The challenge

Lærdal Medical identified several issues with their previous packaging solution:

• Post-delivery, the suitcases used for packaging were redundant as the simulators were immediately put into use.
• The bulky suitcases created storage challenges.
• The life cycle assessment revealed a substantial carbon footprint associated with the plastic, textile, and metal materials of the suitcases.

The solution

In collaboration with VPK Group, Lærdal Medical has developed a customized corrugated cardboard box with specially designed inserts and prints. This new packaging solution not only ensures the safe transport of SimMan simulators but also offers several significant benefits:

1. Environmental impact: 93% reduction in CO2 footprint: The switch to corrugated cardboard resulted in a dramatic reduction in the carbon footprint. The previous suitcases had a CO2 footprint of 134.92 kg CO2e, equivalent to a flight from Oslo to London, while the new boxes emit only 9.17 kg CO2e, comparable to the emissions from producing a hamburger.
2. Cost efficiency: 50% reduction in transportation costs: The new cardboard boxes are half the size of the old packaging, which reduces space requirements in shipping containers. This change leads to lower shipping costs and further decreases carbon emissions throughout the supply chain.
3. Local production: Reduced emissions from transport: The cardboard boxes are produced locally by VPK in Sykkylven, Norway, unlike the previous suitcases, which were manufactured in China. This local production cuts down significantly on transportation emissions