supporting its customers' promotion of environmental management in their transportation requirements, by providing eco-friendly packing solutions.
"As a global leader in the logistics industry, we continue to develop solutions and services by offering added value to support our customers' business," Kawamura said.
The containers have also attained a maximum load capacity of 50kg as well as a durability that allows for reuse up to 100 times. They can be used for products in various sizes by adding some auxiliary components.
DHL claims MRCs can also be folded to half their original size, occupying less room when they are not in use and have been designed for ease of assembly.
