Ponera Group - Smart Modular Packaging; waste to valuable assets

AI Quick Summary

We developed a disruptive smart modular and digitally enabled industrial packaging solution, creating a circular economy for packaging material. Transforming one-time-use custom sizes wooden pallets/crates to multi-use, Ponera reduces CO2eq emissions by 85%, reduction of wood waste by 95% and freight logistics cost and packaging cost savings of up to 90%. Ponera's groundbreaking packaging system offers a transformative approach to advancing the circular economy within the Swiss building industry. By integrating systemic, radical, and joint innovation, the project addresses key challenges in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices in construction.The conventional practice of using wooden crates and non-standardized packaging for transporting goods has resulted in significant waste and inefficiency. Ponera's modular packaging system introduces a paradigm shift by allowing users to assemble packaging modules to match the dimensions of their shipments. This modularity not only optimizes resource utilization but also extends the life cycle of packaging materials. In the context of the construction industry, where irregularly shaped materials are common, this innovation minimizes waste by enabling the repeated use of packaging materials. This aligns with the circular economy principle of maximizing resource utilization.The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into Ponera's solution adds a new dimension to circularity. By enabling real-time asset tracking, performance monitoring, and transparency in the freight transportation system, the project enhances efficiency and reduces waste. In the construction sector, this translates to improved tracking of building materials, on-time deliveries, and better resource management. Such IoT-enabled transparency optimizes material use, aligning with the circular economy's emphasis on reducing unnecessary waste.Central to Ponera's circular economy approach is the concept of material reusability. Unlike traditional packaging systems that are often discarded after a single use, Ponera's solution allows packaging materials to be reused hundreds of times. This shift has a profound impact on the construction industry, where irregularly shaped and bulky materials are transported regularly. By prolonging the life cycle of packaging materials, Ponera's solution significantly decreases the need for new materials, contributing to a more sustainable building process.The use of recycled polymers in Ponera's packaging materials reinforces the circularity of the solution. By incorporating recycled materials, the project reduces the demand for virgin resources and diverts plastic waste from landfills. This sustainable material choice resonates with the construction industry's sustainability goals, as it minimizes the environmental impact associated with packaging materials.Ponera's packaging design also directly addresses carbon emissions. The reduction in wood consumption by up to 95% and the lower weight of the packaging modules result in a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions linked to packaging production. This aligns with the circular economy's aspiration to minimize the carbon footprint of products and processes.Furthermore, Ponera's platform solution promotes vertical and horizontal integration, enhancing circular economy practices within the Swiss building industry. The seamless integration of stakeholders, from manufacturers to builders and contractors, fosters efficient material flows, reduced waste generation, and collaborative innovation.Ponera's innovative packaging system presents a robust and practical pathway to foster circularity within the Swiss building industry. By optimizing resource utilization through modularity, embracing IoT-enabled transparency, promoting material reusability, and employing sustainable materials, the project aligns with the circular economy's principles. The reduction in waste, efficient resource management, and lowered carbon emissions collectively contribute to a more sustainable and efficient building sector. Ponera's project exemplifies how innovation, circularity, and collaboration can drive meaningful change in a crucial industry.Team:Matthew REALI, Co-founder & CEO, holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from EPFL, minoring in Management and Entrepreneurship. He has leadership experience of >50 people, worked severalyears in a leading investment bank managing 9 digit daily CHF flows, and on Global Strategy for Operations & Logistics of a CHF 3b company in our beachhead market industry. Brian MICHITTI, Head of Sales and Business Development, holds an Masters in Sales and Marketing from SDA Bocconi and ESADE business school. He has 15+ years experience in B2B sales and business development, across 3 continents. Christian RÜEGG, SOP Specialist& Sales, holds a federal technical diploma. He has 17years’ experience in our beachhead market, with 3 years as Department Head of Packaging/Forwarding, responsible for a cost center of CHF 14.5mp.a.Andrea NOVELLO, Sales and Key Account Management Italy, holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He has 10 years of experience working in various sales and operations roles in the logistics industry. Dinah SCHÖNHOLZER, Marketing Design, has a qualification from Higher Technical College in Interactive Media Design , with 4 years in marketing at Lidl, one of the leading supermarket distributors in Europe, where she currently holds a role of Project Leader for Digital and Design projects. Andreu ORTEGA, Digital Development Coordinator, holds a MSc in IoT from Polytechnic Barcelona. He has 4 years of work experience working in the IoT and Software Development fields. Hiro OKUYAMA, Digital Development Supervisor, holds a MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tokyo. He has 20+ experience in developing digital and IoT enabled technologies.The current stage: The project may be considered at 50%, the success depends on the development and marketing of the complete case and Iot device, this to have the full impact estimated in reduction of Co2 emissions and unlock full potential of the solution, including construction and buildings. The first Ponera POCs with the Ponera Pallet bottom solution (single module at disposal) began in mid-2021 with three leading multinational and industrial packaging companies in Switzerland. Until the end of 2021, Ponera was able to secure 6 total pilots, whose duration ranged from a few months to almost one year with companies testing packaging operations, regional transport, and long-distance interregional logistics projects. Ponera modules have been used to transport products of up to 15 Tons and travelled more than 20’000 km. This experience about the product and process is used to lead to first large-scale implementation plans and commercial partnerships in our focus markets, but also identify the product gaps. On this moment, the second half of 2022 has been marked by positive movements by Ponera, continuing to drive forward with its strategic expansion into its key markets of Switzerland (home base), Germany and Italy (biggest EU markets for industrial equipment manufacturers) and improve on any product & process related shortcomings. By the end of 2022, more than 20 customer facilities will have tested the Ponera solution, representing 8 digit yearly industrial packaging costs. Improvements to the product for the larger-scale implementations and investments have also been implemented or underway.During the booster Ponera aim to implement the IoT device, this will be a game-changer in packaging system's impact on the circular economy in the Swiss building industry. We look for expert guidance and mentorship to refine Ponera's business model. This involves analyzing market dynamics, identifying target segments within the building industry and other stakeholders in the construction sector, Ponera can ensure a seamless fit between its solution and market demand.A critical point we look to achieve is to scale up in the market with a focused penetration strategy. This includes identifying early adopters within the construction sector, creating targeted marketing campaigns, and exploring strategic partnerships with the support and expertise of CBI.We look also in a guidance in the regulatory requirements and industry standards through the booster we look to access to legal and compliance experts who can guide Ponera through the maze of regulations related to packaging, sustainability, and transportation.Ponera look forward for partnerships with industry players, and gain access to potential distributors, customers, collaborators in the construction sector, building strategic partnerships will facilitate the integration of Ponera's packaging system into existing workflows and supply chains.In essence, Ponera's participation in the CBI program aims to propel its innovative packaging system to new heights within the circular economy. The program will empower Ponera to refine its solution, scale its operations, penetrate the market effectively, and establish itself in sustainable packaging for Swiss building and construction industry.

Project Idea Metadata

Project Idea Name: Ponera Group - Smart Modular Packaging; waste to valuable assets
Date: 8/7/2023 8:57:03 AM
Administrators:

Project Idea Description

Ponera's groundbreaking packaging system offers a transformative approach to advancing the circular economy within the Swiss building industry. By integrating systemic, radical, and joint innovation, the project addresses key challenges in resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices in construction.

The conventional practice of using wooden crates and non-standardized packaging for transporting goods has resulted in significant waste and inefficiency. Ponera's modular packaging system introduces a paradigm shift by allowing users to assemble packaging modules to match the dimensions of their shipments. This modularity not only optimizes resource utilization but also extends the life cycle of packaging materials. In the context of the construction industry, where irregularly shaped materials are common, this innovation minimizes waste by enabling the repeated use of packaging materials. This aligns with the circular economy principle of maximizing resource utilization.

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into Ponera's solution adds a new dimension to circularity. By enabling real-time asset tracking, performance monitoring, and transparency in the freight transportation system, the project enhances efficiency and reduces waste. In the construction sector, this translates to improved tracking of building materials, on-time deliveries, and better resource management. Such IoT-enabled transparency optimizes material use, aligning with the circular economy's emphasis on reducing unnecessary waste.

Central to Ponera's circular economy approach is the concept of material reusability. Unlike traditional packaging systems that are often discarded after a single use, Ponera's solution allows packaging materials to be reused hundreds of times. This shift has a profound impact on the construction industry, where irregularly shaped and bulky materials are transported regularly. By prolonging the life cycle of packaging materials, Ponera's solution significantly decreases the need for new materials, contributing to a more sustainable building process.

The use of recycled polymers in Ponera's packaging materials reinforces the circularity of the solution. By incorporating recycled materials, the project reduces the demand for virgin resources and diverts plastic waste from landfills. This sustainable material choice resonates with the construction industry's sustainability goals, as it minimizes the environmental impact associated with packaging materials.

Ponera's packaging design also directly addresses carbon emissions. The reduction in wood consumption by up to 95% and the lower weight of the packaging modules result in a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions linked to packaging production. This aligns with the circular economy's aspiration to minimize the carbon footprint of products and processes.

Furthermore, Ponera's platform solution promotes vertical and horizontal integration, enhancing circular economy practices within the Swiss building industry. The seamless integration of stakeholders, from manufacturers to builders and contractors, fosters efficient material flows, reduced waste generation, and collaborative innovation.

Ponera's innovative packaging system presents a robust and practical pathway to foster circularity within the Swiss building industry. By optimizing resource utilization through modularity, embracing IoT-enabled transparency, promoting material reusability, and employing sustainable materials, the project aligns with the circular economy's principles. The reduction in waste, efficient resource management, and lowered carbon emissions collectively contribute to a more sustainable and efficient building sector. Ponera's project exemplifies how innovation, circularity, and collaboration can drive meaningful change in a crucial industry.

Team:

Matthew REALI, Co-founder & CEO, holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from EPFL, minoring in Management and Entrepreneurship. He has leadership experience of >50 people, worked severalyears in a leading investment bank managing 9 digit daily CHF flows, and on Global Strategy for Operations & Logistics of a CHF 3b company in our beachhead market industry. Brian MICHITTI, Head of Sales and Business Development, holds an Masters in Sales and Marketing from SDA Bocconi and ESADE business school. He has 15+ years experience in B2B sales and business development, across 3 continents. Christian RÜEGG, SOP Specialist& Sales, holds a federal technical diploma. He has 17years’ experience in our beachhead market, with 3 years as Department Head of Packaging/Forwarding, responsible for a cost center of CHF 14.5mp.a.Andrea NOVELLO, Sales and Key Account Management Italy, holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He has 10 years of experience working in various sales and operations roles in the logistics industry. Dinah SCHÖNHOLZER, Marketing Design, has a qualification from Higher Technical College in Interactive Media Design , with 4 years in marketing at Lidl, one of the leading supermarket distributors in Europe, where she currently holds a role of Project Leader for Digital and Design projects. Andreu ORTEGA, Digital Development Coordinator, holds a MSc in IoT from Polytechnic Barcelona. He has 4 years of work experience working in the IoT and Software Development fields. Hiro OKUYAMA, Digital Development Supervisor, holds a MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tokyo. He has 20+ experience in developing digital and IoT enabled technologies.

The current stage:

The project may be considered at 50%, the success depends on the development and marketing of the complete case and Iot device, this to have the full impact estimated in reduction of Co2 emissions and unlock full potential of the solution, including construction and buildings. The first Ponera POCs with the Ponera Pallet bottom solution (single module at disposal) began in mid-2021 with three leading multinational and industrial packaging companies in Switzerland. Until the end of 2021, Ponera was able to secure 6 total pilots, whose duration ranged from a few months to almost one year with companies testing packaging operations, regional transport, and long-distance interregional logistics projects. Ponera modules have been used to transport products of up to 15 Tons and travelled more than 20’000 km. This experience about the product and process is used to lead to first large-scale implementation plans and commercial partnerships in our focus markets, but also identify the product gaps. On this moment, the second half of 2022 has been marked by positive movements by Ponera, continuing to drive forward with its strategic expansion into its key markets of Switzerland (home base), Germany and Italy (biggest EU markets for industrial equipment manufacturers) and improve on any product & process related shortcomings. By the end of 2022, more than 20 customer facilities will have tested the Ponera solution, representing 8 digit yearly industrial packaging costs. Improvements to the product for the larger-scale implementations and investments have also been implemented or underway.

During the booster Ponera aim to implement the IoT device, this will be a game-changer in packaging system's impact on the circular economy in the Swiss building industry. We look for expert guidance and mentorship to refine Ponera's business model. This involves analyzing market dynamics, identifying target segments within the building industry and other stakeholders in the construction sector, Ponera can ensure a seamless fit between its solution and market demand.

A critical point we look to achieve is to scale up in the market with a focused penetration strategy. This includes identifying early adopters within the construction sector, creating targeted marketing campaigns, and exploring strategic partnerships with the support and expertise of CBI.

We look also in a guidance in the regulatory requirements and industry standards through the booster we look to access to legal and compliance experts who can guide Ponera through the maze of regulations related to packaging, sustainability, and transportation.

Ponera look forward for partnerships with industry players, and gain access to potential distributors, customers, collaborators in the construction sector, building strategic partnerships will facilitate the integration of Ponera's packaging system into existing workflows and supply chains.

In essence, Ponera's participation in the CBI program aims to propel its innovative packaging system to new heights within the circular economy. The program will empower Ponera to refine its solution, scale its operations, penetrate the market effectively, and establish itself in sustainable packaging for Swiss building and construction industry.