Transport and logistics Archives

How to Retract a Merchandise

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 29 de May de 2023 0 Comments

The shrink wrapping of goods is a process used to secure and protect products during transport or prolonged storage.

This type of plastic creates a protective film capable of protecting items against adverse atmospheric conditions (UV rays, rain, wind…).

Materials needed for shrink wrapping

Below, we provide you with the necessary materials to shrink wrap effectively:

Steps to follow to shrink-wrap goods

Prepare the load: the first step is to place the products in an organized way, making sure that they are well secured and that they do not move.

Cut the shrink wrap: next, cut the necessary amount of shrink wrap to completely cover the load. It is important that the shrink wrap is long enough to seal the bottom of the pallet.

Place the shrink wrap over the load: once the shrink wrap is cut, unfold it over the load and check that it is completely covered. If it is not well covered, adjust its position.

Seal the plastic at the bottom: with the help of the clamp, seal the plastic to the bottom of the load, so that it is taut and tight, to avoid wrinkles or air pockets.

Apply heat: in this step, repeat the same process as in the previous procedure, but this time it is done on the load. Again, it is important to avoid possible wrinkles or air pockets.

Finish shrink-wrapping: the last step is to check that there are no gaps or goods exposed to the elements. In case of an error, this piece should be covered with more plastic or with specific adhesive tape.

By following these steps, you can confidently and effectively shrink-wrap your merchandise, ensuring its protection and security during transportation or storage.

Shrink-wrapping offers many benefits, such as safeguarding against dust, moisture, and tampering, while also providing a professional and presentable appearance. Remember to carefully select the appropriate shrink plastic and ensure a tight seal using a Shrink-Wrap Gun. With these techniques, you can retract your merchandise with ease and peace of mind.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to streamline your packaging process or an individual seeking to protect valuable items, mastering the art of shrink-wrapping is a valuable skill. With practice and attention to detail, you can ensure that your merchandise arrives in its intended condition, impressing customers and preserving the quality of your products.

So, embrace the advantages of shrink-wrapping and confidently package your merchandise with the knowledge and skills gained from this guide. Efficiently securing your goods will not only save you time and money but also enhance the overall customer experience.

Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Mechanical Impact Detectors

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 22 de May de 2023 0 Comments

There are two types of impact detectors: mechanical and electronic.

This time we will focus on mechanical devices, they are the most used and the most affordable due to their simple architecture. They are capable of detecting impacts on one or more axes and there are tared models with different g-force sensitivities.

Therefore, we can classify these detectors as:

One-dimensional

Mechanical detectors that capture accelerations in only one axis (one direction and two directions).

These detectors are the most commonly used, there are sticker type (with adhesive) that are easily anchored to the packaging to be controlled.

Their placement is generally:

For a box with a side-to-side proportionality of approximately 1:1

2. For a box with approximate side-to-side ratio > 2:1

3. The heights “h” at which the indicator should be positioned may vary depending on the load, the g-force and the manufacturer.

Most of these indicators are activated by changing color (red) when the maximum set acceleration has been exceeded, it does not show a history of events, for that an electronic detector would be necessary.

Two-dimensional

Mechanical detectors that capture accelerations in two axes (two directions with their two senses).

These detectors are capable of detecting impacts in two directions and even show the direction, sense and modulus of the maximum force to which the load was subjected as shown in the above simulation (provided it is within the operating range of the detector).

Their placement is generally done by means of four screws (per detector) and unlike the one-dimensional ones, their location in the case does not generally interfere in the operation.

There are two main types: magnetic and combined sphere-spring system.

Both are two-dimensional and allow the working accelerations g to be adjusted (depending on their type of construction).

Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

How many Pallets can fit in a trailer?

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 4 de May de 2023 0 Comments

Palletizing facilitates the process of transporting, handling and storing goods, while protecting them at the same time. In addition to making loading and unloading times profitable, another advantage of correct palletizing is that it saves space by making the load uniform.

How many pallets can fit in a trailer?

To calculate it, we will have to take into account the type of pallet we are going to use, as well as the size of the box of the truck in which our goods will be transported. In this case, we will refer to the trailer because it is one of the most used vehicles in the transport of goods by road.

What is the difference between the standard pallet and the Euro pallet?

Not all pallets are the same. According to their measurements, we can distinguish two types of pallets:

The European pallet or Euro pallet

Measures 0.8 meters x 1.2 meters. It is the most common in transport and logistics in Europe.

The American pallet

Also called standard pallet: It measures 1 meter x 1.2 meters. It is mainly used in the American and Japanese markets.

In Spain it is usual to work with European wooden pallets, which provide adequate strength to withstand large stacks of cargo.

What is the capacity of a standard trailer?

Now that we know the dimensions of the pallet we are going to use, it is necessary to know the capacity of the truck where the load will be transported in order to optimize the shipment.

The trailer box truck or van truck has dimensions of 2.7 x 13.6 meters. This means that 11 rows of 3 pallets each can be placed, which would allow 33 European pallets to be loaded.

It must be taken into account that trailers have a maximum weight that must be respected, so the maximum loading weight of these 33 pallets will be 24 tons.

However, it is possible to double the number of pallets to be transported. A trailer will allow a maximum of 66 pallets to be loaded, as long as it has sufficient height, the goods can be stacked and the weight restriction of 24 tons is respected.

Although the standard pallet is the European pallet, it is worth noting that a standard trailer could hold up to 26 American pallets.

There are also different types of trucks and box sizes, which can affect the number of pallets to be transported.

Remember that a miscalculation can compromise the delivery of your goods in a timely manner.

As specialists in industrial packaging, we can help you choose the most suitable pallet for your business. Contact us.

Transport and logistics

What types of packaging does the food industry use?

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 27 de February de 2023 0 Comments

From the time they leave the factory until they reach the consumer, products in the food industry use different types of packaging. All of them are an essential part in the process of transporting, distributing and selling the product to ensure its safety and quality.

We can classify three types of packaging:

Primary Packaging

It is the one that is in direct contact with the product. Its main function is to protect it from external agents and keep its properties intact. But it is not the only one. In the food sector, the primary packaging is the first thing the consumer will see on the supermarket shelves.

It must therefore be presented in such a way that it stands out from its competitors and is attractive for purchase. In addition, the primary packaging should provide all the information that the product should include as a matter of course.

Today, there are many examples of product packaging that combine functionality, design and sustainability.

Secondary Packaging

It is the one that contains several primary packages, grouping the product to transport several units of the same product or to facilitate the consumer the purchase of several units at the same time.

Tertiary packaging

Tertiary packaging, or packaging proper, is the one that encompasses the two previous ones, protecting both primary and secondary packaging during transportation and storage. For this reason, it is often said that packaging is “the packaging of packaging”. An example of tertiary packaging would be a pallet with 10 cartons containing bottles of wine.

Tertiary packaging includes wooden, cardboard and plastic pallets, as well as large-volume cardboard boxes with or without lids, or corrugated cardboard boxes on wooden or cardboard pallets.

Protective elements in food containers

There are also elements that stabilize the packaged products, facilitating their movement without risk of loss or breakage.

In primary and secondary packaging, adhesive tapes, glues or seals are usually used to ensure their closure. Stretch film is the most widespread option for grouping smaller packaging units.

As a summary of this post, the following is an image of a product that does not belong to the food industry, but as in most products, it is also used with the three types of packaging that we have seen above.

Circular packaging, Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Packaging for Medical Equipment

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 23 de February de 2023 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Circular packaging, Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Custom packaging for Electrical Equipment

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 13 de February de 2023 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:

By adapting to the goods, they guarantee integral protection during transport.
The mobility and handling of products is more efficient, saving on packaging time and auxiliary packaging costs.
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.

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.

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.

Industrial packaging, Physical and chemical protection, Transport and logistics

Aluminium Foil Barrier

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 30 de November de 2022 0 Comments

The Heat-Sealable bag, Insulating bag or Aluminium Foil barrier material is a widely used element in packaging to prevent corrosion, especially when it comes to metal packaging and electronic items.

It is used in conjunction with desiccant salts precisely to prevent moisture from oxidizing the metal on long ship voyages, but is also used for long-term protection of machinery and other products, for example, for storage if long-term storage is planned.

COMPOSITION

This material is mainly composed of aluminum and polyethylene. Depending on the manufacturer, the proportion of each material and even the type of plastic used may vary. For example, sometimes polyester, PET plastic or polypropylene are added. As for polyethylene, it can be of high or low density.

Some barrier materials have more plastic than aluminum or vice versa. The quality and correct protection of the product will depend to a large extent on the total thickness of the barrier film from which the bags are made and how many grams it weighs per square meter, as well as the proportion of aluminum it contains. The more aluminum the material contains to the detriment of plastic, the lower the vapor transmission inside the container.

This material is waterproof and resistant to external factors such as ultraviolet rays.

PRESENTATION

Generally we can find this material in rolls whose measures can vary according to the customer’s needs, although it is also common to find manufacturers and companies that sell ready-made bags with the measures that the customer deems appropriate.

The aluminium foil barrier bag can also be vacuum sealed if desired, with the help of special machines that absorb oxygen from inside the bag. In this way, the product is better protected against oxidation.

There are several ways of sealing this bag. As its name suggests, the most common way is with heat, although we can also opt for plastic closures that seal the container.

This material can also be printed, so it is common for a company to print its own corporate logo, as well as the specifications of the material and the temperature to which it must be subjected for sealing.

This material must be manufactured in compliance with DIN 55531-1, which is the German and European standard in general.

Other world standards equivalent to this norm that can be found are the following:

USA: MIL-B-131.
France: NF H 00310.
Germany (military classification): TL 8135-0003.
United Kingdom (military classification): DEF STAN 81-75/1.

To conclude, it is convenient to point out the main difference between aluminum barrier material and other plastic materials that we will see later, such as shrink film or VCI. For long boat trips, adverse weather conditions or long storage periods, aluminum is the most convenient option for the correct protection of the product against plastic compounds, since it is much more resistant.

Circular packaging, Folding packaging, Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

How to Choose Good Packaging?

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 24 de November de 2022 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.

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.

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, …).

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.

Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Passive Control Devices, Which One Should We Use?

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 21 de November de 2022 0 Comments

After several posts analyzing and then looking at case studies of humidity control (desiccant salts) we are going to talk again, but this time in a more practical way, about passive control elements.

To verify that our fixation or control of the environment has been correct, we must use passive control devices that will tell us once at destination if the goods have suffered any stress during the trip. For this we must use impact detectors to measure accelerations and humidity and temperature detectors to measure the atmosphere in which the cargo has been transported.

How do I know which impact detector to use?

For this we must know well what load we are going to transport and how sensitive it is to accelerations and in which axes. Once known we must take as a unit of measurement the units “g” to know what resulting acceleration depending on its weight must support, so that the more “g” less sensitivity (loads with lower weights and volumes). For example, if we want to transport a device of 10Kg and 0.5 m3 with a normal sensitivity, we should take as an approximate reference an impact detector of 50g. Here is an indicative table:

Are there impact detectors that monitor the entire route?

For the transport of a load that we need to monitor in real time and have a database with all the transport parameters we will need to use an electronic impact detector or logger. These devices would allow us to measure periodically accelerations, temperature, humidity… and then download this data to our pc to analyze them.

Once I have this device, how should I place it?

Finally, these devices should usually be placed on the longest side and at a height equal to or greater than 2/3. If you see that this device has triggered (usually it will show a red color) indicates that it has exceeded the defined tare.

In the case of guaranteeing a controlled humidity atmosphere we must use humidity detectors, these devices as well as impact devices allow us to easily identify if the load has suffered any stress on the way.

There are control elements with several scales where we would show the maximum humidity levels to which our product has been exposed, so we will have to define on which safety scale our product should be transported.

As we have seen, after a correct conditioning it is essential to monitor it to have a feedback on how the transport has been developed to adjust it if necessary in subsequent shipments.

Industrial packaging, Physical and chemical protection, Transport and logistics

Case study, Use of Desiccant Salts

Post by 360 Ecopackaging On 17 de November de 2022 0 Comments

In the previous post we have seen what a DIN unit is and the degree of absorption per unit, therefore we must remember that a DIN unit is equivalent to an absorption of 6g of water and that to absorb these 6g of water approximately 30g of desiccant salts are necessary (depending on the type of salt and the conditions).

Having recalled the previous post, we consider a practical case for a part of dimensions 1150x750x750mm (length x width x height) to be transported in a box equipped with a thermoweldable bag of inner dimensions 1200x800x800mm.

To calculate the volume of air enclosed between the box and the part we must find the differential of volumes, therefore:

1,2 x 0,8 x 0,8 – 1,15 x 0,75 x 0,75 = 0,121 m3

Once this data has been calculated, we go to the formula:

n = 1/a · ( V · b + m · c + A · e · D · t )

And we calculate the number “n” of DIN units replacing each constant by its value, (to know the value of these parameters do not hesitate to visit our previous post).

The result would be n = 2 approximately, so about 60g of desiccant compound would be necessary for this packaging. We must bear in mind that it is always better to distribute these salts proportionally so that the atmosphere always maintains homogeneous humidity levels, so whenever possible we will use several bags distributed homogeneously.

As we have mentioned in previous posts, it is important to define the volume of air that we want to maintain with low humidity levels in order to calculate the number of DIN units that will be necessary. Once we know this information, our supplier will tell us the exact grams of salt that we will need depending on its composition.

Materials needed for shrink wrapping

Shrink plastic

Shrink-Wrap Gun Kit

Steps to follow to shrink-wrap goods

One-dimensional

Two-dimensional

How many pallets can fit in a trailer?

What is the difference between the standard pallet and the Euro pallet?

The European pallet or Euro pallet

The American pallet

What is the capacity of a standard trailer?