With over 750 million pallets transported each year, it is estimated that 11% will arrive at the destination damaged.
Here, Rick Sellars, Sales Manager at Lindum Packaging, the UK’s leading expert on pallet stability and packaging, explores how incorrect materials and techniques lead to logistical nightmares and unplanned costs.
Movement in transport (MIT) remains one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Each year, an estimated 82.5 million pallets arrive at their destination damaged due to pallet stability issues which can cost thousands to rectify.
More than 60 million wooden pallets are produced each year to transport goods nationwide. In addition to these wooden pallets, 150,000 tonnes of pallet wrap are used to package and secure the goods ready for transit.
Whilst road transportation is efficient, it isn’t always the smoothest, particularly for fragile goods. Incorrect packaging materials and stacking formations could result in compromised stability leading to product damage, pallet rejection, and unforeseen costs.
Products damaged during transit are often irreparable, meaning once they are rejected, they are to be disposed of, and replaced at the cost of the manufacturer. Naturally, this results in additional labour, pallet packaging, waste product and transport costs.
To achieve pallet stability, it helps to understand the overall characteristics of the product, including its weight, shape, material, and size. This will help establish an efficient packing method that will ensure pallet integrity.
When it comes to selecting pallet material, the correct pallet material mitigates the need for additional materials. It is important to remember that wooden and plastic pallets boast different characteristics and will therefore withstand different loads. Plastic pallets are suitable for packages up to 1,500 pounds. Anything heavier than this, it is recommended that you opt for a wooden pallet.
Finally, consider your wrapping material. Most pallet wrap is made from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which comes in several varieties depending on the characteristics of the package. Heavier packages may be better suited to heavy-duty NANO stretch film in order to maintain pallet integrity.
Besides minimising the risk of MIT, we estimate that the UK could save over 41 million kgs of plastic stretch film each year just by using suitable wrapping.
At Lindum Packaging, we understand the complexities of transporting goods and created a unique, offsite solution to identify and solve any pallet stability issues.
Our dedicated Innovation Centre replicates a company’s current packing process and simulates real-world transportation to identify any weaknesses and advise on necessary adjustments for more stable pallets, and cost-effective, sustainable logistics.
By considering pallet stability, it is possible to mitigate movement in transport, reduce cost, and lower carbon emissions for a more sustainable future.