certified packaging Archives

Rail Transport

By 360 Ecopackaging On 26 de July de 2024 0 Comments

The transport of goods by rail is the best way to move large goods from one place to another. In this post, we will talk about the transport regulations related to this modality and its advantages.

Rail freight transport regulations

At the international level, rail freight transport is regulated by a series of international agreements and conventions:

International Convention concerning the Carriage of Goods by Rail (COTIF).
International Regulations concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID), for the transport of dangerous goods.

In the European Union:

Directive on Railway Liberalization.
Directive on the Interoperability of the Railway System.

In Spain:

Railway Sector Law and its corresponding regulatory provisions.

Advantages of Rail Freight Transportation

Rail represents great advantages for certain routes and types of cargo, compared to other modes of transport. For example:

Efficiency

First and foremost, rail is more efficient in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions. According to the European Environment Agency, CO2 emissions from rail transport are 3.5 times lower per tonne-kilometer than those of road transport.

Reliability

One of the singularities of rail freight transport is that, unlike other modes of transport, it is the least vulnerable to external agents such as traffic or weather conditions.
Its routes are fixed and its schedules are pre-established and punctual. Consequently, it is one of the transport systems with the highest level of organization, fluidity and regularity.

Capacity and adaptability

The load capacity of a rail convoy is very wide. A freight train can carry almost any type of cargo, since it has a variety of platforms and wagons. For example, boxcars, gondolas, trailer boxes, hoppers, tank cars, intermodal platforms and autoracks.
This versatility allows it to move any type of goods quickly and safely, especially heavy loads or large packages.

Economical

The railroad has a more stable and lower cost than other types of transportation, although the transshipment of cargo can increase costs.

To conclude, it is true that rail transport is the most popular intermodal system. This is because it complements perfectly with other connections via land, sea and air. But limitations in infrastructure or traffic routes in some countries make logistics difficult.

At 360 Eco Packaging we are convinced that rail freight has the potential to continue to grow. With the implementation of appropriate policies and measures, rail will play a key role in the future of logistics in Spain and Europe.

Maritime transport: Practical guide to shipment of goods

By 360 Ecopackaging On 9 de May de 2024 0 Comments

Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade. In fact, in Spain it accounts for around 80% of imports and approximately 50% of exports.

Complying with the specifications of maritime shipments is crucial to ensure that our merchandise arrives at its destination in a timely manner. Therefore, if your company is involved in exporting or is considering doing so, it is important to understand the factors that affect ocean shipments and what types of packaging are most suitable for this type of transport.

Factors that condition maritime transport

One of the advantages of maritime transport is its versatility, since it adapts to any type of cargo. However, there are issues that must be taken into account when preparing our shipments:

Type of container:

Most of the international transport of dry goods travels by container. Depending on the cargo, a type of container will be chosen and also whether it will occupy a full container (Full Container Load or FCL) or share space with goods from other exporters (Less Than Container or LCL).

Sudden abrupt movement:

Containers may experience sudden movements during handling and due to sea conditions, which may affect the stability of the cargo.

Temperature:

Temperature changes may occur during voyages, affecting the cargo.

Humidity and salinity:

Sea salt and humidity can cause the cargo to rust.

How to protect the goods for maritime transport?

Considering the peculiarities of maritime transport, it is time to analyze which packaging will help us to avoid damage or loss, and ensure a correct transport of the cargo from its origin to its destination.

Fastening systems

For sensitive cargo, such as electronic equipment or chemical products, it is important to use securing systems to immobilize and secure the cargo inside the container.

In this regard, airbags are one of the most effective devices. These airbags are placed between the packages and prevent their movement. They are reusable and adapt to the irregularities of the cargo.

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods. Airbags

2. Insulating systems

For goods sensitive to humidity and salinity, such as metal parts without surface treatment or electrical equipment, insulating systems can be used to keep the atmosphere as neutral as possible during transport.

Among the isothermal insulating systems, heat-sealable bags stand out. They are a product widely used in packaging to prevent corrosion, especially in the case of metal and electronic devices. As a complement, dehydration systems such as desiccant salts are used to absorb moisture from the internal air volume. Moisture detectors will indicate whether the desiccant salts have reached their absorption capacity limit.

We also manufacture customized heat sealable bags; you can see the video here:

Shrink-wrapped plastic is used for large-volume cargo or machinery. This type of plastic creates a protective film against adverse weather conditions (UV rays, rain, wind).

3. Phytosanitary certification and sealing ISPM-15

In international transport, all packaging with wood as raw material must bear the corresponding marking, complying with the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15. This regulation serves to prevent the spread of pests.

However, the certificate will depend on the geographical location to which the cargo is destined and whether it is required by the plant protection agency of the destination country. For example, for exports to European Union countries the standard is not mandatory, but in certain cases they may request the ISPM-15 marking.

Among wooden packaging, a very widespread solution for maritime shipments is the Clipping Crate ®. This is a reusable, economical, resistant box with an innovative design. It is equipped with a closing system using galvanized zinc clips or staples, which provide strength and flexibility. In this way, the box can be assembled and disassembled by a single person without the use of tools. A very useful system that facilitates customs inspection.

If you have any questions about packaging and maritime transport of goods, do not hesitate to contact us.

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.

Challenges facing the Battery Industry

By 360 Ecopackaging On 2 de February de 2024 0 Comments

Electric mobility is an ever-changing sector that requires innovative, cross-cutting solutions to consolidate its position. It should not be forgotten that the European Union will prohibit the sale of new gasoline or diesel cars from 2035. In fact, Spain expects to have 5 million electric cars on the road by 2030, according to the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC).

As a manufacturer with a long history in the dangerous goods sector, at 360 Eco Packaging we are closely following the evolution of the lithium battery industry, whose growth will be crucial in the coming years. This will bring about important changes in the entire supply chain.

For this reason, we wanted to analyze some of the challenges posed by the battery industry, which we could summarize as: efficiency, safety and sustainability.

More efficient batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology in electric vehicles, although they include other raw materials such as cobalt, manganese, nickel and other metals.

This type of battery is characterized by liquid electrolytes and carbonaceous anodes, resulting in insufficient energy density, limited lifetime and safety issues.

The industry is currently focused on improving the energy density of batteries, as higher energy density would help to increase range and reduce charging time.

New generation batteries with liquid and solid electrolytes are still in the research phase, but some believe that sooner rather than later we will be able to recharge our electric cars in the time it takes to drink a coffee.

Regulatory framework to ensure safety

As mentioned in the previous point, another challenge facing the battery industry is safety.

All lithium batteries are considered HAZARDOUS GOODS. The increase in lithium battery manufacturing expected in the coming years suggests that approved, optimized and sustainable packaging will be a key element for the competitiveness of the sector.

In recent years there have been accidents due to spontaneous combustion and explosions of lithium batteries, due to improper use, which have endangered the safety of people and the environment.

Therefore, a regulatory framework is needed to ensure the safe handling, storage, charging and transport of batteries, with strict instructions for the control of labeling and marking procedures, depending on the life cycle of the battery.

All this will allow working in each link of the supply chain without the risk of accidents, theft or counterfeiting.

Managing a new waste

The last of the challenges we address has to do with sustainability, and in particular, with the reuse and recycling of batteries at the end of their useful life.

The European authorities have already approved a regulation amending the 2006 Batteries Directive. The new standard will regulate the entire life cycle of batteries, from their design to the production process, in order to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, it already sets mandatory minimum recycled content requirements for manufacturers.

It is true that the very design of batteries, with a diversity of sizes and materials, makes recycling and reuse difficult. However, in Spain, projects are already being developed to recover the metals that compose them to give them a second life.

At 360 Eco Packaging, we are specialists in the field of ADR certified packaging manufacturing and regulations related to the management of this type of waste.

Contact us without any commitment through the email info@360ecopackaging.com

Safe transport of Lithium Batteries

By 360 Ecopackaging On 30 de October de 2023 0 Comments

Our cell phones, electronic devices and electric vehicles are powered by lithium batteries, a source of energy that is increasingly present in our daily lives.

By their nature, lithium batteries are considered dangerous goods, and as such require approved packaging to avoid potential risks during handling and transport, both for people and the environment. As certified and approved manufacturers of this type of packaging, we want to show in this post the high importance of storage and transport of this type of product.

Lithium battery regulations

All dangerous goods must comply with specific regulations and warnings, and batteries are no exception.

First of all, lithium batteries contain high levels of electrical energy, which makes them prone to overcharging, extreme temperature, short circuit and mechanical damage. Therefore, improper use or storage could lead to fires or explosions such as the one that occurred on the Felicity Ace cargo ship in 2022, with more than 4,000 luxury cars on board.

Therefore, manufacturers and intermediaries must use approved packaging, which complies with the regulations of the chosen means of transport, whether by land, sea or air. That is:

Land:

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).

By Air:

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions (TI) for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

By Rail:

International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID).

By sea:

International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG).

Packaging of lithium batteries

Secondly, there are a number of considerations to take into account when looking for solutions for handling and transporting batteries.

Heat resistance: use materials resistant to high temperatures.
Insulation: each battery must be individually insulated in its own compartment or container to avoid short circuits and shocks that could damage it.
Avoid contact with metals: lithium batteries should not come into contact with metal objects, as this could cause short circuits. They should be separated from each other by non-conductive insulators, such as polyethylene or plastic foams.
Hazard statements: use the correct labeling according to the applicable transport regulations.
Stability: by means of protection and fastening elements that guarantee their safety. The heavier the battery, the more support it needs.

Identification and labeling of packaging for lithium batteries

The packaging of lithium batteries must also be provided with labels and information warning of the risks of handling and transport:

The class 9 identification label, model 9A, is mandatory.

The UN number, which identifies the material from four digits. The identification codes for the different types of batteries are:

Lithium-ion batteries UN-3480.

Lithium-ion batteries UN-3481 included or packaged in a device.

Lithium metal batteries UN-3090.

Lithium metal batteries contained or packaged in a device UN-3091.

The homologation password indicating the material, country, year of manufacture and manufacturer’s code.

In conclusion, please consult here without obligation our approved solutions for the storage of lithium batteries, individual or integrated in equipment, for each mode of transport.

Also in our usual communication channels: info@360ecopackaging.com and on the phone (+34) 699 239 392

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.

The ISPM 15 certificate processed wood certificate

The ISPM 15 certificate – Introduction

By 360 Ecopackaging On 19 de February de 2021 2 Comments

The ISPM15 certificate guarantees that the wood has been treated against pests and insects, making it suitable for international transport.

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