Trupal leverages technical design to slash logistics costs in corrugated packaging

The hidden cost of shipping air

For decades, the corrugated board industry treated the box as a mere commodity, a disposable vessel to move goods from point A to point B. But as we navigate the complex supply chain landscape of 2026, the physical dimensions and structural integrity of a carton have become critical financial metrics. Shipping empty space is no longer just an operational inefficiency; it is a direct hit to the bottom line. Recognizing this shift, Peruvian converter TRUPAL, a subsidiary of Grupo Gloria, is aggressively pushing structural engineering and technical design as the primary drivers of competitiveness in the packaging market.

According to Santiago Ruiloba, Innovation and Development Manager at TRUPAL, technical design has evolved from a secondary aesthetic consideration into a core strategic tool. The focus is clear: optimizing pallet space, improving crush resistance, and ultimately strengthening the profitability of logistics operations. In an era where omnichannel distribution and last-mile delivery subject parcels to unprecedented stress, a poorly designed box is a liability.

Engineering for the modern supply chain

The demands of the current market require packaging that can survive multiple touchpoints without adding unnecessary weight. TRUPAL's strategy involves deploying advanced structural designs that cater specifically to the rigorous demands of both the agro-export sector and the booming e-commerce market. By integrating ready-to-ship formats and easy-open mechanisms, the company is helping fulfillment centers reduce handling times and minimize product damage.

This technical pivot comes on the heels of a highly successful 2025, where TRUPAL reported a 10% growth in sales and achieved historical production records. However, volume alone does not guarantee future success. The current investment in innovation aims to protect margins by offering clients tangible savings in freight and warehousing. When a converter can shave millimeters off a box design without compromising its Edge Crush Test (ECT) or Box Compression Test (BCT) values, the compounding savings in container shipping are massive.

Balancing recycled fibers with structural integrity

One of the most significant challenges in modern corrugated manufacturing is maintaining high performance while increasing the use of secondary fibers. TRUPAL currently manufactures 94% of its products using recycled materials. From a papermaking perspective, recycled fibers are shorter and inherently weaker than virgin kraft. Compensating for this requires superior corrugator technology and, more importantly, intelligent structural geometry.

The company's ability to deliver high-resistance packaging using predominantly recycled content is a testament to its engineering capabilities. This material efficiency also plays a crucial role in their environmental strategy. TRUPAL recently earned its first star in the Carbon Footprint program from the Peruvian Ministry of Environment (Minam), a recognition that validates their efforts in greenhouse gas emission reporting and circular economy practices.

Ultimately, the push for technical design is about aligning the physical properties of corrugated board with the financial realities of modern logistics. Converters that fail to offer structural optimization will find themselves competing solely on price, a dangerous game in a market characterized by fluctuating raw material costs.

The true value of a corrugated box is no longer measured just by the paper it contains, but by the air it doesn't ship and the supply chain friction it eliminates. Will the industry's ongoing obsession with lightweighting eventually reach a physical limit that compromises the structural integrity needed for fully automated warehouses? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai