Packaging HERO partners with AirWave Packaging Inc. – Sustainable/Inflatable Void-Fill and Cushioning

11/01/2022

Published: 2022

Packaging HERO joined thousands of packaging professionals at PACK EXPO International in Chicago to explore new equipment, materials, automation, and packaging technologies.

According to PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the event brought together approximately 44,000 attendees and more than 2,200 exhibitors across 1.2 million net square feet at McCormick Place.

What We Were Looking For at PACK EXPO

Two subjects come up regularly in our conversations with customers: the environmental impact of packaging materials and the challenge of finding and retaining labor for packing and warehouse operations.

Those same themes were highly visible throughout PACK EXPO, with exhibitors continuing to develop solutions around:

  • Packaging automation.
  • Labor efficiency.
  • Material reduction.
  • Alternative packaging materials.
  • More efficient packing processes.

We also had the opportunity to see new and updated solutions from several Packaging HERO partners, including Shurtape, Sealed Air, Pregis, Storopack, Intertape, and Paragon.

Discovering AirWave Packaging

One of the new product lines we explored at the show was AirWave Packaging.

AirWave offers inflatable packaging systems designed to produce void-fill and cushioning materials at the pack station. These systems provide another option for businesses looking to protect products while controlling material use and storage requirements.

After learning more about the company, its equipment, and its packaging materials, Packaging HERO decided to establish a partnership with AirWave Packaging Inc.

Why Inflatable Packaging Interested Us

Inflatable packaging systems can be useful for operations that want to produce protective material as it is needed instead of storing large volumes of pre-expanded cushioning.

Depending on the application, inflatable systems may be used for:

  • Void fill.
  • Cushioning.
  • Wrapping.
  • Product stabilization.

The appropriate material and system depend on the product, required protective function, packing volume, available equipment space, and operating workflow.

As with any protective packaging system, inflatable packaging should be selected around the application rather than treated as a universal replacement for paper, foam, corrugated structures, or other protective materials.

PACK EXPO Reinforced Two Important Packaging Trends

The show reinforced two trends that continue to matter to Packaging HERO customers: automation and sustainability.

For packaging operations, those goals often overlap.

A packaging change may be evaluated not only by material cost, but also by:

  • Packing speed.
  • Labor requirements.
  • Warehouse storage.
  • Material consumption.
  • Equipment needs.
  • Product protection.
  • Waste generated at the pack station or by the recipient.

Those are the kinds of practical considerations we look at when evaluating new packaging systems and deciding which technologies make sense to bring to our customers.

The Bottom Line

PACK EXPO gives our team an opportunity to evaluate new packaging technologies firsthand and spend time with manufacturers developing the products and equipment used throughout modern fulfillment and warehouse operations.

Our introduction to AirWave Packaging at the show ultimately led to a new partnership and gave Packaging HERO another protective-packaging option to evaluate for customers looking at inflatable cushioning and void-fill systems.

The larger takeaway was equally important: packaging decisions increasingly involve more than the material itself. Labor, equipment, storage, sustainability goals, and product protection all have to work together.

Need Help Evaluating Protective Packaging?

Packaging HERO works with businesses comparing protective packaging materials, equipment, and pack-station systems for shipping and fulfillment applications.

For a broader look at the available options, visit our Types of Protective Packaging guide.

Contact Packaging HERO if you would like help evaluating protective packaging for your operation.