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Tag Archives: packaging

Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics

Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Although we tend to think of cardboard as a simple material, its versatility and strength have made it the basis for many advanced industrial packaging solutions.

Known as the ‘beige gold’, cardboard stands out for being lightweight, strong, customizable and environmentally friendly. These qualities have positioned it as a key material in industrial logistics, where high-performance packaging is required for land, air and sea transport.

To understand how cardboard is changing the logistics of companies, we must begin by explaining what corrugated cardboard is, what its quality depends on, and most importantly, how to choose the most suitable cardboard packaging for our shipments.

What is Corrugated Cardboard?

To begin with, corrugated cardboard is composed of several layers of paper on top of each other. Generally, it has a three-layer structure: two flat outer layers (liner) and a corrugated middle layer (flute).

This arrangement gives the cardboard its capacity for shock absorption and weight distribution. It is therefore ideal for protecting products and optimizing space in the transport of goods.

This structure has been perfected over the years, adapting to different industry needs. Today, there are cardboard solutions that can support significant weights, withstand shocks and protect even sensitive products. From the traditional American box, to boxes for dangerous goods or cardboard pallets, with exceptional density and that do not require ISPM15 phytosanitary certification.

Types of Industrial Cardboard

We can classify industrial cardboard according to the number of paper sheets that make it up. Bearing in mind that the outer smooth sheets are called faces or covers; the intermediate sheets, smooth faces; and finally, the corrugated sheets that form the carcasses; corrugated, gut or “medium”; would result:

The simple-face (single face – SF)

The simplest, consisting of a smooth sheet (one face) and a corrugated sheet, joined together with glue. It is used, for example, as reinforcement in packaging.

Why industrial cardboard is changing company Logistics

The double-sided (SW – Simple Wall)

Consists of two sides and a corrugated board. This type of cardboard is ideal for industrial packaging of medium-sized products, as well as for long transport times.

Why industrial cardboard is changing company Logistics

If a second single-side module is added to the double-side, it constitutes the so-called double-double (DD).

Similarly, a triple corrugated results from a double-double with a third single-side. This type of cardboard is ideal in industrial packaging for heavy equipment and for long transport times. It is therefore preferred by companies shipping internationally by sea or air, where the risks of movement and compression are high.

On the other hand, we can classify corrugated cardboard according to its thickness, with different letters. The most common are:

Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics
Why industrial cardboard is changing Company Logistics

The greater the thickness, the greater the cushioning capacity. This makes the board easier to stack.

Industrial board properties

The thickness and number of layers of industrial cardboard determine its level of strength and flexibility, adapting to the different packaging needs demanded by industry:

Compression Resistance

One of the most important properties of industrial cardboard is its ability to withstand vertical compression. This is because the corrugated structure distributes the force across the layers, preventing them from being crushed by the weight of other products. This property is critical for shipping in containers, where goods are often stacked.

Absorbs shock and vibration

Similarly, the board structure itself acts as a cushion, reducing the impact of drops and absorbing jolts during transit.

Lightweight and economical

Despite its strength, industrial paperboard is very light. This gives it an added advantage as it does not add significant weight to the final packaging or additional transportation costs.

Which box solution is best for my goods?

In summary, the most commonly used parameters to determine the type of board to use are:

  • Consistency (ECT – Edge Crush Test).
  • Vertical compression resistance (BCT – Box Compression Test).

As we have seen, this is the most important parameter, since it indicates the weight that a box will be able to support when subjected to a stacking load.

Taking both into account, it is possible to design cardboard packaging solutions for different industries and in a wide range of sizes. The most common are:

Cardboard pallets

The cardboard pallet has a stacking strength similar to that of a wooden pallet and can carry loads of more than 1,200 kilograms. It is also much lighter than wood or plastic pallets. It is primarily used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Pallet Box

When the nature of the load requires a folding solution of greater resistance, we can opt for the pallet box, a mixed packaging. In the pallet box, the cardboard box is reinforced with wooden slats on the bottom and sides to facilitate storage and picking.

Its main advantage, however, is its compatibility with standardized European and American palletizing systems, and since it is certified with the ISPM-15 phytosanitary seal, it is ideal for export.

 

At 360 Eco Packaging, we believe that cardboard will continue to be a fundamental pillar in the supply chain. We dedicate all our experience and know-how to develop new customized industrial packaging solutions, guaranteeing quality and safety. Contact us today!

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What to know about airfreight cargo

What to know about airfreight cargo

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Air freight is a key pillar of international trade and logistics. In recent years, this mode of transport has experienced significant growth, driven by globalization and the need for faster product delivery.

In 2023, Spanish airports handled more than 1 million tons of cargo, an increase of 5% over the previous year, consolidating Spain as an important hub for air freight in Europe.

 

Advantages of air freight

Air freight is one of the preferred options for many companies operating in the international market because of its great advantages:

Speed

The main attraction of air freight is its speed. It allows goods to reach international destinations in a matter of hours, compared to the days or weeks it can take by ship or truck.

Reliability

Flight schedules are tight and less prone to delays. As a result, they offer greater assurance of on-time delivery.

Accessibility

Airplanes can go virtually anywhere in the world, overcoming geographic barriers that limit other forms of transportation.

What to know about airfreight cargo

What goods can be transported by air?

There are goods that, by their nature, have a higher demand for air transport:

Technology and electronics:

Sensitive and high demand technology components and products.

Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products:

Medicines, vaccines and medical equipment that need specific shipping conditions and urgent delivery.  See our post on packaging for pharmaceutical equipment here.

Fragile and high-value products:

Jewelry and art works that require fast and safe transportation, with virtually zero claims.

Perishable foodstuffs:

Fresh produce, flowers and plants that can deteriorate in a short period of time.

Dangerous goods:

Products that may pose a risk to health and/or the environment.

Similarly, airfreight is specific to companies and industries that operate just-in-time logistics. For example, the shipping and automotive industries work with continuous supply flows, which requires the delivery of goods to any part of the world just when they are needed.

Regulations applicable to the transportation of goods by air

Warsaw Convention

Convention on Civil Aviation and other rules relating to international air transport.

Montreal Convention

International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage by Air.

IATA DGR

Dangerous Goods Regulations for Air Transportation.

What to know about airfreight cargo

What are the logistics involved in air freight?

Aircraft for air transport are divided into mixed aircraft and cargo aircraft. Some transport both passengers and cargo, while others are dedicated only to the international transport of goods.

Cargo aircraft therefore have features that enhance their functionality. For example, they usually have a wider fuselage to accommodate bulky cargo. There are also super transport aircraft that can carry large loads.

One of the main challenges of this transportation system is the handling of cargo on the ground. Industrial packaging for air cargo must be lightweight and secure. It often involves a combination of custom packaging design and the use of packaging aids and technologies that help maximize space and minimize the risk of damage during shipment.

Logistics companies must ensure that goods are properly packaged and labeled and comply with regulations governing the transportation of goods, including prohibitions on hazardous materials or perishable goods.

 

At 360 Eco Packaging, we offer customized packaging solutions that ensure cargo integrity at every stage of air transportation. Contact us today.

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Rail Transport

Rail Transport

By 360 Ecopackaging On 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 transport

Rail freight transport regulations

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

 

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.

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Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

Maritime transport: Practical guide to shipment of goods

By 360 Ecopackaging On 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:

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

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.

 

  1. 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
Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods
Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

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.

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

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).

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

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.

Maritime transport Practical guide to shipment of goods

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

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Types of folding packaging III: Wooden Crates

Types of folding packaging III: Wooden Crates

By 360 Ecopackaging On 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®:

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).

Types of folding packaging III Wooden Crates

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.

Types of folding packaging III Wooden Crates

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.

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TYPES OF FOLDING PACKAGING PLASTIC

Types of folding packaging II: Foldable Plastic Packaging

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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.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

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.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

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.

Foldable Plastic Packaging

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.

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Types of folding Packaging

Types of folding packaging I: Cardboard Folding Packages

By 360 Ecopackaging On 0 Comments

Supply chain security, inflation and sustainability are some of the major challenges that companies face. Among other things, we will discuss the advantages of folding carton packaging.

In the packaging industry, we find ourselves in a market where the demand for sustainable products is growing, the trend is to reduce single-use packaging and to optimize transport and storage costs.

Folding packaging meets all these requirements perfectly. With this post, we begin a series of articles to explain which ones are going to be the most frequently used and what benefits they bring to companies.

Advantages of Foldable Packaging

Quality folding packaging meets all the conditions for use in logistical operations with full guarantees. Their efficiency is proven every day in the storage and transport of goods in any industry.

In addition to strength and safety, they provide a series of advantages that have a direct impact on logistics cost savings:

  • Greater space utilization. When not in use, folding packaging takes up less space in the warehouse, which allows for better management.
  • Ease of handling. It is ergonomic and facilitates assembly/disassembly, with little need for tools. This cuts work times and minimizes possible damage caused by handling.

In addition, they can be made of cardboard, metal or plastic. In this post we will focus on cardboard folding packaging.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard Folding Packaging

By its nature, cardboard packaging is considered one of the most efficient on the market. Its popularity is increasing, due to the rise of ecommerce and the ongoing debate on sustainability and ecopackaging.

Cardboard is a natural, resistant and recyclable material, whose versatility makes it the best alternative for creating sustainable and original packaging solutions. Most are also reusable, so they can be used efficiently until the end of their useful life.

Types of folding packaging I_ Cardboard Folding Packages

Cardboard boxes and pallet boxes

In industrial packaging we use corrugated cardboard, which, unlike other types of cardboard, is the strongest and most durable. Corrugated cardboard boxes in standard sizes or large-volume cardboard boxes can be used for packing and palletizing light and heavy goods, either alone or in combination with protective and cushioning solutions.

When the type of load requires a folding solution of greater resistance, we can opt for the pallet-box, a mixed packaging. In the pallet-box, the cardboard box is reinforced at the base and sides with wooden slats to facilitate storage and picking.

Types of folding packaging I_Cardboard Folding Packages

In 360 Eco Packaging we develop efficient packaging solutions that provide savings along the entire supply chain. Contact us.

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Challenges facing the battery industry

Challenges facing the Battery Industry

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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.

Challenges facing the battery industry

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.

Challenges facing the battery industry

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

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Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

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Pharmaceutical packaging plays a fundamental role in the protection of medicines during storage and transport. Tablets, syrups, ampoules, vaccines… Everything must be packaged in compliance with strict safety requirements so that they reach the patient in optimum conditions.

In addition, the way in which medicines are administered determines the design of the packaging, which must facilitate opening and dosing.

 

Pharmaceutical packaging regulations

Pharmaceutical packaging is regulated by different regulations aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines, as well as the protection of people and the environment.

In Europe, Directive 2001/83/EC determines the information, packaging and labeling that medicinal products must carry. There are also specific rules governing other aspects, such as protection against counterfeit medicines (Directive 2011/62/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council) and waste management (Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council).

Types of pharmaceutical packaging

The most common types of packaging in the pharmaceutical sector are:

Blister:

Consists of a plastic or aluminum foil containing the drug, allowing its administration in doses such as tablets, individual capsules, dragees, etc.

Bottle:

Made of glass or plastic, used for the storage of liquids and solids.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Which packaging is the most suitable for the pharmaceutical sector?

Pharmaceutical products are a delicate type of goods, which require special control conditions during the whole packaging process. Therefore, a pharmaceutical packaging must be able to keep the medicines intact throughout the entire supply chain.

For example, using opaque materials that protect it from light, that act as a barrier to water vapor and oxygen, and with a correct sealing and immobilization that prevents degradation or overturning of the product.

In this sense, corrugated cardboard boxes on wooden or cardboard pallets are an interesting option, because they are suitable for both storage and transport of this type of merchandise.

They are also compatible with the standardized European and American palletizing systems and, as they are certified with the ISPM -15 phytosanitary seal, they are suitable for export.

In addition, auxiliary fastening systems such as strapping help to keep the goods securely fastened. Likewise, desiccant salts absorb the humidity inside the packaging during transit.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

Sustainable pharmaceutical packaging

Pharmaceutical packaging is constantly evolving. Innovation, sustainability and safety set the trends in the sector.

Environmental impact is another of the challenges facing the industry. In the area of primary packaging, the first steps are being taken in the manufacture of recyclable paper blister packs.

Regarding secondary and tertiary packaging, 360 Eco Packaging has been developing sustainable packaging for years, using reusable and recyclable materials. All this together with an optimization service aimed at helping companies implement more efficient logistics, with lower energy consumption and less impact on nature.

Contact us.

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Lithium packaging

Safe transport of Lithium Batteries

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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).

lithium batteries

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

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