Introducing the Mpact Column Lock Family

Innovative Paper-Based Load-Securing Solutions for Fruit Exporters

20 August 2025

In the high-pressure world of produce exports, load stability is non-negotiable. Every shift, dent, or collapse in transit carries cost—financially and reputationally. That’s why Mpact Corrugated continues to innovate, delivering packaging solutions that go beyond the box to secure your success.

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Backed by deep expertise in both the fruit export market and paper-based engineering, Mpact has developed two patented systems that enable safer, smarter, and more sustainable transport: Introducing the Column lock family, C-Lox and Z-Lox. These solutions are designed to work in harmony with our existing products to protect your produce, optimise your supply chain, and reduce your reliance on plastic—all while enhancing the strength and stability of your load.

Citrus Column Locks: Export Produce

Originally developed with Citrus exporters in mind, the Column Lock system reinforces the structural integrity of palletised cartons while enhancing pallet stability during long-haul and multi-modal transport. Column Locks are inserted into adjacent columns of cartons, interlocking the layer together while reinforcing the columns vertically. The result? Greater pallet stability, increased carton compression strength and reduced product damage—even across rough handling and extended cold chains.

Tomato Z-Lox: Pre-formed Paper Locks

For smaller pack sizes and higher volume units such as tomatoes —Mpact has introduced Z-Lox, a revolutionary 100% paper unit that arrives pre-glued (on proprietary and custom erecting equipment) and ready to insert. Simply insert into adjacent columns of cartons, locking the layers together, reinforcing the stacking-lug area and increasing pallet stability.

Z-Lox is a direct alternative to traditional injection-moulded plastic units, reducing environmental impact.

Why Partner with Mpact?

At Mpact, we engineer paper-based systems that help your product reach the world intact. Our solutions are rooted in years of experience working with leading producers and exporters across South Africa, as well as Receivers abroad.

Whether you're looking to improve load stability) , find viable alternatives to single-use plastics, or streamline your operations, Mpact’s Column Lock innovations are built to support your business. Partnering with Mpact means access to industry insight, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable progress.

Get in touch to find out how our load-securing solutions can help move your business forward—safely, sustainably, and smartly.

Innovative Paper-Based Load-Securing Solutions for Fruit Exporters

Helping your produce reach the world—intact, sustainably, and securely.

In the fast-moving world of fruit exports, load stability isn't just a requirement—it’s critical. Every shift, dent, or collapse during transit can result in costly product losses and reputational damage. That’s why Mpact Corrugated continues to push the boundaries of innovation, offering packaging solutions that go beyond the box to protect your cargo—and your bottom line.

Drawing on decades of expertise in both paper-based engineering and the fresh produce industry, Mpact has developed two patented load-securing systems tailored for export: introducing the Column Lock family—C-Lox and Z-Lox.

These solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Mpact packaging, offering a smarter, stronger, and more sustainable way to stabilise pallets, reduce reliance on plastic, and enhance carton performance across the supply chain.

Citrus Column Locks: Stronger Pallets, Safer Transport

Originally developed for citrus exporters, the Column Lock system enhances the structural integrity of palletised loads by reinforcing individual cartons and stabilising the entire pallet during long-haul and multimodal transport.

By inserting Column Locks into adjacent carton columns, each layer interlocks while vertical columns are reinforced—creating a more rigid, unified structure. The result?

Improved pallet stability
Increased carton compression strength
Reduced product damage, even in demanding cold-chain and export environments

Z-Lox for Tomatoes: 100% Paper, Pre-Formed Performance

For smaller pack sizes and high-volume applications such as tomatoes, Z-Lox offers a breakthrough alternative to injection-moulded plastic components.

This 100% paper-based solution is pre-glued and delivered ready to use via proprietary Mpact erecting equipment. Simply insert Z-Lox into adjacent carton columns to lock layers together, reinforce stacking-lug areas, and enhance overall pallet strength.

Z-Lox delivers performance comparable to plastic—without the environmental burden.

Why Partner with Mpact?

At Mpact, we design holistic paper-based systems that protect your product from packhouse to port—and all the way to international receivers. Our Column Lock technologies are a result of close collaboration with South Africa’s leading growers, exporters, and logistic partners.

Whether you're looking to improve pallet stability, reduce single-use plastics, or streamline your packhouse operation, Mpact’s load-securing innovations are built to support your business goals—and the planet.

Let’s move your business forward—securely, sustainably, and smartly.

Contact Mpact Corrugated to learn more about our paper-based load-securing systems.