Let’s start with the basics: the 3 main packaging types
In order to understand exactly what this whole thing is about, you should be aware of the different types of packaging. Let us simply explain!
# 1 Primary = Consumer Packaging: the one that directly protects the product. For example, for a shampoo or a soft drink, this means the bottle itself. By purchasing the product, the consumer also buys the primary packaging, so the attention-raising design is an important aspect.
# 2 Secondary = multipack: contains specified quantities of products of the same type. Its principal function is to facilitate the handling, storage and registration of goods. For example, a plastic crate usually contains 20 bottles of beer (24 can per tray).
# 3 Tertiary = transport packaging: its main purpose is to protect products from injury and to facilitate their delivery from A to B. The most common thing to think about is a unit load (more multipacks, for example, more packs of 6 bottles of mineral water in packaging film on a pallet)
> > Perfect packaging? Yes, it does exist, if you follow some ground rules! <<
What does exactly order-picking mean?
The concept of order picking is not so complicated: it simply means that the goods are divided, i.e. sorted according to certain criteria and needs.
Now that you know what we mean by order-picking (sorting onto pallets) , let’s dig a little deeper into the subject. The picking process can happen in several ways: the one-step (serial) technique is when the goods are sorted per order. In this case, the order form performs the function of the list for sorting. For the two-step method, the picking staff is working in parallel on several orders at the same time. The latter strategy also takes into account the exact location of the goods.
Professional order picking = satisfied customers
Still unclear? Here is a concrete example to make it even more clear: there is a food company that wants to deliver to a convenience store. The store ordered 144 pcs of ketchup and the same amount of mustard and mayonnaise. That is to say, 1-1 multipack units of 3 kinds of goods. That’s exactly what they need, nothing more (and nothing less).
If the said convenience store receives only 120 instead of 144 ketchup, it may end the partnership. And if more goods are delivered than ordered, it will be a loss to the supplier company. Order-picking onto pallets is therefore one of the most important sorting work, where there is a lot of potential for error, therefore it must be done with extreme precision!
You do not have to worry, our logistics experts carefully prepare the ordered goods for your partner, which we deliver to the supplier. In our own crate factory, quality EUR or custom pallets are made to facilitate the movement of goods.
Is speed an important factor? Do you need professional packing in a few hours? Choose express packaging, and you will not be disappointed – we provide materials, tools and labor!
Strapa-Pack – packing services tailored to your company.
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Plastic pallet
It is manufactured by using various processes, from high-density polyethylene or recycled bottles. The advantage is that it is weather-resistant, does not dry or contract and it can tolerate wet, humid conditions. As plastic pallets can be easily cleaned, they can also be used to comply with strict hygiene requirements, which can be of major importance in the transport and storage of food and pharmaceutical products. The disadvantage is that it is much more expensive than a wooden pallet, it can break, crack at higher loads, and it is difficult to repair.
Metal pallet
This is one of the rarest types of pallets used. It’s made of steel and aluminum profiles, it is extremely heavy-duty, fireproof, and has a great resistance to high temperatures. As the metal pallet is usually quite heavy, it is not really an ideal choice for transport. It is mainly used in warehouses to store and move various goods, such as in metal processing industries, car and tyre factories.
Paper pallet
Its material is most often corrugated cardboard, similar to the ones manufactured by our company. Its disadvantage is that it does not tolerate moisture and can quickly be deformed and is therefore intended for single/short-term use only, for the transport, storage of lighter goods. It is disposable, can be easily customized, environmentally friendly and easy to handle.
Wooden pallet
The most sought-after type, ~90% of companies still prefer the solid and cost-effective wooden pallets. It is a versatile solution, very easy to repair, strong, durable, can be easily resold, and it is reusable. The uniform UIC trademark on the wooden pallets is a guarantee of high quality. Its only disadvantage is that it is slightly difficult to keep clean; it is less resistant to the formation of bacteria and various micro-organisms. However, due to its small weight, logistical costs can be kept at bay.
Criteria for selecting the appropriate pallet type
It is vital for business efficiency that the choice falls on the right pallet. It is recommended to adapt the pallet to the consignment, its weight, nature and design, to allow easy handling, storage and to reduce transport costs. The method of transport and the type of equipment used to move it (forklift, pallet lift) are also important factors to consider. You should also consider whether there is a special need or requirements that the pallet needs to be adapted to (for example the logistics of dangerous goods, extreme heavy products).
Wooden pallets in infinite versions
Wooden pallets are available in many sizes and configurations: with 2 or 4 entry points, with closed deck, ones with sliders, and there are small ones (e.g. the Düsseldorf or half pallet – 800×600×160 mm) and ones in very big size. In our own crate and pallet factory, we manufacture custom made pallets so we can also produce the ordered product based on your special needs.
Are you not sure which pallet would be suitable for your company?
Call us or email us at the following email address, we will help you!
Strapa-Pack Packaging Ltd.
Tel: + 36-70-325-8299
The post Pallet types: plastic, metal, paper or wood? Which one’s the best? first appeared on Strapa-Pack Packaging Ltd..]]>Pallet types – what types can be found on the market?
If you look around on the market, you can see that there are many types of pallets in circulation. According to the most common classification, we distinguish one-way or reusable varieties. The one-way pallet (theoretically) is for single use when transporting goods, although the practice now shows otherwise. Its greatest advantage is its low weight and cost-effectiveness. Its strength and durability is slightly below the EUR pallet and is not produced according to standard. It is most commonly made in these sizes: 800 x 1200 and 1000 x 1200 mm, but the variations are almost endless; there are also small ones, even in the size: 380 x 580 mm.
The situation with reusable pallets is different: the massive EUR (and EPAL) pallets are also classified in this category, as they can be used for transport and storage on several occasions. By the way, palettes are also very different in terms of their material – they can be made of metal, plastic or even paper – but companies use ~90% wooden pallets.
EUR pallet
We are talking about a logistical device manufactured according to a European standard (UIC-435-2 standard), so besides the fixed size, we can be sure of both the quality of the materials used and the strong design. The EUR pallet with the original UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer – Worldwide Railway Organisation, the international union of railways) mark is a high-quality and environmentally friendly pallet type.
Its load capacity is excellent, so it is a great help when it comes to the transportation and storage of a variety of products. It can also be easily repaired (only with a valid permit and reusable components) or easily replaced.
Be careful of counterfeit products!
The fact that the EU mark is on the bottom does not provide a full quality guarantee, so it is worth buying the pallets from a reliable source – the production of counterfeit EUR pallets is considered a serious offence, against which the competent authorities always initiate proceedings.
On a EUR pallet, among other things, the followings shall be indicated:
- On the left corner block there is the UIC mark ( valid from 1 January 2014, was previously the marking of the office of rail transportation / pallet association)
- Middle block: IPPC or heat treatment mark
- On the side of the pallet: manufacturing code (manufacturer’s licence number + year of manufacturing + month of manufacturing) or control staple
- In the right corner the EUR logo
Size, weight, design and capacity of EUR pallets
Pallets introduced at the initiative of Worldwide Railway Organisation, the international union of railways (UIC) have a standardized size: (L x W x H) 800 × 1200 x 145 mm. The latter is the height of the palette, which is thus perfectly adapted to the forklifts used in European warehouses. It would be impossible to lift it if it had a lower design. It is important that the weight of a EUR pallet should not exceed 22-25 kilograms. Their load capacity is between 1000 and 1500 kg. Their design is also standard, each with 11 boards and 9 blocks. The elements of the pallet are fixed with 78 pieces of nails in a predefined order.
Buy new qualified EUR pallets from Strapa-pack!
In our own crate factory we prepare the desired product at a reasonable price with a short production deadline. We have plenty of standard pallets on stock.
You can also order a custom size pallet according to your needs.
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