A Case Study in Courier Bag Innovation

Although faced with options, these are normally significantly higher than the  price of the standard plastic alternative and so are not feasible options for a large market movement  at this stage, but aimed at niche markets. 

Faced with this challenge,    paper packaging manufacturer and  Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certificate holder,   Detpak (FSC C109574)  partnered with last-mile delivery logistics company Pargo to develop a  paper  alternative that would offer a similar experience to the plastic bag,  but have strength and movement characteristics to withstand the rigours of multiple handling points through any courier partner.  It was imperative that this solution also be offered at a price point that would allow the larger market to make the move to this alternative packaging option.   

While the end-goal was clear since inception, product development included extensive concept testing and included many challenges.

Product Development

The first challenge was the choice of raw material which would offer strength and a degree of malleability.  Testing included rough handling samples to sending these between Johannesburg and Cape Town with critical review at the end point.   With a paper decided on, the next challenge milestones encompassed the bag size and closure mechanism.  This has to be as close to the existing  customer experience with existing  plastic  courier sleeves, and  be able to hold the same sized items customers were use too. Hence the  ‘block bottom’  design emerged for extra room with the size test including  the ability to hold a standard shoe box without too much tension. 

The envelope closure with peel-away strip needed to be developed to fully emulate the plastic versions’ user experience.  With a paper base to stick to, this meant in-depth experimentation with glue and tape specialists to obtain a glue that will remain tacky while covered with backing tape, but will bond and seal after seconds of being closed.  Here elements such as the machine finish of the paper and fiber tear as tamperproof had to be considered.

Sustainability

Made by Detpak in their Johannesburg South factory, an all-encompassing approach is taken to sustainability.  With a commitment to using ethically sourced raw material, the courier bag is manufactured from  FSC  certified Mix Paper, sourced from sustainably managed forests and recycled content.  Glues and inks are water-based to minimize the effect on the environment and the closure strip, although containing some wax, have a 100% recyclable backing tape.

Made from paper, the courier bag is completely  biodegradable and home compostable.

Successful bag trial

An initial trial was done through courier company  Pargo and some selected customers.  With positive trial feedback and an acceptable market price , Enveloop was launched.   Other large brand owners have shown interest and are in the process of reviewing their packaging options.

A bag with generic branding, Enveloop, has been developed in two sizes to offer affordable choices to both small, niche businesses and large corporations. 

In closing, with increased focus of corporates on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) approach to business, considering a sustainably sourced forest based product is definitely worth a consideration.   This comment from Pargo supports this perspective

“Feedback from our clients and customers has been nothing short of amazing with some even highlighting it as a key part of their own sustainable practices. This is the start of something huge."

- Stephan Basson,  Marketing Campaign Manager at Pargo.

Author: Carla Breytenbach, Marketing Manager,  Detpak

Editor: Gerard Busse,  Marketing & Communications Manager, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)  Southern Africa

Visual: Courtesy Detpak