Sustainable dunnage solution wins WorldStar award

Opal and JBS Australia have won a 2023 WorldStar global packaging award in the transit category for their corrugated cardboard dunnage solution. The dunnage was previously awarded Gold in the Sustainable Packaging Design of the Year Industrial sub-category and Outside of the Box Design of the Year at the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) 2022.

Opal developed the solution in collaboration with JBS to limit product movement during transportation. It provides an alternative to traditional dunnage, usually constructed from expanded polystyrene (EPS) that can’t be easily recycled and ends up in landfill. Opal’s dunnage is a column-like corrugated structure that also provides enhanced transportation and distribution efficiency as it accommodates 1800 boxes per pallet, compared to the 200 boxes enabled by EPS dunnage. The sustainable dunnage complies with Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets and aligns with JBS Australia’s sustainability commitment to reduce its footprint.

“This innovative product has resulted in tangible cost savings and operational efficiencies. By reducing our packaging footprint we are meeting our sustainability objectives for the benefit of our business and customers, and providing positive environmental outcomes,” Sam Churchill, Group Manager Sustainability for JBS Australia, said.

Brad Hinds, Group General Manager Opal Fibre Packaging, said that Opal is committed to providing sustainable, innovative solutions.

“We are delighted to be recognised on a global scale through the WorldStar global packaging award in the transit category. By collaborating with our customers, we are able to design and produce products that can deliver on functionality, supply chain efficiency and sustainability,” Hinds said.