Staples’ Smart-size Packaging, developed by Packsize International, has shrunk the retailer’s environmental footprint: more than 15 percent less corrugated used, approximately 60 percent less void fill, and an improvement in less-than-full-case average cube utilization by 20 percent.

By implementing Smart-size Packaging, Staples also reduces its annual carbon footprint by more than 25,000 metric tons annually.

For this sustainable packaging achievement, Staples and Packsize International have jointly won the Gold Sustainability top honor from the World Packaging Organisation during the 45th annual WorldStar Packaging Awards competition held during the Interpack trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The WorldStar award in packaging is presented only to those entries that had won recognition in an approved regional or national competition during 2013. The combined Smart-size Packaging nomination won the qualifying AmeriStar award in June 2013 and a WorldStar award last November.

Also this week Staples Canada announced its sustainability goals, which include identifying opportunities to reduce packaging. For example, the company is transitioning away from plastic packaging for Staples surge protectors.