Unisource Worldwide, Inc., one of the leading distributors of paper, packaging, and facility supplies in North America, has reached an agreement with Vertex Internal Packaging Solutions™ to become the exclusive North American distributor of the ExpandOS™ protective packaging solution.
The Vertex team has a wealth of experience in the packaging, shipping, and manufacturing industries, highlighted by the successful implementation of a major parcel distribution company's first automated sorting system for small letters and packages. The company's extensive background knowledge of these industries contributed greatly to the development of the innovative ExpandOS™ system.
The ExpandOS™ system involves feeding fan-folded, die-cut fiberboard paper into the portable, on-site Expander™ machine; creating unique, lightweight, three-dimensional cushioning elements that flow into packages to create an interlocking cushioning layer. The interlocking action is due to the new product's unique pyramid-shaped particles that also have a network of circular holes punched into them. The points of the pyramids lock into the holes, creating a "tight fill" cushioning layer.
Market research indicates the ExpandOS™ system will compete favorably when compared to other options such as foam-in-place polyurethane systems, die-cut corrugated inserts, and fabricated foam cushions. John Eaton, vice president of packaging systems for Unisource's Packaging business, said the new product offers several advantages over existing packaging systems.
"The ExpandOS™ concept combines the speed, versatility, and economy of loose fill with the blocking, bracing, and cushioning performance of foam cushions," said Eaton. "As a result, it can take the place of multiple cushioning products and can often reduce many of the direct and indirect costs of packaging and shipping.
"Package assembly time can be dramatically reduced due to the free-flowing nature of the material, and because no operator judgment or special skill is needed to complete quality packages," Eaton said. "We have found the costs related to storage of pre-expanded material and inventory management of multi-component routes can also be reduced."
Early users include customers who are fulfilling variable pick-and-pack orders, as well as manufacturers completing high volumes of identical packages. Another feature of the ExpandOS™ system is customization-the ability for customers to imprint the individual packing pyramids with their company logos and other graphics.
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