Transport and logistics Archives

Types of folding packaging III: Wooden Crates

By 360 Ecopackaging On 30 de April de 2024 0 Comments

Wooden folding collapsible crates are one of the most widely used export packaging systems since the dawn of trade. Throughout the history of packaging, man has transformed wood into barrels, crates, cradles and boxes of large tonnage in order to obtain a robust solution that would allow him to store all types of products and be able to ship them by sea, land or air.

One of the most innovative of these has been the collapsible crate made of disassembled wood. Thanks to the development of engineering, the cumbersome, heavy and difficult-to-move models with nails have gradually fallen into disuse. In their place, a much more cost-effective, sustainable and easy-to-handle protective solution for transporting goods has emerged: the collapsible crate.

Benefits of wooden collapsible crates

It should be noted that all wooden packaging traveling outside the European Union must comply with the international standard ISPM-15, which certifies that the wood is free of harmful pests and bacteria.

Companies dealing with fragile products and international shipments often turn to wooden collapsible crates for their many advantages.

Our flagship product is Clipping Crate®:

Easy to handle

Wood is a resistant material that can withstand shocks, vibrations and temperature changes. In addition, this type of packaging is designed to be easy to handle and to speed up opening/closing at destination or in transit (customs inspection).

Reusable, Removable and Recyclable

Collapsible wooden crates can be disassembled and stored for future use. And they are repairable. With spare parts available, any of its parts can be easily replaced. Once it has reached its useful life, it can be returned for recycling. Thus, no waste is generated.

Customizable

It can be manufactured in standard and custom sizes, and can be personalized with the company’s brand or logo. This improves brand image and product identification during transport and storage.

Reduce costs

They are proven to help reduce the company’s logistics costs. Because they are stackable, they take up less warehouse space, which means fewer resources to store and transport them. This, coupled with their long shelf life, provides a quick return on investment.

Calculate here how much your company can save by using returnable packaging.

Clipping Crate® System

As mentioned above, our reference product in manufacturing is the Clipping Crate®.

It is a reusable, economical, resistant box with an innovative design. In addition, it stands out for its closing system using galvanized zinc clips or staples, which give it flexibility. The box can be assembled and disassembled by one person in just a few minutes without the use of tools.

Contact us and start taking advantage of the benefits of folding packaging.

Types of folding packaging II: Foldable Plastic Packaging

By 360 Ecopackaging On 18 de April de 2024 0 Comments

Foldable plastic packaging helps to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of the logistics process.

Foldable plastic packaging has qualities that are highly valued in today’s production lines. They are made of stable, lightweight material and are very easy to clean. They are therefore the ideal solution when extreme hygiene is required, as in the case of pharmaceuticals, agricultural products or foodstuffs.

Moreover, they do not require any treatment. They offer a barrier effect against humidity, temperature changes and microorganisms and are suitable for export.

Qualities of foldable plastic packaging

If we add to these properties their ability to fold, we obtain a product that will also help us to optimize warehouse space when not in use.

We cannot ignore the fact that Law 7/2022, of April 8, on waste and contaminated soils for a circular economy (LRSC) penalizes single-use plastic containers and packaging. Returnable and foldable plastic packaging solutions benefit all links in the supply network – producer, distributor and point of sale.

Most commonly used plastic packaging

Plastic boxes

At 360 Eco Packaging we are constantly innovating. We have spent years developing solutions that meet the changing needs of the market.

In our product portfolio, we have a range of plastic foldable container boxes that are specifically developed for reuse, stacking and returnability. This type of box is as robust and stable as any other rigid box, but much more versatile, handy and lightweight.

It is made of high-quality recycled plastic and can be recycled again. Its three parts <base, ring and sliding lid> become a plastic container box valid for storage on shelves and / or transport of goods, being suitable for all kinds of roller and chain conveyors.

It is provided with a Velcro system that facilitates its opening and closing. It folds quickly and easily, in just 4 seconds without the use of tools.

Each box can be customized with the company’s corporate colors, bar code labels or RFID elements.

Plastic pallets

Weight is a determining factor in the logistics of any business. The plastic pallet offers optimal stacking resistance. And because of its lightness and durability, it is another foldable packaging with an excellent price/performance ratio.

Advantages of foldable plastic pallets

They are lightweight.
They are reusable.
They have nestable skids.
Easy to clean.

Check our foldable packaging solutions, and if you have any questions, please contact our team.

We will find the most suitable packaging for your logistic process.

How Just in Case logistics Works

By 360 Ecopackaging On 28 de August de 2023 0 Comments

Just in Case logistics (JIC) is an inventory management methodology that consists of having enough product in stock at all times.

Compared to Just-In-Time logistics, where products are manufactured and stored on demand, Just-In-Case logistics is based on having more inventory than necessary. In this way, the company ensures that products are always available to be able to cope with increased demand or any type of eventuality.

This “just in case” management will imply, among other things, a greater investment in warehousing.

In which sectors and companies is Just in case logistics used?

The Just in case methodology is usually used in sectors with volatile demand, and in particular, in those that manufacture products with a long shelf life. For example, pharmaceuticals, where it is important to have availability of medicines and where stock-outs can have serious consequences.

In recent years, however, due to pandemics, war and the materials crisis that have strained supply chains, companies have turned to this strategy in order to maintain supply in all sectors.

What are the advantages of just-in-case logistics for companies?

From an inventory management point of view, one of the main advantages of just-in-case logistics is that it allows for greater flexibility. That is, by having a larger volume of products than necessary, companies can respond quickly to changes in demand without fear of running out of stock.

On the other hand, although it may seem that companies incur higher costs with this type of stockpiling, the truth is that this method can generate considerable savings in the long term.

First, by buying in larger volumes, they benefit from better prices. In addition, they have sufficient stock to ensure sales and respond to customers more efficiently than their competitors.

Just in case logistics packaging

More stock, more storage. For this reason, the unitization of cargo is one of the pillars of just-in-case logistics. Through palletizing, we manage to group and arrange the goods in the warehouse in higher loading units. In this way, we make maximum use of space.

In addition, since the products are palletized and sorted, they are kept in perfect condition while they remain in the warehouse for a long time, they can be located more quickly and the loading and unloading task is more agile.

Finally, the EPAL Euro pallet is a key element in this process. Thanks to its standard dimensions of 800 mm x 1,200 mm, the EPAL europallet can be adapted both to the dimensions of transport logistics (trucks and railroad wagons) and to those required in intralogistics (lifting, transfer on conveyor belts, handling of cardboard and wood packaging, etc.).

In short, packaging must meet the requirements of today’s supply chains. At 360 Eco Packaging we can help you find the best storage solution for your just-in-case operations.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

By 360 Ecopackaging On 21 de August de 2023 0 Comments

One of the objectives of logistics is the optimal use of the warehouse as well as the incoming and outgoing goods operations carried out in it.

There are many types of warehouses. Each has its own logistics requirements. The product they house, the location, functionality or handling technology are some of the criteria by which we can classify the different types of warehouses.

In a company there can be one or several types: raw materials, central, spare parts, etc. In this post we will focus on the most common types of warehouses, according to their location and logistic activity.

Warehouses by logistics activity

Production warehouse

This is the warehouse where the raw materials, parts or components required in the manufacturing processes are stored. The function of the production warehouse is to ensure that the manufacturing lines run without interruption, with no shortage of supplies. For this reason, many logistics supply centers are located close to factories.

Central warehouse

This is where finished products from one or more industrial processes are stored. It is usually located near the manufacturing site.

The central warehouse also acts as a distribution center, supplying other regional or local warehouses that carry out the final distribution to the consumer or point of sale. From the central warehouse, the product is conditioned for the next step in the distribution chain.

Distribution warehouse

The distribution or supply warehouse is responsible for receiving the goods from the production center and then sending them to the end customer. It usually covers a specific geographical area and is located close to the point of consumption.

Its purpose is to guarantee supply and meet product delivery times. It is a warehouse with a high turnover of goods.

Transit Warehouse

Occasionally, an interim storage point is required between the central and regional warehouse. The transit warehouse functions as an interim warehouse for goods, since its purpose is to expedite deliveries or to facilitate the grouping of goods to be shipped to the same destination.

Here the stock is not stored; the flow of receipts and dispatches is continuous. This type of warehouse is often used for e-commerce logistics.

Temporary warehouse

Used to store stock of products for seasonal consumption, in order to meet peaks in demand.

Other types of warehouses

We have reviewed the most common warehouses, but we can find other classifications of warehouse, according to:

The building:

Open-air or outdoor warehouse and covered or indoor warehouse.

The type of product:

Raw materials warehouse, semi-finished products and finished products warehouse, spare parts and/or accessories warehouse, and containers and packaging warehouse, where the packaging of the final products is kept.

Level of mechanization:

Conventional warehouses, with a low level of automation or the so-called intelligent warehouses, with a high degree of automation.

What type of warehouse does your company use?

Securing loads with Airbags

By 360 Ecopackaging On 17 de August de 2023 0 Comments

When determining the right packaging, many aspects must be taken into account. One of them is the fixation and adjustment of loads. For this purpose, multiple systems and pneumatic elements are used to ensure that our shipment arrives in optimal conditions.

One of the most commonly used are dunnage bags or airbags for packaging.

What are packaging airbags?

Packaging airbags, dunnage bags or inflatable bags are used to protect goods during transport. Their function is to fill the empty spaces between the cargo or between the cargo and the walls of the transport unit, keeping it immobile in order to reduce the possibility of damage during transport.

These bags are very easy to use. They are filled with air through a valve to the required pressure. Airbags are available in different sizes, depending on the use and load.

Which airbag do I need to protect my cargo?

Airbags can be used in land, sea or rail transport. To know what type of airbag we will need, the first thing we must know is the volume and weight of the cargo to be transported (to define the working pressure of the airbag), as well as the operating time of this airbag. Once these parameters have been set, we will check the manufacturer’s technical data sheet to see if it adapts to our needs.

Most manufacturers comply with the AAR Bulletin No. 9 (Association of American Railroads), the most widespread international standard, which classifies these pneumatic elements into 5 levels, according to the type of transport and the operating pressure.

As shown in the table, the different types of transport are classified according to the working pressure. This is because this standard contemplates pressure tests after 19 days, allowing a load loss of no more than 1psi. In other words, for long transports we must generally use level 2 airbags or higher (more working pressure).

Once we have defined the type of air bag we need, we will have to design a system of loads as homogeneous as possible, using these elements to adjust the loads.

To do this, we can take into account the guidelines of the CTU 2014 code, which, among other issues, details the different misuses that can occur when applying this system.

Types of airbags and characteristics

They can be made of different materials, depending on their resistance to external agents in case of possible rupture.

There are basically two types, depending on the material they are made of:

Raffia:

These are bags or sacks consisting of an inner layer of polyethylene and a top layer of raffia, a type of elastic fabric widely used for packaging due to its resistance.

Kraft paper:

They have an inner layer of polyethylene and a top layer of Kraft paper reinforced with polypropylene to prevent tearing.

In both cases, they are durable, reusable and waterproof, providing an efficient solution to protect cargo during transportation.

If you need advice, consult a reliable supplier to help you choose the best option.

What is Just in Time logistics?

By 360 Ecopackaging On 11 de August de 2023 0 Comments

The world is constantly evolving. The changes that are taking place have an impact on supply chains. Industrial packaging manufacturers have to respond to the challenges posed by different logistical operations, however complex they may be, in times of greater or lesser uncertainty.

One of them is Just In Time manufacturing, which orients production to demand.

What is the Just in Time method?

The Just in Time production method is based on real orders. It consists of producing the exact amount of what is required, in the right place at the right time, without wasting system resources.

Its origin comes from Japan. In the mid-twentieth century, large Japanese companies were looking for more efficient production systems, which in turn would allow them to reduce factory inventory. Toyota was the first company to apply the Just in Time method, under the name of Toyota Production System, in automobile manufacturing plants, with the aim of eliminating from the production process those elements that did not provide real value.

Since then, automotive companies, technology companies, fast food chains around the world and today, e-commerce companies use this model to make their processes more efficient, optimize costs and respond better and faster to customers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Just in Time method in logistics?

Zero defects: an error can cause delays and increase stocks.
Zero breakdowns: this implies scheduled maintenance of work tools.
Zero stocks: this generates storage and space costs.
Zero lead times: reducing production cycles reduces waiting times, equipment preparation and transit times.
Zero paperwork: reducing bureaucracy to a minimum.

Applying this method provides better management, greater flexibility and savings, but requires millimetric coordination in all the links that make up the supply chain.

Advantages of JIT

Reduces inventory levels and costs associated with purchasing and warehousing, since only what is in demand is manufactured.
Minimizes losses, obsolete products, expired products or products that lose value when stored, by having a minimum stock.
Reduces time and unnecessary trips to locate the merchandise.
It favors a closer relationship with suppliers.

Disadvantages of JIT

Possible delays and lack of supplies.
Less access to special prices for small-scale purchases.
Increased costs when changing suppliers.
Scarce capacity to react to demand peaks.

Packaging for Just in Time logistics

As with all other supplies, packaging in JIT operations must be available when it is needed. Companies specializing in this type of packaging must be able to offer packaging solutions that help simplify operations and speed up delivery times, that are easy to handle and help reduce storage costs.

This logistics requires ergonomic packaging, which allows assembly/disassembly in a very simple and safe way, folding solutions, which facilitate internal movements and save space, as well as customized packaging, which optimizes the logistics process to the maximum.

Contact us. At 360 Eco Packaging we can help you find the best packaging or storage solution for your Just in Time operations.

Packing for moving

By 360 Ecopackaging On 7 de August de 2023 0 Comments

Nobody is aware of what they have until they have to move, that is why in this post we will talk about packing for moving. Moving our belongings from one place to another requires good planning, starting with choosing the optimal packaging so that the move is resolved quickly and smoothly.

Like any other type of shipment, each move will require different packaging, depending on the contents to be transported and the mode of transport.

What is the most suitable packing for a move?

The packaging systems for the moving or furniture storage sector share the following characteristics:

They are light and resistant packaging.
They are collapsible and can be disassembled and can withstand handling and almost any type of movement.
They are ergonomic and can be assembled/disassembled very easily, almost without the use of tools.
Most of them are also reusable, which means cost savings and respect for the environment.
They have auxiliary packaging systems to ensure the integrity of the load (fastening and lashing, protection and cushioning, control elements).

Types of packaging for moving

No two moves are the same. Moving a house is not the same as moving an office where electronic equipment and components are moved, much less a transoceanic move in a container.

Depending on the volume of material to be transported, wooden, cardboard or cardboard combined with wood packaging solutions can be used.

The most common are:

Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are the most common type of packaging used in removals. As is logical, boxes of different sizes are used, depending on the needs. From a weight of 8 kilos upwards, it is advisable to use two-channel cardboard boxes, which offer greater resistance and protection.

Large-volume cardboard boxes, available with flaps or lids, are used to move large furniture and belongings.

Folding wooden boxes

Plywood transport crates with lids are the most commonly used for transoceanic moves. This type of box is made of ISPM15 certified wood, so it is suitable for international shipments.

It is a reusable, stackable and collapsible box. It consists of a lid, a base with support and a very consistent central body. The anchorage of the pieces is by means of metallic tabs, which gives it great resistance.

Fillings to protect the inside of the boxes

Just as important as choosing the most suitable box for a move is to have protection and padding aids to protect the contents inside.

Packing padding products immobilize objects to prevent them from suffering any impact during transportation and protect them from humidity or vibrations so that they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

An economical solution to protect ceramic pieces, glassware or fragile products, as well as to fill the gaps left in boxes, is cardboard netting.

Cardboard corner protectors and foam profiles are essential to protect the edges on the inside and outside of the boxes.

In international moves, and especially in sea transport, inflatable bags or airbags are used as a complementary system in cargo lashing to fill the gaps in containers and prevent them from moving.

At 360 Eco Packaging we can’t move your things, but we can provide you with the necessary packing material to make your move as safe as possible. Contact us.

How to Retract a Merchandise

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.

Mechanical Impact Detectors

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).

How many Pallets can fit in a trailer?

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.

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Transport and logistics