Packaging

Shipping bicycles sustainably and safely: Thimm Packaging Systems presents latest innovation

Wednesday 24. March 2021 - Thimm has developed a fully recyclable bicycle packaging that has an extremely high level of product protection during shipping. Due to its design, the paper-based packaging solves well-known problems during packing and unpacking.

Manufacturers ship bicycles almost completely assembled to the local specialised trade or to private customers. Only the final assembly of lamps and pedals and the alignment of the handlebars take place on site. Michael Weber, Head of Corporate Strategy + Marketing, explains the challenges: “When shipping bicycles, an extremely high level of product protection is required. Nowadays, the average price of bicycles is more than 1,000 euros, and even significantly higher for e-bikes. It is therefore important to protect the valuable products accordingly and to make handling as easy as possible. In addition, consumers attach great importance to environmentally friendly packaging and uncomplicated disposal. We are pleased to be able to present an optimal solution with our innovative bicycle packaging.”
The packaging was developed in a joint project between Thimm Packaging Systems and Thimm pack’n’display and is suitable for all bicycles and e-bikes between 18 and 29 inches. It consists entirely of sustainable corrugated cardboard in BC quality. The flat-lying, one-piece blanks can be assembled quickly and easily with the help of integrated plug-in fasteners and adhesive strips. The packaging construction includes a saddle holder, a steering wheel fixation and two wheel holders to fix the bike and ship it safely protected. In addition, the sustainable packaging does not require the usual padding and protective materials such as foil bags, polystyrene or bubble wrap. There is enough storage space for an accessory box. Sealing materials such as staples or strapping tape are also not necessary. Weber explains: “This saves time, material and costs and is also good for the environment.
To make unpacking easier for recipients, the Thimm developers have eliminated known problems with the new design. Weber explains: “Bicycle boxes often have to be opened from the top. Then the recipient has to lift out a bike weighing up to 25 kilograms over the large packaging. Our innovative packaging is opened in the middle via a tear-off perforation. It is, of course, stable. The resulting side panels can be opened to reveal a wonderful view of the new bike. It can then simply be slid out of the packaging.”
Afterwards, disposing of the bicycle packaging is quick and easy: since it is a so-called single-material solution made of corrugated cardboard, it does not have to be separated at great expense. It is disposed of completely via waste paper and thus remains in the ecologically valuable raw material cycle. Thanks to their exemplary recyclability, the used cardboard boxes are reprocessed into base paper for corrugated board production.
Weber concludes: “If you don’t like the bike, our packaging is ready for a return. The bike can be slid inside and the corresponding holders secure it again against transport damage. As soon as everything is in place, the packaging can be closed again using the plug-in fasteners. Even now, no additional adhesive tape is needed. We are pleased that this way the extremely high product protection and easy handling is also given for returns.”