Hexacomb® and Laminations Create Wood Crate Alternative

Shipping method provides unparalleled protection

Sannah Packaging Supplies, a specialist in packaging and shipping solutions, has integrated Laminations® products into its HexaPack® products, a 100 percent recyclable shipping solution that replaces the need for wood crates in most applications.

Talal Sannah, owner of Sannah Packaging Supplies of Anaheim Hills, Calif., wanted to create an environmentally friendly and cost-effective packaging alternative to wood crates with superior strength, cushioning and blocking/bracing capabilities.

Working closely with a global provider of innovative protective packaging solutions, Sannah created a liner of SFI-certified Hexacomb®—an all-natural, custom-made kraft paper with water-based adhesives. The liner uses core #1, 64psi and 90 lb laminated chipboard. Core sizes range from one to five—one being the strongest (smallest cells) and five being the softest (largest cells).

“By custom-making a six-piece liner of Hexacomb around the interior of cardboard boxes, we have created a shipping and package solution that can handle the pressure of the shipping process while delivering optimal security and protection,” said Sannah. “The result is packaging with the strength of a wood crate, but without the extra weight and cost.”

Traditional crating and palletizing shipments use large amounts of wood that often is not recyclable or reusable. With HexaPack, carriers can save on cost, prevent damage and protect the environment.

“HexaPack products are available in more than 100 stock sizes and are customizable,” Sannah said. “Most HexaPack products can hold up to 8,500 pounds, and can be customized to hold even more weight.”

To further ensure optimal weight capacity and protection during shipment, Sannah Packaging Supplies turned to Laminations and its family of edge protectors.

Wade Bue, account manager for Laminations, provided Sannah with product samples so the company could experience how they could be used to improve the HexaPack product line. Sannah Packaging Supplies now utilizes Laminations products in the majority of its customized HexaPack constructions.

One such application was created exclusively for CDS Moving Equipment, Inc., a California-based distributor of moving equipment and warehouse supplies.

CDS challenged Sannah with making a protective box for transporting pictures and mirrors. Sannah came back with the HexaPack Picture Pack, which integrates the use of VBoard®, UChannel® and UCrate®. The HexaPack Picture Pack, available exclusively through CDS, uses UChannel around the top—cutting the corners at a 45 degree angle similar to crown molding.

UChannel also is used on top of the interior Hexacomb panels that create compartments. VBoard is used vertically on the corners, creating a stackable package that can withstand substantial amounts of weight.

In addition, pieces of UCrate six inches high and four inches wide are used underneath the boxes in place of pallets.

“The combination of HexaPack and Laminations has allowed customers to not only be environmentally conscious by using a 100 percent green product, but to experience substantial cost savings in shipping by cutting out the need for crating,” Sannah said. “On average, customers save 50 percent on their crating costs with HexaPack compared to wood crates.”