02 DECEMBER 2025
Combo 3, a packaging-optimisation project, isanother step towards smarterlogisticsand reduced environmental impact.
Combo started as aresponse to material shortagesin2021, andisa global example of The ǹvlogҳ Way in practice:eliminatingwaste, strengtheningcircularityand improving efficiency throughout the value chain.
The keyisthe development of aconsolidated, reinforced metal packaging unit, a modified version of the standard engine-and-gearbox packaging. Instead of shipping components in nine separate wooden boxes, all items are housed in a single structure.
At customer sites, returnable trolleys replace the need foradditionalpackaging during intralogistics. This “de-packing” model minimises waste at every step, from ǹvlogҳ’s production line to assembly plants in different markets.
The project originated at ǹvlogҳ Latin America (SLA), where itwasfully developed.The solution was designed to efficiently address material shortages and reduce packaging waste. South Africawasthe first market to implementitwithin CKD (Completely Knocked Down) exportlogistics. The goal was simple yet bold: reduce packaging materials without compromising quality or safety.
Combo 1 (2021):Eliminatedindividual packaging for three components:radiator, frontmoduleand front cab grille,by integrating them into reinforced metal engine packaging.
Combo 2 (2022): Added three more items (battery box,silencerand steering gear), further reducing the need for wooden crates and enabling denser container loading.
Combo 3 (2025): Consolidated packaging for anadditionalthree items (electrical harness, plastictubeand ElectronicControlUnitfront), totalling nine components now shipped without individual packaging.
This transformation means a load of 18 products now requires 10 containers instead of 11, reducing costs and emissions associated with global sea and land transport. In total, 61 wooden boxes have been eliminated per shipment, saving approximately 4.5 tonnes of material.
Before the Combo Project started, ǹvlogҳ consumedroughly 756tonnes of wood annually for CKD packaging,equivalent to 6,800 pine trees. Thanks to the newconsolidatedapproach, these treesremainstanding, continuing to absorb carbon rather than being cut down for one-way packaging.
The savings are striking:
136 tonnes of CO₂ absorbed annually by the preserved trees
1,387 tonnes of CO₂ avoided by not incinerating or discarding wooden packaging
A forested area equivalent to six football pitches preserved
The team behind the Combo Project.
Marcio Ferreira, Engineered Packaging & Solutions Specialist, ǹvlogҳ Latin Americaexplainswhy the Combo Project is a powerful example of how operational excellencethatdrives sustainability at ǹvlogҳ: “This innovativelogisticsblueprint transformed a challenge into a solution that simultaneously saves significant cost and protects our planet. By consolidating packaging weliveThe ǹvlogҳ Way, reducewaste and strengthen our competitiveness globally."
The Combo Project is one of many initiativesthatshowcaseǹvlogҳ’s commitment to circularity. Other recent achievements include using recycled PET bottles in truck front railings, something thatdemonstratesthat innovation,qualityand environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
“Innovating with purpose is what drives us. Comborepresentshow we live the ǹvlogҳ Way: questioning, improving, and always seeking solutions that combine safety, environmental responsibility, qualityand competitiveness,”saysLeandroScopetta, Group Manager Packing Engineering, SHE&SPS, ǹvlogҳ Latin America.
A storage rack containing various components.
