Staples and Packsize Win 2013 Supply Chain Innovation Award

New packaging technology improves customer experience, supply chain efficiencies.

SALT LAKE CITY—November 6, 2013 — On Demand Packaging^® manufacturer and technology provider Packsize International and Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), the world’s largest office products company and second largest Internet retailer, today announced their selection as the winning recipient of the ninth annual Supply Chain Innovation Award competition presented by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and SupplyChainBrain.

Packsize and Staples presented their joint case study nomination in the Supply Chain Innovations of the Year educational track at CSCMP’s Annual Conference last month in Denver, Colo. The other five finalists from among 50 initial submissions included PepsiCo (2nd place), IBM Integrated Supply Chain, Motorola Solutions and E2Open, LMI and Defense Logistics Agency, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Deloitte LLC.

“To be awarded for doing the right thing is an honor,” said Packsize CEO Hanko Kiessner, who co-presented with Staples’ Senior Packaging Engineer Robert Dennen. “Staples’ focus on customer satisfaction validated the company’s decision to transform its packaging delivery system to satisfy its customers’ number-one complaint of excessive packaging. The CSCMP competition provided us a platform to share benefits of On Demand Packaging^®, the successes of this innovative sustainable initiative, and how our two companies are helping to save the planet, one small forest at a time.”

Staples implemented a pilot for its Smart-size packaging program at its Orlando, Fla., distribution center in May 2011. As of October 2013, there are 24 facilities in a nationwide network of delivery fulfillment centers that utilize Packsize On Demand Packaging^® systems and technology; full implementation is anticipated in early 2014.

“Staples transformed its delivery system, eliminating excessive packaging for its customers, because of the company’s commitment to supply chain excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction,” said Don Ralph, senior vice president of supply chain and logistics at Staples. “Corrugated packaging is the environmentally preferred product delivery method, and with global corrugated demand expected to grow, Staples has implemented stringent sustainability targets. In doing so, Smart-size packaging will save 25,000 metric tons of CO₂ every year through this initiative alone.”

According to Staples, the flexible Smart-size packaging solution measurably improves customer satisfaction and supply chain sustainability and efficiencies. Key data points show that average corrugated usage has dropped over 15 percent; air pillow (void fill) use has been reduced by approximately 60 percent; and cube reduction of approximately 20 percent is shown in less-than-full case orders.

About Packsize International LLC
Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Packsize International LLC is the world’s leading provider of lean packaging systems for businesses with complex corrugated packaging needs. Consistently recognized by Inc. 5000, ranked by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™, and listed by Forbes as one of America’s Most Promising Companies, Packsize’s revolutionary On Demand Packaging^® system lets companies produce the right-sized box for every product when they need it. www.packsize.com/press/media-kit

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