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Tag Archives: packing for international transport

Mechanical Impact Detectors
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Mechanical Impact Detectors

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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.

Mechanical Impact Detectors

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.

Mechanical Impact Detectors

Their placement is generally:

  1. For a box with a side-to-side proportionality of approximately 1:1
Mechanical Impact Detectors

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

Mechanical Impact Detectors

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).

Mechanical Impact Detectors

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).

What is the Best Packing Material
Industrial packaging

What is the Best Packing Material

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We begin by showing you a list of some of the most common packaging materials and their main advantages.

The choice of the best packaging material depends on the type of product to be transported or stored, as well as the conditions to which it will be exposed.

 

Cardboard:

It is a versatile and economical packaging material that is commonly used for boxes and packaging. It is durable and easy to recycle.

What is the Best Packing Material

Plastic:

It is a durable and durable packaging material, making it ideal for products that require protection against water or moisture. However, it can sometimes be difficult to recycle.

What is the Best Packing Material

Wood:

It is used for the manufacture of packaging that requires greater resistance to shocks and impacts, such as drawers or industrial pallets.

What is the Best Packing Material

Taking into account everything seen above, we conclude that there is no material that is best for all situations, but it is important to carefully assess the needs of each product and the conditions to which it will be exposed in order to determine the most suitable packaging material.

Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)
Industrial packaging

Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)

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Our flagship product, Clipping Crate. A reusable, economical, easy, waterproof box with an innovative design: the packaging of the present and the future.

Whenever you want to review our wide range of products do not hesitate to enter our company’s website.

Now we continue explaining different features of our Clipping Crate.

 

Can I export with Clipping Crate?

 

All our wood has been subjected to heat treatment, having reached 56º Celsius in the center for at least 30 minutes, so we comply with the international standard ISPM-15 which certifies that the wood is free of pests and harmful bacteria. This is an essential requirement for all wooden packaging traveling outside the European Union.

 

What if the crate is damaged?

 

Thanks to its design, the Clipping Crate has its own system that allows damaged parts to be replaced, whether they are sides, lids or bases, so that the damaged part only needs to be replaced by another with identical characteristics without the need to buy a new box.

Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)

How and when can I get my Clipping Crate?

Thanks to a simple storage system designed for the Clipping Crate, the customer can have all the standard components he wants with a delivery time of 24 to 48 hours in Spain, transport costs included, which avoids stressful situations that many companies suffer given the unforeseen events that can always arise at the last minute.

Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)

This storage system allows us to see the available stock of each reference at all times, being able to store up to 400 boxes, in such a way that, as shown in the image, the large boxes containing boards have small glazed windows in which up to 10 boards can be observed horizontally, facilitating the stock count. On its base, each box has a reference to indicate whether it is a side, top or base, followed by a number that identifies the length by width of the board.

Taking into account that many of the references of sides, tops and bases can be combined with each other, with only 15 references of sides, 17 of tops and bases, up to 34 different boxes can be created, all standardized and made available to the customer immediately.

 

Why Clipping Crate?

 

As if all the above were not enough, Clipping Crate also offers you the possibility of taking care of your product’s image in two ways:

 

  • Its careful design makes it an extension of your brand, taking care of the details and providing a modern, simple and not at all clumsy packaging, unlike other conventional wooden packaging. Useful both for transporting a load and for interior design or commercial stands, thanks to its accessories (handles, closures, wheels or upholstery).
Trade fair_Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)
  • We also have laser marking for printing your own logo or company slogan on the panels, so you can further customize your Clipping Crate to suit your business needs.

 

With Clipping Crate all are advantages: the best price, the best quality, the most careful design and the greatest possible reuse linked to the lowest cost and care for our environment.

How many pallets can fit in a trailer
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

How many Pallets can fit in a trailer?

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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.

How many pallets can fit in a trailer

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:

 

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

European Pallets EPAL

  • 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.

American pallet

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.

Packaging for medical equipment
Circular packaging, Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Packaging for Medical Equipment

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

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

 

How should be the packaging of health equipment

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

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

 

1. Insulation

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

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

Desiccant Salts

2. Protection

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

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

Health Equipment Packaging

Why use wooden packaging for medical equipment?

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

 

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

 

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

Packaging for medical equipment

3. Immobilization

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

Health Equipment Packaging

4. Control

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

 

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

Desiccant/Dehydrating salts
Maritime packaging, Physical and chemical protection, Transport and logistics

Desiccant Salts

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Desiccant salts, also called dehydrating salts, are chemical compounds that absorb moisture and water in very different ratios, depending on the amount of desiccants and their chemical composition, and can regenerate if subjected to a temperature above 150ºC.

There are different types of desiccant, the most common are:

 

  • Silica gel

These are small solid pellets of silicon dioxide obtained from sodium silicate. Despite being a chemical compound, it is not toxic or flammable by itself, although one of its components is highly toxic to humans if ingested or in contact with it for a long time, as it could cause silicosis. This is cobalt chloride, which is used to determine the amount of moisture in the gel. In this way, it causes the gel to change color when wet, varying from blue (dry) to pink.

Desiccant Salts

  • Bentonite

Is a very fine-grained (colloidal) clay of the montmorillonite type containing bases and iron. The name derives from a deposit found at Fort Benton, USA. The particle size is less than 0.03% of the average grain size of kaolinite.

Desiccant Salts

  • Calcium chloride

In addition to its use in pharmaceuticals and food, this compound is used as a desiccant, given its moisture-absorbing qualities. It is less common than silica gel, although it does not contain toxic elements and has a higher degree of moisture absorption. The problem is that it is not advisable to use it in spaces that are not hermetically sealed, since it runs the risk of liquefying, with the consequent elimination of its absorption capacity.

Desiccant Salts

Measures

 

There are four different units for measuring desiccants. The most commonly used due to their standardization are grams, but we also find NFH, DIN units and MIL units.

These would be the equivalences between them, taking as a reference the most used measurements:

Equivalency table

We recommend the use of one half kilo bag (16 DIN units) of desiccant or dehydrating salts per cubic meter. As a guideline, we can indicate that for a 20 feet container it is advisable to use 20 bags of 1 kg. These data are estimates since, depending on the cargo to be transported (sensitivity to oxidation and/or corrosion mainly), the proportion of salts should be adjusted to maintain the relative humidity at the established rates.

 

Packaging

 

The desiccant can be purchased in bulk or packaged in breathable bags for use in containers or inside packaging.

The bags are made of non-woven textile so that moisture passes through them and can be picked up by the compound. Now, certain desiccant manufacturers have begun using another material called Tyvek, which is used primarily in home and building construction to prevent moisture.

This material is made of high-density polyethylene and nonwoven olefin fiber, so it is highly breathable and its uses are very diverse. Although it looks like paper, we must not forget that it is plastic when it comes to recycling.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this section, desiccant bags are frequently used in containers for shipping goods by sea.

Salt compounds and moisture can cause damage to the goods. For this reason, many containers come with special cables or rings for the placement of desiccants.

In this case, a hook or hooks, usually made of plastic or metal, are added to the bags to attach them to the walls of the container. If the container has no means of hanging the bag, many manufacturers incorporate a special adhesive to attach the bag directly to the inner side walls.

 

Other remarks

 

There is a chemical compound called dimethyl fumarate, DMF, which is also used as a desiccant.

Years ago the Finnish doctor Tapio Rantanen discovered that it can cause severe allergic reactions and large skin eczema, even in very small proportions, after the marketing of this product in sofas by a Chinese company, with the aim of preventing the furniture from deteriorating with humidity, resulting in several cases of affected people in several countries around the world, including Spain.

For this reason it is very important to make sure that the desiccant that we are going to use is free of this substance and that it has passed the pertinent controls that indicate it.

It is also common to find in the desiccant packages cards indicating the moisture content of the salts, thus warning if it is necessary to replace the package in case they no longer absorb water vapor.

Indicator cards

These cards work by changing color, in such a way that when their blue color disappears and turns to a light pink, as in the case of silica gel, it means that the desiccant salts have already exhausted their absorption capacity.

 

In conclusion, you will have to choose the type of desiccant that you believe convenient and in the right measure depending on the volume of the load and how it is packed. It is always advisable to use it, since humidity is present everywhere and in certain regions and countries more than in others, but above all it is an indispensable requirement for sea and river transport, combining it with other types of materials for adequate protection.

Packaging for exporting automotive products
Circular packaging, Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Packaging for Exporting Automotive Products

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

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

 

Packaging solutions for the automotive industry

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

 

Custom Packaging

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

 

Protections and packaging for batteries

 

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

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

 

Packaging for the automotive and railway industry

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

Solar Panels
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

What is the most suitable packaging for transporting Solar Panels?

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Demand for solar panels is experiencing strong growth in the European market as a result of rising electricity and gas prices. In Spain, solar energy grew by 37% in 2021 compared to the previous year. And everything points to this trend consolidating thanks to the aid plans for self-consumption, the agility in installation licenses and greater environmental awareness.

 

Packaging manufacturers are no strangers to this energy transformation. For years, packaging engineering has been providing solutions for large and heavy equipment, machinery and goods that require special treatment for storage and transport, such as packaging for glass, crystal and solar panels.

 

Factors to consider when transporting Solar Panels

 

Not all goods are the same and do not need the same protection. It is important to know what type of packaging to use depending on our merchandise to protect it against external agents such as heat, humidity, corrosion or impacts that it may suffer during the journey and arrive at its destination as if it had just left the factory.

 

Solar panels are composed of photovoltaic cells formed by silicon wafers. Due to their nature, they require packaging that is suitable for their weight, allows stacking and incorporates protective elements that absorb possible vibrations or impacts that could compromise their integrity.

 

Until recently in the solar energy sector, it was common to use metal racks for the maritime transport of containerized solar panels. However, metal is vulnerable to corrosion. And these types of metal structures are often damaged by repeated use of the forklift’s claw, resulting in a shorter service life.

 

As a result, they have been replaced by logistical solutions that are more advantageous in terms of both safety and economic profitability.

 

Advantages of wood packaging for solar panels and glass

 

Wood is a durable material, which allows for greater customization and reusability of the packaging.

Specialized packaging for the solar industry stands out for its maximum capacity optimization, being between 5 and 7 percent higher than other packaging used in this sector. By maximizing the number of pieces per container, direct savings in transportation costs are achieved.

 

As in the case of glass packaging, wood packaging for solar panels complies with ISPM15 certification for international transport, and is equipped with corner protection to prevent possible breakage of parts during transport.

 

Another benefit is the ease of handling. As it does not use nails, it can be assembled without the need for tools, making this task faster and safer. And since all its components can be disassembled, the space it takes up after use is minimal.

 

Today there are customized packaging solutions that adapt to the particularities of each merchandise and sector.

 

Contact us for a correct choice.

 

Maritime packaging, Protection-and-padding, Transport and logistics

Maritime packaging and its characteristics

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After more than 80 years of experience in the sector, we have assisted our clients in the great controversy and confusion generated by this term.

So, maritime packaging and its characteristics is the main topic of today’s post. What essential elements are need to be used to comply with the regulations

Maritime packaging

 

To talk about maritime packaging we must take into account two parameters: oxidation-corrosion and the geographical situation.

1 OXIDATION – CORROSION

If the material of the load to be transported is sensitive to corrosion and oxidation, such as metal parts without surface treatment or electronic equipment (among the most common), we have to pay attention to the type of packaging that we will use to prevent the deterioration of the merchandise.

Discover our anti-corrosion products here.

The high concentration of water, steam and saline compounds make it necessary to design a protection system  that maintains a neutral atmosphere and isolates the burden of these external factors.

Among the elements that we can use for this purpose, we can highlight the insulating systems such as aluminum bags, shrink wrapping or VCI and environmental dehydration systems such as moisture absorbing salts.

It is essential to select the best insulating system, which will depend on the load we transport. They can be combined with those of environmental dehydration, always having to assess in the latter what will be the correct material and quantity for the complete elimination of excess water vapor inside the packaging, since not all dehydrating salts have the same percentage absorption.

In addition, there are different ways to measure this ratio depending on the area in which we are. Here are some examples of the most standardized measures with their respective equivalences.

 

2 GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION

Due to the international nature of transport and provided that the packaging has wood as a raw material, it is necessary to comply with the International Standard on Phytosanitary Measures ISPM 15, only to export to countries outside the European Union. For this it is necessary that all packaging bears its corresponding marking and certificate (the latter when required by the phytosanitary protection agencies of the countries of destination. The standard does not make it mandatory, but in some cases they request it due to ignorance).

ISPM 15 processed wood requirements
ISPM15 processed wood

 

Therefore, in most cases the wooden packaging must be marked with the ISPM15 of the supplier, but this is not always the case. For example, if we take a cargo to Denmark by ship, we will need anti-oxidation protection for the merchandise, but we will not need the ISPM15 marking as it is an EU member country. On the contrary, if we export to Russia and do it by road, we will need another type of cargo protection that does not necessarily have to be anti-oxidation, although we must comply with the international standard ISPM 15.

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