Corrugated Packaging Takes Center Stage At Parcel Forum 2025 Parcel Forum 2025, held September 23–25 in Schaum- burg, Illinois, featured several discussions highlighting cor- rugated packaging’s unique value in today’s supply chain. Cory Martin, Executive Vice President of the Fibre Box Association (FBA), and Mackenzie Crigger, Sustainability Manager at International Paper (IP), participated in two sessions that underscored corrugated’s advantages, from
ing innovations and practices. Their session was part of a broader event that brought together leaders from the e-commerce, packaging fulfillment, and logistics sectors to explore the latest innovations and trends shaping the industry. Benefits Of Right-Sizing Packaging Right-sizing packaging can mean much more than a reduction in materials. That’s according to Jack Groot, Re- gional Sales Manager at Packsize. Groot also noted some of the operational, environmental, and consumer benefits companies see when cutting unnecessary space out of packaging. On the operational side, Groot said his customers often describe a decrease in damages. “You essentially have projectiles in a box banging back and forth. That could mean they’re rubbing up against each other and causing scratches, it could mean some sort of quality defect,” said Groot. “Just by right-sizing in general, we usually see that products arrive where they’re going with less damages, in a better state.” An optimized package size can also mean a reduction in carbon footprint, as Groot explained, “the logic is more items on a UPS or FedEx truck, less trucks on the road.” The environment isn’t the only winner when right-sizing packaging, according to James Malley, CEO of Paccurate, during another session at the event. “It’s a rare case in supply chain where you can save money and lower your CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
its circular lifecycle and recy- clability to its role in right-siz- ing strategies that reduce waste and improve efficiency. In their joint presentation, “Ordinary but Extraordinary: Exploring the Eco-Advantages of the Tried and True Corrugat- ed Package,” the pair high- lighted the environmental and
Cory Martin, Executive Vice President at FBA.
economic benefits of corrugated packaging, with Martin emphasizing its circular lifecycle and superior recyclability compared to plastic alternatives. He also discussed how corrugated boxes can contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fuel costs by enabling more effi- cient truckloads. Crigger shared insights into IP’s sustainable packag-
• Machinery selection • Plant layout • Project Management • Consulting
A true corrugated industry veteran with nearly 50 years’ experience, Richard Etra can help you with every aspect of box plant operation. Contact Richard today for a no-cost consultation: email: richard_etra@etracorrugatedsolutions.com ph: 917-647-9520
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September 29, 2025
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