Schaeffler and Flender introduce innovative and eco-friendly packing system for large size bearings

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Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler and drive manufacturer Flender have joined forces to create a new, innovative and eco-friendly reusable packaging system.


The so-called “SMART Box” (Schaeffler Modular Adaptable Returnable Transport Box) replaces previous disposable transport boxes and is currently already used at several locations of the Industrial division for bearings with an outer diameter of 350 to 750 mm. Together, the two companies are making a significant contribution towards conserving resources and avoiding waste.


Innovative design

During the development of the new packaging system, considerable importance was placed on ensuring its usability for different bearing designs. Schaeffler is currently working on a design of the box for bearings with an outer diameter of up to 2400 mm. A GPS tracking system, which facilitates tracking of the boxes in transit, is also currently being tested. The size of the boxes is uniform and adapted to the footprint of a euro pallet with a total of up to five frames stacked per pallet. Thus, one complete unit of the new packaging system replaces a multitude of individual boxes across several pallets.

Sustainable solutions

In contrast to the materials used in the previous disposable boxes, the new SMART Box results in a CO2 reduction of more than 50 per cent. This calculation already includes the return transportation of empty packaging. This reduction in CO2 particularly stems from the avoidance of wood waste resulting from the increased number of transport cycles of the new SMART Box. Thanks to the abrasion-resistant melamine resin coating on both sides, the SMART Boxes are much more robust than uncoated wooden transport boxes and can be used for up to 20 transport runs.


For the Schaeffler Group, sustainable corporate success means taking on ecological and social responsibility – in production and towards its customers and suppliers. With the new SMART Boxes, Schaeffler is meeting the demands of the future and supporting its customers in environmental and climate protection.