Better protection and improved eco-friendliness
Kiilto is switching to recyclable, impermeable and weatherproof product packaging. In addition to their increased environmental friendliness the new packing also provides better protection for the products. Unlike the old paper-covered laminate bag, the new bags are also fully recyclable.
Kiilto’s decision to change the bag material and switch to the new packaging is the result of careful consideration and research. According to Kiilto’s Deputy Managing Director Mikko Viljanmaa, one of the most important criteria was that the new material be recyclable.
“The change fits in with Kiilto’s overall outlook regarding sustainability and responsibility. From now on, rather than producing mixed waste for incineration our packaging will be completely recyclable and reusable plastic packaging”.
The new packaging will be adopted in phases. However, this is already quite a large change, with an investment of around EUR 1.2 million in new production equipment and related layout. According to Viljanmaa, Kiilto always makes investments of this scale with a view to the entire lifespan of the product.
Part of the industry’s environmental goals
A waste reduction requirement of 70 per cent for construction and demolition waste has been set, to be met by 2020. Thanks to the packaging changes, Kiilto will be better able to meet environmental targets related not only to waste generation but also transportation emissions, recyclability of packaging, wastage in production and correct use of the company’s products.
The packaging changes will also produce cost savings, since the taxes on mixed waste and transportation costs are large expenses for building companies.
“The new homogeneous polyethylene packaging can be returned to plastic collection points. By reducing waste, we want to help others in the industry to reduce their environmental impact and also their waste-related expenses”, says Viljanmaa.
Less material wastage
As Viljanmaa points out, traditional bags are perforated from the inside, because unlike polyethylene packaging they have to allow air to pass out through them in the filling stage.
“With conventional bags, all the air is removed from the bag only over a long period of time. The new packaging, on the other hand, is sealed and made completely airtight already on the production line”.
The paper surface of traditional sacks has also caused production problems at the factory. If the paper is exposed to air humidity in the factory, it can result in wastage of material.
“We have also noticed that the machine empties better on the new line, and it needs to be cleaned less frequently. Overall, there is less wastage of material”.
Increased user-friendliness for all
Production on the new packaging line in Kiilto’s factory is in full swing. The TopPlan bags coming off the line look compact and tightly sealed.
According to Viljanmaa, impermeability is one of the key features of the new packaging.
“Conventional paper-coated laminate sacks are not completely airtight, and so when the bag of product is dropped into the car boot, for example, it gives off a puff of dust. The new packaging is completely airtight, and won’t cause any dust problems either for customers or workers in our factory. This results in improved working conditions and ergonomics on both ends”.
The new bags also look different from the old ones, and not only because of the different surface material.
With the old bags, the print quality always varied slightly from batch to batch.
“The airtight and firm material provides a good printing surface, and to take advantage of this we also wanted to give the products a new look. We have invested resources in making the appearance and text of the new packaging more informative. This makes it easier to select and use the product”, says Viljanmaa.
Weather-resistant packaging for better storage
The impermeable and weatherproof bags make it easier to store the products, and help ensure that they remain in good condition even in harsh conditions. Thanks to this, there will be less wastage of materials.
“The bags can be transported and stored more securely than before, without the product becoming damaged due to weather conditions. It’s no longer a problem even if it rains or snows on the construction site, as the weatherproof bags can handle tough conditions. That’s precisely the reason that we decided to implement the change with floor-levelling compounds first, since these are some of our most critical products when it comes to preservability”, Viljanmaa says.
The old, paper-coated laminate bag line is still in operation alongside the new bag production line. “The packaging changes will initially apply to floor-levelling compounds, and the new packaging will reach customers during the summer. In this way we’re gaining some experience with the new packaging, and determining the capacity of the equipment and when the change can be extended to our cementitious adhesives, plasters and grouts”.
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