Smurfit Kappa opens E-Commerce Hubs

Smurfit Kappa has opened a network of five e-commerce hubs in Germany and, at these locations, offers packaging development, packaging testing and simulation, as well as laboratory testing from a single source.

With locations in Hamburg, Waren an der Müritz, Neuss, St. Leon-Rot, and Plattling, Smurfit Kappa’s network of e-commerce hubs spans the entire country, providing regional connections to major business locations across the country. The hubs are specifically designed to support online retailers in designing their optimal packaging. The opening of these platforms results from the increasing demand for high-quality and sustainable shipping packaging that functionally withstands the requirements of the entire supply chain.

Smurfit Kappa can simulate complex load chains using powerful systems and incorporate the respective results directly into packaging development thanks to the bundled competencies of the e-commerce hubs. For example, the company uses vibratory-plates that simulate transport in postal transporters or carries out drop-tests that put the stability and product protection of packaging and packaged goods to the test. The existing ISTA certification of Smurfit Kappa’s laboratories allows the new packaging solutions to be comprehensively tested and the high demands placed on packaging by well-known online platforms, such as Amazon, eBay, or Alibaba, to be fully met. The licensing of sales and service packaging can also be carried out directly via the connection to Recycling Dual.

Nico Heitmann, Head of Marketing & Business Development, comments: “The opening of the e-commerce hubs, with all the technical tools and systems, is a result of the high demand in this area. In doing so, we use our platforms to map the entire range of customer requirements. These range from increasing logistics efficiency, to achieving cost savings through targeted packaging optimization, to perfecting the unpacking experience for the end customer. In many areas, online retail works differently than analog business – and we have systemically adapted to this.”