IBM Project Maple: Packaging Redesign for X Series Servers

IBM has been working on redesigning the packaging for its X Series Servers. The changes have resulted in environmentally friendly improvements throughout the supply chain.

The redesign project is called Project Maple and its goal is to ship the high powered computer servers using 100% recycled materials. The team involved in the project assessed the shipping carton, shipgroup tray, polybag and the thermoformed HDPE cushions used in the packaging.

The team motto is, "if you're not consuming recycled materials, you're not recycling," said IBM's Bob Sanders, Corporate Packaging Programs, Global
Logistics, IBM Integrated Supply Chain.

IBM's new HDPE cushions are particularly innovative Sanders said. They are nestable and when shipped the company can fit ten times the typical quantity on a forty foot truck. The savings from the new packaging equates to one-tenth the amount of consumed fuel and on-tenth the emissions released in transit.

The new cushion packaging is made from 100% post consumer recycled plastic material, including old milk jugs. Sanders said they provide excellent protection.

IBM is noticing significant environmental and cost savings from the Project Maple redesign.

As Sanders said, "...when you ship 74 million kilos of global airfreight annually – or the equivalent of seven fully loaded 747-400's each day – it adds up."