Many players compete in the packaging industry—but none of them has the Big Foot, one of Arkansas-based ITW Shippers’ three innovative lines of air bags that are inserted and inflated between various products to brace and secure heavy shipments. These aren’t just large plastic bags with a valve; the bags are produced from virgin, PVC-resin vinyl, a high-quality material that enables maximum reusability and recycling. With Big Foot, companies that transport hundreds of loads per day can help ensure that goods arrive in top condition and prevent tons of paper packaging waste from entering landfills.

These features appealed to one of ITW Shippers’ customers, a global consumer products manufacturer which must ensure its products reach customers safely. The Big Foot line of air bags also helps customers like these meet their corporate sustainability objectives: the Big Foot line can be reused multiple times within the supply chain prior to being recycled.

ITW Shippers also added a unique peel-away sticker system that makes it easier for employees to track bag usage, ensuring reusability and keeping worn bags out of the system. With organizations increasingly focused on sustainability, innovative solutions are helping ITW better serve customers of an established market.

* The Vinyl Institute. vinyleinfo.org/recycling. January 12, 2011.