The new “SMART Box” (Schaeffler Modular Adaptable Returnable Transport Box) is an innovative reusable packaging system for large bearings.
Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler and drive manufacturer Flender have joined forces to create a new, innovative and environmentally friendly reusable packaging system.
The so-called “SMART Box” (Schaeffler Modular Adaptable Returnable Transport Box) replaces the previous disposable transport boxes and is currently already used in several locations in the industrial division for bearings with an outer diameter of 350 to 750 mm. Together, the two companies are making a significant contribution to conserving resources and preventing waste.
“The theme of sustainability has been firmly rooted in Schaeffler’s DNA for many years and represents one of our four corporate values. Thanks to the new packaging system, not only is box management improved, but also storage space and costs are significantly reduced,” says Dr. Stefan Spindler, CEO Industrial at Schaeffler. “Replacing up to 25,000 disposable shipping boxes per year could be achieved just for deliveries to Flender.”
“For Flender, close collaboration with customers and suppliers is a key part of achieving complete climate neutrality. That's why it's also important to focus our attention on potential savings in the supply chain. We are pleased to have a partner in Schaeffler who is also thinking in this direction. With the introduction of SMART Boxes to a changing platform, we are already reducing the amount of wood used as disposable packaging material by more than 100 tons per year,” says Andreas Evertz, CEO of the Flender Group.
Innovative design
During the development of the new packaging system, considerable importance was placed on its usability for different types of bearings. Schaeffler is currently working on a housing design for bearings with an outer diameter of up to 2,400 mm. A GPS tracking system is also being tested, which makes it easier to track boxes in transit. The size of the boxes is uniform and adapted to the size of a Euro pallet with a total of up to five structures stacked per pallet. Thus, a complete unit of the new packaging system replaces a multitude of individual boxes on several pallets.
Sustainable solutions
Unlike the materials used in previous disposable boxes, the new SMART Box results in a CO2 reduction of more than 50 percent. This calculation already includes shipping costs for returning empty packaging. This CO 2 reduction is mainly due to avoiding the waste of wood resulting from the increased number of transport cycles of the new SMART Box. Thanks to the abrasion-resistant melamine resin coating on both sides, SMART Boxes are much more robust than wooden transport boxes are uncoated and can be used for up to 20 trips.
For the Schaeffler Group, sustainable business success means assuming ecological and social responsibility, in production and towards its customers and suppliers. With the new SMART Boxes, Schaeffler responds to the needs of the future and supports its customers in protecting the environment and climate.
