A lubricant manufacturer’s innovative cardboard packaging solution that has saved an amazing 500 tonnes of plastic will be on display at Automotive Management Live next week.

The FUCHS Lubricants Lube Cube, which will be on display as part of the Future Dealership Zone at Automotive Management Live, gives trade customers the option of buying its products in a recyclable cardboard box rather than a plastic container.

The firm's bosses revealed the change had resulted in an incredible saving of more than 500 metric tonnes (500,000kg) of plastic since the 20-litre Lube Cube’s launch in 2012.

That is the equivalent of 10 million two litre plastic bottles, or 60 million plastic carrier bags.

More information will be available at AM’s annual expo which brings leading suppliers together in its vast exhibition hall on November 7 at Birmingham’s NEC.

The event also includes insights from expert speakers including exploring the likelihood of the Finance Conduct Authority banning the finance commission model and how aftersales departments need to better prepare for the onset of electrification.

Rosemary Mellor, automotive product manager UK at Stoke-on-Trent-based FUCHS Lubricants, said: “We are extremely proud to be leading the way in the lubricants industry when it comes to sustainable packaging.

“Our Lube Cube is a piece of genuine innovation and it has revolutionised how we sell many of our most popular oils in the automotive, industrial and agricultural sectors.

“To have saved such a huge amount of plastic is a fantastic achievement. We have effectively saved the equivalent energy usage of 500 households for one year.”

The Lube Cube is a single use, fully recyclable packaging system. With zero disposal costs as they can be included with normal recycling waste, significant savings are to be made when businesses are paying to dispose of hazardous waste.

FUCHS said it is also easier to store as they can be stacked on top of each other, with the additional benefit in that larger quantities can be packed on pallets compared to regular plastic containers.

Rosemary added: “Environmentally sustainable products and packaging are a huge focus for FUCHS and this innovation is key to the future of our industry.

FUCHS has taken a number of steps to reduce its impact on the planet, including the installation of more than 2,000 solar panels at its Potteries HQ.