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Circular packaging

Cardboard, a strategic packaging for the Circular Economy

Cardboard, a strategic packaging for the Circular Economy

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

In a Circular Economy model where waste becomes a resource, the paper and board industry has a key role to play.

 

We know that the future of packaging involves incorporating sustainable materials, reducing the ecological footprint associated with its production and use, and that its waste can be revalued, without neglecting the purpose for which it is designed: to protect the product. In this future, cartonboard packaging will be a priority.

 

Cardboard as a sustainable packaging material

 

Cardboard is a natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable material. In recent years, it has been replacing other traditional packaging materials such as plastic.

Cardboard, a strategic packaging for the Circular Economy

Paper and cardboard fibers are also much stronger than previously thought. It has been shown that fiber-based packaging material – paper, cardboard, paperboard and folding cartons – can be recycled more than 25 times, retaining their mechanical properties for re-integration into the production process.

This makes it one of the most sustainable materials in the packaging sector and one of the preferred packaging solutions for the consumer.

Cardboard, a strategic packaging for the Circular Economy

Why is cardboard packaging preferred by consumers?

 

The way companies package their products is a matter of concern for consumers, influencing their purchasing decisions.

The European Association of Carton and Cartonboard Manufacturers reveals that 4 out of 5 consumers prefer cartons to plastic. In its report, it says that more than half of the consumers surveyed in Spain claim to have switched brands because the packaging was not recyclable or because they used unnecessary packaging. It adds that 82 percent would be willing to pay more for environmentally friendly packaging.

Cardboard, a strategic packaging for the Circular Economy

Most commonly used carton packaging

For companies interested in incorporating circularity into their packaging, cardboard packaging represents a zero-waste system of significant social, economic and environmental value.

Because of its versatility, it can be used throughout the packaging chain:

  1. Primary packaging, which is directly in contact with the product.

  2. Packaging for Ecommerce.

  3. Cargo units for storage and transport of consumer goods.

  4. Protective elements, such as interior fillers to pack merchandise shipments, or corners to avoid friction during transport.

The most commonly used cartons are:

Corrugated cardboard boxes

Can be used in standard size or large volume for packing and palletizing light and heavy goods. They are foldable, which facilitates storage, reducing space.

 

Pallet boxes

They are corrugated cardboard boxes placed on a wooden pallet or cardboard. Its use as commercial exhibitors has been extended by its profitability, since they serve both as product container shelf and advertising support, because the cardboard can be easily printed and incorporate gaps or shelves to place the product.

 

The cardboard pallet

Consists of corrugated cardboard sheets and solid cardboard blocks that are inserted as pillars. Resistant and lighter than the wooden pallet, it is also valid for international transport, without having to undergo phytosanitary treatment.

 

The road map to a Circular Economy is written on cardboard.

 

Contact us if you are interested in adding reusable packaging to your logistics.

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Packaging for medical equipment

Packaging for Medical Equipment

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Because of the huge social responsibility involved, healthcare logistics is one of the most demanding. The healthcare industry distributes medical equipment, imaging devices and high-value instruments that require packaging that protects them and keeps them intact during transport or marketing.

Fans, laboratory equipment, magnetic resonance devices, X-ray machines, medical-aesthetic equipment… All these materials are fragile, expensive and must arrive at hospitals, laboratories and medical centers in optimal conditions for their use, without the slightest damage.

 

How should be the packaging of health equipment

At 360 Eco Packaging we have been designing packaging for the healthcare sector for years. It is not only about protecting each piece of equipment, but also about optimizing the logistics chain. Therefore, our customers receive technical advice on the different types of packaging to determine the most efficient and cost-effective solution for their case.

In our experience, when choosing packaging in a delicate environment such as the health sector, we must pay attention to 4 factors:

 

1. Insulation

For a safe shipment it is necessary to isolate the cargo from the effects that can cause external agents such as water, water vapor, saline environment, dust, sudden changes in temperature, solar radiation, microorganisms, etc.

Desiccant salts and heat-sealed bags are widely used to prevent corrosion of metal and electronic products. They are particularly suitable for maritime transport or for long periods of product storage.

Desiccant Salts

2. Protection

Due to its strength and lightness, wood is an ideal material for transporting heavy and delicate products such as medical equipment and devices.

In addition, wooden packaging that complies with ISPM 15 standards is suitable for international trade and can therefore be exported anywhere in the world.

Health Equipment Packaging

Why use wooden packaging for medical equipment?

Wooden packaging such as boxes or high racks & pulp roll cradles for transporting medical equipment has many advantages:

 

  • They are lightweight packaging, which saves transportation costs.
  • They can be made to measure, adapting to the part or components to be transported.
  • They are returnable and reusable.
  • They do not need nails or tools. They can be assembled and disassembled quickly and safely.
  • They are designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of equipment without mechanical means. In the case of the boxes, the lid itself can be used as a ramp for moving equipment with wheels. And once disassembled, it occupies a fifth of its size, saving space and storage costs.

 

The bases with lashing system are also a very widespread solution for packaging healthcare equipment. This system allows fast and efficient fixing of the equipment to be transported by integrating the immobilization elements into the base of the box itself, reducing handling time.

Packaging for medical equipment

3. Immobilization

Once the goods have been packed, auxiliary elements are usually used to immobilize the load during transport in order to avoid possible incidents during the journey due to incorrect lashing.

Health Equipment Packaging

4. Control

If necessary, active or passive monitoring of the cargo during transport is possible. There are a multitude of systems for monitoring the goods, from humidity detection stickers to complex electronic tracking devices.

 

If you are a manufacturer and you are looking for a new packaging for your medical devices, implement sustainable packaging or optimize your logistics process, contact us.  We will offer you a customized solution.

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Electric Industry

Custom packaging for Electrical Equipment

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Why should you use customized packaging for electrical equipment?

 

The use of customized packaging for electrical equipment is important because electrical equipment manufacturers work with high-value, often fragile and heavy equipment and products. Engineering, industrial and energy solutions in the sector increasingly have connections and finishes where the slightest knock can render the product unusable and result in financial loss.

This is why the supply chain in this field is one of the most demanding in terms of transport and storage, requiring packaging that offers maximum safety during the various stages of distribution.

The electrical and energy sector is also one of the most concerned with reducing its carbon footprint, so there is growing interest in the implementation of sustainable packaging.

 

What are the advantages for electrical equipment manufacturers of using customized packaging?

 

For packaging companies this poses a major challenge. For us, it is essential to carry out a technical-economic study on the basis of which we design the most efficient packaging solution to help optimize the logistics process.

In most cases, custom-made packaging is the best option, as it offers significant advantages:

  1. By adapting to the goods, they guarantee integral protection during transport.
  2. The mobility and handling of products is more efficient, saving on packaging time and auxiliary packaging costs.
  3. By reducing the use of unnecessary material, space is used and excess waste is avoided.

 

Wooden packaging for electrical equipment and components

 

Due to their strength and versatility, wood packaging for the electrical sector has proven to be the most efficient for your supply chain.

electric industry

Our wooden crates are manufactured with high quality materials, shock and humidity resistant. They have ISPM 15 Certification for international trade, being valid for all types of transport (air, sea and land).

Assembly and disassembly does not require the use of tools or nails. It can be handled quickly and safely, and once disassembled it occupies one fifth of its size, saving storage costs.

As it is modular, it can be fully utilized, since it can be used in components. The base can be used for auxiliary transports before the box is completely closed for shipping.

 

Success story: Registered fastening system for electrical cabinets

 

If you follow our blog, you will already have noticed the importance of packaging aids for securing the load during transport.

Lashing and securing elements are necessary complements because they provide additional protection.

At 360 Eco Packaging, we are always thinking about new packaging solutions, so we have investigated how to incorporate fastening systems to the packaging itself without altering its properties.

And Eureka, the result is an innovative interior REGISTERED LASHING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL CABINETS .

Registered system for electrical cabinets

With this device we are able to fix the cabinet quickly and efficiently, by integrating the immobilization elements into the base of the box itself.

Registered system for electrical cabinets

Thanks to this system we have eliminated unnecessary packaging aids, such as pallets, supports, cleats… In this way we manage to optimize the weight and interior volume, which translates into a reduction of logistics and transportation costs for our customers, especially in air shipments.

 

In 360 Eco Packaging we have a wide experience in packaging for industrial sectors.

Contact us and take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of using customized packaging for your product.

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Packaging 2030

How packaging can help achieve the 2030 Agenda goals

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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a roadmap signed by UN member states in 2015 that seeks to achieve development that respects the planet and its inhabitants. That is, to do more with less.

This plan is articulated in 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), divided in turn into 169 targets, for which it requires the participation of the international community, including public and private entities such as companies, universities or governments.

This change involves all sectors and packaging was not going to be less.

 

Strategies for sustainable packaging – Agenda 2030

Packaging is a fundamental link in the organization of agile, efficient and environmentally responsible logistics chains.

Packaging manufacturers can help companies to be part of the change, developing strategies based on circular economy, which respond to SDG 12 “Sustainable production and consumption”, in line with European and state regulations. Among them:

  • Assess the environmental impact of our customers’ packaging and logistics processes and introduce improvement proposals to reduce the use of materials, energy and waste.
  • Prioritize the use of recyclable and/or biodegradable materials.
  • Work from eco-design to avoid over-packaging, adapting the packaging to the product or merchandise.
  • Optimize packaging processes, opting for reusable solutions that extend its useful life and contribute to minimize space, reduce transport flows and CO2 emissions.
  • Transparently communicate sustainability certifications and seals.
  • Establish alliances with suppliers committed to sustainability.

 

Our commitment to the 2030 Agenda

As a supplier of sustainable packaging, we have been developing comprehensive solutions in the field of logistics, transport and packaging for years. This has enabled us to make progress on several goals of the 2030 Agenda and to consider new ones:

  • Packaging 2030

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Goal 8: Decent work and growth

We believe in the labor integration of young people. Since our inception, we have collaborated with public services in training programs taught at our facilities.

We also collaborate in job placement programs, such as the Incorpora Program of La Caixa.

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  • Packaging 2030

Objective 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

We participate as a member of the Subcommittee CTN 192 SC 03 (UNE/ISO) for the development of a new regulation in the field of transport of dangerous goods, together with AENOR and the Ministry of Industry.

We belong to the Packaging Innovation Cluster of the Valencian Community and collaborate with technological centers such as AIDIMME or ITENE.

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  • Packaging 2030

Objective 12: Sustainable production and consumption

We subject our manufacturing processes to quality control systems. We are ISO9001, PEFC/FSC (chain of custody) and ISPM 15 (phytosanitary regulations for export) certified.

 

In addition, our flagship product, the Clipping Crate ®, is a reusable and removable crate model.

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  • Packaging 2030

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Goal 13: Climate Action

We design and manufacture sustainable and returnable packaging based on technical and economic feasibility studies, allowing customers to produce less waste and reduce CO2 emissions.

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Packaging 2030

Objective 15: Terrestrial ecosystem life

We are committed to the conservation and sustainable management of forests. We are a PEFC/FSC certified company, which accredits our products as coming from sustainable logging or recycling.

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Trending packaging

What will be new in Packaging in 2023?

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

 

The way companies distribute their products is constantly evolving. Aspects as diverse as legislation, profitability, innovation and consumer preferences condition the changes to which logistics processes are subjected in order to meet quality, safety and efficiency requirements.

 

As far as packaging design is concerned, everything indicates that packaging in the year 2023 will continue to follow the path of sustainability it has taken in recent years, albeit under the imperative of regulations that will entail new fiscal obligations.

Packaging

As manufacturers of packaging solutions, we review the main innovations that 2023 will bring to the packaging sector.

 

Plastic tax

The Law on Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy, which was passed last year, aims to improve the management of waste generated in Spain. Among other measures, it has established a “green tax” on plastic, in force since January 1.

 

According to this, all non-reusable primary, secondary or tertiary packaging containing plastic will be subject to a charge of €0.45/kg. This amount may be reduced if part of the product comes from recycled material.

 

Ecodesign

Spanish companies have been working for years to incorporate sustainability into their production processes in order to reduce their environmental footprint.

 

In fact, last year more than 2,000 Spanish companies implemented 4,632 sustainable design measures to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging.

Packaging

Achieving the EU’s reduction, reuse and recyclability objectives means knowing the principles of ecopackaging and knowing how to apply them to the design and development of sustainable packaging.

 

The trend will continue to be to opt for packaging that, with the minimum amount of material possible, guarantees product protection throughout the distribution chain, reducing environmental impact and the economic cost associated with transportation, while meeting consumer expectations.

 

Growth of online commerce

Online commerce will continue to grow, which will have an impact on packaging and logistics. Demand for packaging solutions such as corrugated boxes and products for protecting and cushioning goods will increase, and new specialty packaging and customized shipping options will emerge.

Ecommerce

Smart packaging

The use of technology applied to the field of packaging is driving a new generation of packaging. We are talking about smart packaging, which is increasingly being applied in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

 

Packaging that will change color if the product is about to expire, or that emits particles for preservation, will see the light of day throughout the year.

It is becoming increasingly common to integrate smart labels, RFID, QR codes and NFC chips into packaging. These devices provide more and better information on product quality, storage conditions and traceability.

 

Automation with “Pick and Place” robots will also be extended to more industries in order to bring more efficiency and flexibility to packaging processes.

 

What do you think of these changes, and would you add any more to the list?

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How to Choose Good Packaging

How to Choose Good Packaging?

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

In the last posts we have talked about the importance of packaging and the conditioning of the load inside it, as well as its monitoring by means of active or passive control systems (impact detectors, verticality,…).

 

In today’s post we are going to focus on the different competitive advantages that packaging can provide.

How to Choose Good Packaging

A good choice of packaging system can be key to ensure a correct shipment and savings in transportation costs, the packaging must be designed to suit the load to be transported, thus optimizing weight and volume and saving on handling and transportation costs.

How to Choose Good Packaging

The use of reusable packaging in addition to saving resources consumed by the planet is an effective cost saving, we must study whether this option is viable for our company and define which model of those on the market is best suited to our needs (reusability, weight, functionality, strength, …).

How to Choose Good Packaging

Reusable and desassemble packaging – Clipping Crate® System

As for the tangible part of what a good packaging can bring us in addition to resistance and functionality, as we have seen, cost savings is one of the main parameters to take into account.

As for the intangible part, we must appreciate that the packaging is the letter of introduction of our product, it says more in 10 seconds (quality, type, image, dimensions, weight …) than any sales manager can tell us in hours.

 

Discover here the Clipping Crate® System, a high quality reusable crate model.

 

We must use this salesperson to show our product to the consumer, even before the product comes out of the box.

 

In today’s post we have seen how the choice of something as “simple” as packaging can save us handling and logistics costs, as well as increase the value of our product by giving it an improved image.

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Pallets

Pallets, Regulatory Requirements

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We begin today’s post with one of the most used elements in the packaging sector: the pallet. In this post we are going to detail the different regulatory requirements depending on the packaging needs that we can find.

pallets

In the logistics – transport – packaging sector it is common to request “certified pallets”, what does this certificate refer to?

Well, this certificate usually refers to the phytosanitary certificate unless otherwise specified, this certificate as we have seen in previous posts is required in the field of international transport and must incorporate a marking on the pallet itself. This marking certifies that this pallet has received the required treatment and is suitable to be imported by a third country according to the international treaty ISPM Nº15.

 

An example of this marking is shown below.

ISPM15

As for the standardization according to ISO/UNE/EN, we list below the most important ones, which define geometries, materials, dimensions,… and other important aspects of the pallet:

 

 

Finally, there is another widespread certification for pallets, in this case the 1200x800mm, this certification is managed by EPAL, the European pallet association and defines the construction form of the pallets. They must be properly marked and the manufacturer must be licensed to manufacture this type of pallets.

Pallets

As we have seen, this widely used packaging system is regulated by different regulations, we must identify which one is required and then select the right pallet for our needs.

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Most Popular Container Packaging

Most Popular Container Packaging

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We continue our review of the different packaging products that can be found in the market. This time, it is the turn of some of the most widely used container packaging worldwide, such as pallet collar and pallet boxes.

 

They are made of pine boards joined by galvanized steel hinges and supported on a pallet. Sometimes, and for greater reinforcement, two boards are placed on each side instead of one. Currently, many manufacturers also opt for OSB for the manufacture of these pallet collars, as it is a resistant and economical material, although we can also find plastic and cardboard collars.

They generally have the dimensions of the European pallet (1200 x 800 mm), although there are other standards.

Their main characteristic is their versatility, since, being stackable thanks to their hinges, the customer can superimpose the ones he considers convenient to obtain a box with the appropriate height for his needs. In addition, they are used in a wide range of sectors and provide great stability when moving loads.

Another important feature is that they are collapsible, making them a very efficient alternative for saving costs in logistics (storage and transport).

This form of packaging is also economical, resistant and durable, as they can have a useful life of up to 10 years. Therefore, it is a product that does not require a large investment and can be amortized. It is also easily replaceable, since, if a fence is damaged, it can be quickly replaced by another of identical characteristics.

Accessories can also be added to the frames, such as dividers with different heights and interior dividers made of wood and plastic, as well as corner brackets for greater stability when stacking the frames, supports, label holders or hooks.

Pallet collar - Modular Packaging

Pallet boxes are corrugated cardboard boxes placed on a wooden or cardboard pallet, widely used in the food industry, but also in other sectors due to their versatility.

 

Corrugated board can have up to three corrugations and can have different thicknesses, depending on the type of corrugation as shown in the table below:

Pallet Box

This type of packaging is mainly used for commercial exhibitors, being an economical means to place in supermarkets as a product container and as an advertising method, since cardboard is a material in which it can be easily printed. Different recesses or shelves can be incorporated for product placement.

Their dimensions vary depending on the standard pallets, generally the European one (1200 x 800 mm) and the American or universal one (1200 x 1000 mm).

They consist of a pallet, a base, four sides and a lid. As with pallet collars, another of its characteristics is that it can fold itself.

Thus, the sides, already joined, are folded on the base, placing the lid on top and saving storage and transport costs.

 

Pallet cardboard box

As you can see, the innovations in packaging are mainly focused on logistics and cost savings without neglecting the quality provided by conventional packaging.

 

These, together with the Clipping Crate, are examples of how this sector has evolved over the years and give us a sample of how the packaging of the future will be, between flexibility, design and resistance.

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Packaging for exporting automotive products

Packaging for Exporting Automotive Products

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Packaging represents a strategic factor in the supply chain. Even more so in times of uncertainty like the ones we are living in.

Automotive companies and the ancillary industry know that optimizing their investment in packaging reduces costs, time and storage space. A key aspect considering the difficulties the sector is going through due to the shortage of microchips, the war in Ukraine and the rising cost of energy.

 

Packaging solutions for the automotive industry

The automotive industry works with tight deadlines. It is crucial that all components in the chain arrive on time and in perfect condition at the assembly line.

 

Custom Packaging

Automotive manufacturers’ vehicles are made up of parts with different weights, volumes, shapes and sizes. At 360 Eco Packaging we design each packaging according to the type of part to be protected, the means of transport and destination, incorporating as many as possible in order to optimize the logistics process to the maximum.

 

Protections and packaging for batteries

 

Parts in the automotive sector are delicate. The dashboards and windows must be protected against possible impacts or vibrations during transport. Different auxiliary means are usually used to secure the goods, technical foams or corner protectors, which allow each part to be immobilized, preventing them from colliding with each other or moving during shipment.

Bulky parts such as engines or bodywork may require special packaging, such as heavy-duty crates or shrink wrap, which adapts to the contours of the cargo. Batteries and electrical components are considered dangerous goods and require special transport conditions. We are currently participating as a member of the CTN 192 SC 03 Subcommittee (UNE/ISO) in the development of a new regulation in the field of transport of dangerous goods, together with AENOR and the Ministry of Industry.

 

Packaging for the automotive and railway industry

 

Automotive components are not usually manufactured in one place, but arrive at the assembly line from different origins and suppliers.

Our automotive export packaging is made of ISPM 15 certified wood for international trade and transport of dangerous goods (ADR, IMDG, RID, IATA) to any destination in the world.

Our high quality reusable boxes can reach a resistance of up to 1,200 kg. Assembly and disassembly is done without the need for nails or tools, quickly and safely. And once disassembled, it takes up 20% of its size, saving space and storage costs.

Considering that many international shipments are subject to customs inspection, it is a very useful system that can be opened and closed in the same way without damaging the box, saving time and hassle.

 

Since our beginnings in 360 Eco Packaging we have been linked to the automotive and railway sector, working with renowned companies that rely on our experience. Check here our packaging and protection solutions for the automotive sector.

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Aeronautical sector

What are the requirements for the packaging of aircraft parts?

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The aeronautical industry is one of the sectors with the highest growth forecasts for the coming years. Due to its capacity for investment in R&D, job creation and export vocation, the aeronautics sector is considered a strategic sector for the Spanish economy. In fact, Spain is the fifth largest aeronautical power in Europe.

Innovation, improved competitiveness throughout the value chain and sustainability are some of the challenges facing a sector whose manufacturers demand high quality and environmental standards from their suppliers.

 

How are aircraft parts transported?

 

Aircraft components are usually manufactured by various companies on the European continent. They are then transported by air, sea or land to the final assembly plant.

Packaging companies, for their part, must provide customized, innovative and sustainable solutions that protect the parts and meet delivery deadlines so as not to slow down assembly.

 

Special packaging for high volume cargo

 

The aeronautical industry is characterized by the transport of large-volume parts that require customized packaging solutions. Among the most widespread are returnable packaging for large-tonnage equipment, which can be reused, optimizing logistics processes and saving costs.

 

Preliminary study and validation of packaging for large tonnage cargoes

 

Large-volume loads require a detailed study of protection, transport, handling and storage requirements. This involves follow-up meetings, packaging of the goods at the customer’s premises, as well as load tests until the optimal packaging is validated.

 

Anti-corrosion Packaging

 

Most of the aeronautical industry is dedicated to the manufacture of aircraft and structures, while the ancillary industry develops engines, equipment, spare parts and systems.

And structures, while the ancillary industry develops engines, equipment, spare parts and systems. For their transportation, auxiliary packaging products are needed to provide long-lasting protection against corrosion, as well as goods monitoring devices to detect possible impacts during transportation or storage.

 

Export Packaging

 

Most of the parts and components manufactured for the aeronautical industry are destined abroad. It is essential to know the international regulations and to have certified packaging for foreign trade.

 

Wooden packaging for aeronautical parts – phytosanitary certification

The packaging industry is basic in the distribution chain of aeronautical parts and components.

Our most commonly used packaging solutions for export, both for large volume parts and aeronautical spare parts are folding wooden crates, cages, high racks and pulp roll cradles, pallets and wooden boxes of large tonnage with wooden reinforcements as racks and diagonals, to support more load and weight than usual. This type of packaging is ISPM 15 certified.

 

Packaging for aeronautical parts – Use of wood

 

The wooden crate is disassembled, which facilitates visual inspection of the load without breaking or unnailing the side or lid. This allows the base to be used for auxiliary transports before closing the crate for shipping. And once disassembled, it occupies approximately 20% of its size, saving storage costs.

360 Eco Packaging manufactures packaging specially designed for different sectors. Consult our packaging for the aeronautical sector.

 

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