Mpact partnered with Nefab Sweden, a global provider of industrial packaging, to develop a durable paper-based packaging that ensures the safe containment of lithium-ion batteries (LiB) and reduces environmental impact by replacing polystyrene packaging with recyclable corrugated materials.
The LiB product is manufactured by Polarium, a leading energy storage developer. The demand for lithium-ion cells in rechargeable batteries has increased as LiB are lighter and more sustainable than using lead and sulphuric acid as components. Polarium’s batteries are manufactured for communication systems with a capacity of 250kVA. Robust packaging of this product is needed to facilitate the protection of the component materials for distribution and transportation into Africa and abroad.
Nefab engineered a packaging concept that requires materials designed to meet rigorous standards, including an ECT (Edge Crush Test) of 13kN/m and certification testing of the assembled fitments and outer case. The packaging produced by Mpact, using corrugated die-cut parts, succeeded on the first drop test (using a 75kg dummy product). The packaging is made from fibre-based materials using virgin FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) papers from responsible sources. According to GreenCalc, the life cycle analysis tool deployed by Nefab, the substitution of traditional polystyrene with recyclable corrugated materials reduces CO2 emissions by 18% and landfill waste by 12%.
Our product is manufactured at Mpact Corrugated’s Epping factory, which has ISO and FSSC (Food Safety System) certifications. The product is supplied in sheet form to a third party to assemble, and the finished packaging is delivered to Polarium’s production site in Cape Town.
In November 2024, this packaging won three gold medals at the Institute of Packaging South Africa (IPSA) Gold Pack Awards. Mpact is exceptionally proud to have worked productively with Nefab to deliver this innovative and sustainable packaging solution to the LiB industry and achieve this level of recognition in our market.
