In an exciting collaboration between Wilfa and Papira® by Stora Enso, the wood-based packaging of the ProBaker kitchen mixer becomes a masterpiece creating a recipe for a more sustainable future.
A collaboration that requires no compromise on either company’s strong focus on design, quality, safety and innovation. Who knew sustainable materials could look this good?Norwegian company Wilfa is dedicated to environmental responsibility and is actively seeking sustainable alternatives in packaging materials. With their ProBaker kitchen mixer they needed a solution that could meet their demands on sustainability, without compromising on protective features and design.
“We will always try to challenge some established truths and technologies. The ProBaker has been developed together with professional bakers and users, and we’re becoming the favourite of advanced and demanding home bakers! When Stora Enso reached out to us with Papira®, we found this to be a perfect match for the ProBaker”, says Arnt Sandvik Nilsen, Category Director at Wilfa.
Bio-based and biodegradable foam
Stora Enso developed protective inserts for the Wilfa ProBaker featuring a combination of Papira® and corrugated board. The blend of these two wood-based materials meant Wilfa was provided a packaging solution with the protection needed and an aesthetic appeal that went perfectly with the clean Nordic design of the ProBaker.
Papira® is a bio-based and biodegradable* foam made of wood fibers that are sourced from sustainably managed forests. It is fully recyclable** within standard paper and board recycling and has high shock-absorbing qualities, ensuring superior protection for heavy sophisticated items like the ProBaker product.
“With its 15 kg, solid construction and multiple accessories included, this was the perfect match for us. It’s still early in the process of changing the packaging, but with a common goal to reduce and reuse, we aim to test Papira together with ProBaker in the future”, says Sandvik Nilsen.
50 percent foam reduction
The protective inserts for the 15 kg ProBaker passed the ISTA 3A drop test. And the new design reduces foam usage by 50 percent and decreases overall box volume by 11 percent. The reduction in volume not only lowers logistics costs (affects palletizing, storage, shipment etc) but also helps minimize emissions. The combined use of Papira® and corrugated board also ensures a hassle-free experience for the end consumer, as the entire packaging is classified as a mono-material and is easily recycled as paper.
“This is a beautiful example of how designing packaging with Papira® in a way that captures the luxury and quality of the product, can elevate the unboxing experience and provide protection during transit”, says Kristīne Biteniece, Packaging designer at Stora Enso.
Stora Enso is working on scaling from pilot towards industrial production. Currently we work with selected projects and companies to test, build knowledge, and prepare for implementation. Wilfa is one of our partners, that actively supports the development of Papira® and the ProBaker solution stands as a shining example of a sustainable packaging solution in the electrical appliances industry.