Reusable Packaging News
RPN
RPN
superior product protection and ventilation of reusable containers.
The Importance of Repeated Reuse
The fact that reusable packaging can be reused on multiple occasions is not in itself a compelling argument, however – an understanding well known by industry providers. The possibility of reuse is no more convincing than the argument that ocean plastic is recyclable. Recyclable plastic is still in the ocean, strangling turtles and being ingested by fish, as too many photos graphically display. The value of reusables, at risk of stating the obvious, is in their repeated reuse. Steps to ensure successful reuse and end of life recycling help differentiate reusable plastic pallets and containers from the supermarket plastic trash generation that is currently in the crosshairs of UK lawmakers. Successful asset management is crucial.
Plastic reusable packaging provides important contributions to sustainable, cost-effective supply chains. Pressure from the current plastic backlash should give providers and users pause to ensure that their plastic packaging is long lasting and well managed so that it stays in service and is not swept up in illicit back-alley grinding schemes or otherwise lost from useful service.
Through demonstrated successful reuse, the reusable packaging industry clearly distances itself from the current backlash. Given our current environmental concerns, reusable packaging is more important than ever. With plastic squarely in the glare of public scrutiny, we are afforded the opportunity to explain how reusable packaging is different than the disposable plastic currently dominating the headlines, and as such, promote its use in support of sustainability.
Life of a Pallet analysis drives down costs for Princes Foods
Princes, one of Europe’s fastest growing food and drink groups, has been working with leading pallet pooling business LPR, to improve the efficiency and reliability of automated pallet handling systems at the company’s soft drinks production facility in Bradford.
Analysis based on the Life of a Pallet, has helped the company make improvements to pallet quality, reducing downtime on its automated production lines and improving efficiency in warehouse and factory operations.
Princes’ facility in Bradford is its largest soft drinks production site in the UK, covering over 30,000m3³ and handling 54,000 pallets in a complex, fast-moving environment for the production of own and customer branded carbonated and fruit drinks.
The efficiency of the automated handling systems on the site was, however, being impacted by inconsistent levels of pallet quality, causing downtime and potential loss of revenue.