The FUCHS Lubricants Lube Cube gives customers the option of buying its leading products in a recyclable cardboard box rather than a plastic container.
Today, business leaders revealed the change had resulted in an incredible saving of more than 500 metric tonnes (500,000kg) of plastic since the 20 litre Lube Cube’s launch in 2012. That is the equivalent of 10 million two litre plastic bottles, or 60 million plastic carrier bags.
Rosemary Mellor, automotive product manager UK at Stoke-on-Trent-based FUCHS Lubricants, said: “We are extremely proud to be leading the way in the lubricants industry when it comes to sustainable packaging. Our Lube Cube is a piece of genuine innovation and it has revolutionised how we sell many of our most popular oils in the automotive, industrial and agricultural sectors.
“To have saved such a huge amount of plastic is a fantastic achievement. We have effectively saved the equivalent energy usage of 500 households for one year.”
The Lube Cube is a single use, 100% recyclable packaging system. With zero disposal costs as they can be included with normal recycling waste, significant savings are to be made when businesses are paying to dispose of hazardous waste.
It is constructed from a strong, durable cardboard outer containing a product filled plastic inner. Lube Cubes are available in 4L, 5L and 20L capacities, depending on product. As well as the clear environmental benefits, Lube Cubes are easier to dispense from than traditional plastic bottles thanks to a built-in tap, similar to a wine box.
They are also easier to store as they can be stacked on top of each other, with the additional benefit in that larger quantities can be packed on pallets compared to regular plastic containers. The cardboard outer can be flattened by hand and left for kerbside collection for recycling.
Rosemary added: “Environmentally sustainable products and packaging are a huge focus for FUCHS and this innovation is key to the future of our industry. FUCHS is committed to ensuring its products and packaging offer the same great performance whilst reducing environmental impact.”
FUCHS has taken a number of steps to reduce its impact on the planet, including the installation of more than 2,000 solar panels at its Potteries HQ.
