Shipping damage costs $2 billion annually. Proper pallet packing can reduce these costs. Different types of packaging include plastic, metal strapping, and adhesive systems. Perforated plastic is breathable and benefits items that need refrigeration. Pre-stretched plastic is lighter and cheaper. A new system uses a patented ratchet mechanism and straps. Adhesive systems are environmentally friendly and reduce slippage.
According to some experts, shipping damage costs an estimated $2 billion US dollars (USD) annually. Proper packing of pallets can significantly reduce these costs. There are many different types of packaging. Some of the common types of packaging include traditional polyethylene plastic, pre-stretched plastic, and perforated plastic. Some packaging requires manual application, while other products require machinery, such as shrink wrap equipment.
Before the popularity of plastic, shipping workers wrapped pallets with metal strapping. Today, some companies still use metal or plastic cable ties. It is especially effective if the pallet contains a large carton, such as a stove. Bandaging generally requires a pneumatic hand tool that stretches the bandage and secures it.
Plastic wrap offers a business several levels of protection. Holds together smaller, irregularly shaped cartons more effectively than pallet strapping. Pallet packaging in clear plastic allows shipper and recipient to see the product. Black or dark colored plastic offers some security by hiding the product. The plastic wrap offers some protection from moisture damage, but can cause moisture damage in some cases.
To avoid some of the moisture issues, businesses use plastic or perforated mesh. This plastic wrap offers many benefits to businesses that ship items that need refrigeration or freezing. The holes in the plastic allow the temperature of the product to reach the required storage temperature quickly. The ability to breathe reduces the energy costs of maintaining a set temperature.
The perforated plastic pallet packing is breathable and allows the fruit to expel gases that commonly cause early spoilage. Other products that benefit from the breathable wrap include flowers and plants, fruit and vegetables, eggs and cheese. Another benefit is that it adds less volume to landfills than traditional or solid plastic.
Solid plastic pallet packaging has a similar memory to a rubber band. This memory gives it a springy effect when a worker stretches it around cartons on a pallet. It is available in traditional or pre-stretched plastic. Pre-stretched plastic pallet packaging is usually safer to use in manual applications.
Because pre-stretched plastic is lighter than traditional polyethylene, it’s more environmentally friendly. Another benefit of pre-stretched plastic is cost. Normally, it is less expensive to purchase and use than traditional plastic.
A new system replaces the plastic casing. The pallet packing system uses a patented ratchet mechanism and straps to secure the contents of the pallet. This system often requires special stackable containers for small items, but workers can use it with traditional pallets. A company can tailor it to pallets made of wood, metal, or various types of plastic or foam. It is an environmentally friendly product and increases the safety of the worker because he does not use a knife or blade to cut the plastic.
Some companies use an adhesive system to secure cartons to a pallet. The workers treat each carton with a special adhesive. The glue holds the cartons tightly. The adhesive applied to the pallet reduces the possibility of slippage. Proponents of the system point out that it is environmentally friendly and, like the ratchet and strap system, is safer.
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