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HP reduces packaging

A redesign at Hewlett-Packard cuts packaging components in half.

The laser printer is nestled in 59 pieces of protective packaging (top) and is equipped with a special molded foam ramp (bottom)
The laser printer is nestled in 59 pieces of protective packaging (top) and is equipped with a special molded foam ramp (bottom)

Last year, Hewlett-Packard worked with Tuscarora (New Brighton, PA) to design new protective packaging for the shipping of its large CLJ8550 color LaserJet printer. Old packaging incorporated the use of 130 pieces and a wooden pallet. The new design by Tuscarora only uses 59 pieces and a molded foam pallet. The new approach represents a 30% reduction in packaging weight.

The new package even includes molded foam ramps that let the proud owner of a new printer gently roll the new machine from its pallet and into its assigned place in the office.

“Everyone involved contributed creative ideas that we could use to improve the former design, manufacture the new package at a lower cost using various types of molded foam, and reduce assembly and labor costs,” says Peter Biancavilla, HP packaging program manager.

What it’s made of

The outer corrugated container is a two-piece design with a removable top cap to eliminate the need to cut the carton away from the product. Unloading instructions, using graphics, are printed on the top cap of the container. Inside the container is a die cut corrugated piece holding the molded foam ramps that allow the unit to roll out of the carton. These ramps can be pulled out, assembled, and fit into recesses in the molded foam pallet. The printer then rolls on wheels down the six-degree ramp to the customer’s floor. Hard masonite inserts in each ramp provide a smooth surface for the printer’s wheels.

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