+Key advantages:• Increased performance at reduced weight

• Equal performance in both directions

• Reduced PP usage versus traditional PP board

• Reduced production cost versus traditional PP board

• Excellent surface appearance

• Excellent impact resistance

• Excellent compression strength

The advantage of continuous production of honeycomb core materials at high speeds, high volumes, with lowest possible costs has enabled EconCore to license its technology around the world for applications in transportation, automotive, build-ing and construction and, of course, packaging.

Packaging in fact remains the largest share of EconCore’s li-censing business, from its first licensee in Japan (Gifu Plastic Industry) focusing on lightweight high-performance polypro-pylene honeycomb-cored sandwiched panels to Karton in Italy and Roplast in Turkey focusing on reusable packaging so that today a significant percentage of the OEM market in Europe relies on industrial packaging solutions made using EconCore technology.

The honeycomb structure is key, with its optimal material utili-zation for performance. Comparing the true honeycomb struc-ture to other core structures confirms this performance advan-tage. Consider the conventional fluted, twin-wall corrugated, design with its direction-specific structure, or cup-shaped core structures used as well in some automotive applications, hon-eycomb core material out-performs both in bending stiffness, compression strength, while using significantly less material.

This performance advantage is clearly seen in reusable packag-ing applications with products made using EconCore technolo-gy. Comparing a number of different sleeve packs of same size and areal density (3000 g/m2) for maximum compression load-ing shows honeycomb having much higher performance from just under 25% up to almost 90% higher maximum compression loading over all other core types tested.

Reusable packaging made using EconCore technology is emerging as the new standard in performance and presents op-portunity for sleeve pack producer to offer highest performing solution, reduce weight per piece or both, leading to substan-tial bottom line benefits through reduced material and energy costs and potentially at even higher output speeds.

PP HONEYCOMB BOARD FOR PERFORMANCE AND GROWTH IN PACKAGING

Applications: Reusable packaging, full range of sleeve packs, layer pads, dunnage, foldable storage and delivery boxes, graphical displays, automo-tive interior, van cladding….

Versatility of the technology is important and provides users with ability to offer product range to meet their market requirements. One production line can cover full range of sleeve packs, layer pads and other dunnage, storage and delivery boxes among other applications. Extending from packaging into automotive PP honey-comb panels are ideally suited for a number of interior applications, replacing hardwood for example in the trunk space and for van wall cladding.

Experience gained over time means continuous improvement with each installation of the technology. This bene-fits both current users and new users deciding to license EconCore technology. With the new standard in perfor-mance, an attractive investment level compared to alternatives and favorable return on investment, and a prod-uct range to meet market needs, the opportunity is ripe for new investors in EconCore technology for packaging.

info@econcore.comwww.econcore.com

tel. 0032-16-381060fax. 0032-16-381069

econcore N.V. Ambachtenlaan 25 • B-3001 Leuven • Belgium

For more information please contact:

PP HONEYCOMB BOARD FOR PERFORMANCE AND GROWTH IN PACKAGING

Fluted board Cup Shaped board Honeycomb Board Honeycomb Board

Flex

ural

Mod

ulus

(MPa

) 1000

750

500

250

0

Weight: 2000g/m² Weight: 3000g/m² Weight: 1800g/m² Weight: 2400g/m²

weaker direction

stronger direction

MPa: Megapascal

PP panel comparison3 point bending

0,4 MPa 0,45 MPa 0,5 MPa 1,1 MPaCompression

Strength

Honeycomb Board

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

TP 3000g/m² WS 3000g/m² IP 3000g/m² CP 3000g/m²

Honeycomb performance

increase

Sleeve pack performance comparisonMaximum compression loading capacity

Max

forc

e (k

g)

3000g/m²

6000

500023% 65% 68%

87%