Tag Archives: storage

Oversized Packaging
Industrial packaging

Oversized Packaging

Any goods can be moved from one side of the world to the other by sea, air or road. However, there are loads that, due to their volume or dimensions, require special packaging and modes of transport to be able to do so.

In this post we will talk about packaging for large loads, or also known as packaging for large dimensions or packaging for oversized cargo.

 

What is oversized cargo?

We refer to oversized cargo when, due to its size or tonnage, it cannot be transported in a conventional way, being necessary to resort to specially designed and manufactured solutions to be able to handle it safely.

For example, industrial machinery such as large engines, construction materials such as beams or pipes, as well as all types of packaging for aeronautical, automotive or renewable energy parts such as wind blades or solar panels.

Today, most of the companies in the industrial sector that operate at an international level need a goods protection service for large parts or loads.

Oversized Packaging

Packaging for oversized cargoes – Main considerations

In most cases, it must be approved for export, which means that it has to comply with ISPM-15 certification to avoid any problems at customs.

In addition, it must be reinforced to efficiently support the weight, and if we are talking about bulky goods, it may require a special platform to facilitate its movement.

Oversized Packaging

Phases when designing an oversized package

The first step is to conduct a preliminary study on the needs of the cargo: weight, size or other requirements. From production to delivery, each step is carefully planned and comprehensively oriented.

Our technical department develops the best type of protection taking into account factors such as packaging efficiency, use of sustainable materials and space optimization during transport, all from the best technical and economical point of view.

Mechanical considerations

At 360 Eco Packaging we are manufacturers, which allows us to offer ad-hoc packaging according to the needs of our customers.

The designs not only take into account the shape and size of the cargo, but also the use of products approved for storage and lashing in sea containers and trailers.

These are packaging aids, such as heat-sealable plastic and shrink-wrapped plastic, which act as reinforcement against external agents to protect items susceptible to damage by external agents, as well as retention systems to stabilize it, even if it has suffered some kind of impact during the logistics process.

Oversized Packaging

Economic Considerations

We also pay attention to the economic factor. We know that an excess of material and accessories could increase the cost associated with the process. Therefore, the custom design must be economically viable for the customer without compromising cargo safety.

 

Production and delivery

If necessary, we can carry out packaging of the goods at the customer’s facilities.

Please contact us without any commitment.

Pharmaceutical product Packaging
Industrial packaging

Pharmaceutical product Packaging

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.

Packaging for batteries

Battery packaging, essentials and main factors to be taken into account

In our more than 80 years, 360 Eco Packaging has manufactured many certified packaging for dangerous goods and explosives, so we want to mention that we are members of the Subcommittee CTN 192 SC 03 (UNE/ISO) in the development of a new regulation in the field of transport of dangerous goods with AENOR and the Ministry of Industry (ISO 16495 development).

In this post, we will talk about the packaging and batteries shipping, including those coming from the automotive sector as one of the most complex in the field of transport and logistics.

To begin with, we must take into account the type of item to be transported; in this case, batteries classified as hazardous under current regulations. Therefore, as a normative and legal basis we must take among others the ADR code that identifies this type of element in category 2, class 9.

For the different types of batteries, this ADR code classifies them according to their construction material, for example:

  • Lithium-ion battery: UN No. 3480
  • Lithium metal battery: UN No 3090
  • Nickel-metal hydride battery: UN No. 3496
UN 3480

In this link, you can consult all the information.

Once the type of battery to be protected has been defined, the ADR code defines specific instructions for each type of battery depending on different parameters such as: the point in its life cycle, the degree of deterioration, whether it is installed in equipment, etc.

After this short introduction, we will try to answer the main questions that may arise:

What are ADR boxes or certified packaging for battery transport?

The certified packaging for the transport of batteries or ADR crates for batteries is a type of packaging specifically designed and developed for this purpose.

These crates come with the product from the factory to the recycling plant.  In other words, we offer the solution for the entire circuit from the point of view of savings, since the cost is the minimum.

Therefore, the packaging not only serves as a mere means of protection, but is positioned as a key link in the value chain that makes up the life cycle of the batteries.

 

Why is the transport of batteries classified as dangerous?

Mainly, because due to their construction type, this type of batteries are sensitive to impacts and sudden temperature changes, and there is a risk of internal component leakage, explosion or fire due to high temperature, among others.

Therefore, it is essential to minimize these risks by designing a packaging that contains and minimizes them.

 

Can damaged batteries be transported?

Yes, as we mentioned at the beginning of this post, there is a specific regulation for these issues.

In this case, it is a robust packaging capable of containing and retaining liquid spills, thus avoiding explosions, perforations, deterioration or other types of incidents capable of damaging not only the product but also causing damage to the population or the environment.

Lithium Battery

As a conclusion, storing, transporting and shipping a battery correctly ensures that the risks involved are eliminated or minimized.

Keeping the battery at a suitable temperature is essential to avoid spontaneous combustion. These types of batteries are very sensitive to humidity, high and low temperatures. In addition to the main packaging, there are temperature and humidity detectors capable of monitoring these parameters.

Finally, it must be taken into account that the transport agency with which the service is carried out must be certified for this type of shipment. They must be qualified for the transport of dangerous goods and comply with the established regulations.

How Just in Case logistics Works
Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

How Just in Case logistics Works

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.

How Just in Case logistics Works

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.

How Just in Case logistics Works

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.

How Just in Case logistics Works

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.

How Just in Case logistics Works
Types of warehouses and their characteristics
Transport and logistics

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

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.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

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.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

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.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

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.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

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.

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

What type of warehouse does your company use?

Bubble Wrap
Industrial packaging, Protection-and-padding

Bubble Wrap

In today’s post we will develop a very employed element in packaging, the alveolar film, more commonly known as bubble wrap.

This type of film can be used in the packaging of fragile and small objects, such as the packaging of parts for industrial use, as well as insulation in sectors such as construction.

This type of film is a transparent and flexible material, composed of polyethylene plastic sheets joined together by mechanical-thermal methods, which allows the formation of air bubbles, its main characteristic, these bubbles provide excellent cushioning and insulating properties.

Bubble Wrap

Types of bubble film

 

2-layer bubble film or Simple:

This type of bubble film is composed of only two sheets of polyethylene, which makes its manufacturing process very simple.

The first film or layer used passes through a perforated cylinder that suctions it by pressure, then it is sealed with the second layer by means of heat, which creates air bubbles.

Bubble Wrap
Bubble Wrap

3-layer bubble film or Closed:

The 3-layer or closed bubble film is made of 3 polyethylene sheets, which makes it more resistant than the simple film.

The creation process has few differences with respect to the simple film, the fundamental difference, as its name suggests, is that a third sheet of polyethylene is added on top, creating a sort of second bubble that cushions impacts, which makes this type of plastic more resistant and improves its properties.

Bubble Wrap

Characteristics of bubble film

 Thickness:

Bubble film can be presented in different thicknesses measured in grams per m2

Thickness – Bubble Type

30g/m2 – Very thin bubble, more economical.

40g/m2 – Commercial bubble

50g/m2 – Standard bubble wrap and highly recommended for all packaging uses.

60g/m2 – Strong bubbles, professional use.

70g/m2 – Very strong and resistant bubble paper.

more than 80 – Extra strong, not very common in packaging.

 

Laminate:

Bubble Wrap
Bubble Wrap

How to use bubble film

One of the most common questions when packaging products with bubble film is the arrangement of the bubbles, that is, whether to put the bubble inside or outside.

We may think that it is indifferent since the order of the factors does not alter the product, but it is not.

Below, we show you two photos with two boxes packed with bubble film, one of them with the bubble facing outwards and the other facing inwards.

As we can see in the first photo in which the bubble is facing outwards, between bubble and bubble we are only protecting our product with a thin layer of flat polyethylene film, which makes the protection decreases considerably, on the other hand, the bubbles are exposed to all kinds of blows, scratches etc. and could be easily punctured.

If we look at the second photo in which the bubble film is with the bubble facing inwards, we can see that the object is completely protected and the bubbles do not run the risk of being punctured.

 

If we use triple-layer bubble film in our pack6aging, we would not have any of these problems, since by creating a second bubble it makes no difference how the film is placed, because a flat surface will always appear on top, with the bubbles placed underneath, which means that they are protected. The use of this type of film would have a higher cost, since it has a more complex manufacturing process.

 

As a final conclusion and after analyzing the honeycomb film in detail, we can see the number of possibilities offered by a product so commonly used in both industrial and domestic use, so depending on our needs we must analyze what type of film or what characteristics it should have to obtain the best results.

Wrapping up our journey through the fascinating world of bubble wrap, we hope you have discovered its importance and versatility in protecting our precious belongings.

As we reflect on the need to reduce environmental impact, let us also remember the value of reusing and recycling this material to minimize its ecological footprint. Let’s continue working together towards a sustainable future!

If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to share them. Contact us.

Returnable packaging plastic
Circular packaging, Ecology, Folding packaging, Industrial packaging

Types of Returnable Packaging III: Plastic Packages

As we told you a few days ago, during this month in the blog, we talked about the different types of returnable packaging that exist.
In this post, we define plastic returnable packaging whose purpose is optimal for transportation and storage over long periods of time.

 

The logistics industry is beginning to clearly perceive the advantages of using returnable transport packaging systems.

Compared to single-use packaging, returnable packaging optimizes the supply chain, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. Although this type of packaging requires an initial investment, it usually pays for itself within the first few months and leads to significant savings in logistics costs. See for yourself by calculating how much you can save per year with returnable packaging.

There is a wide range of returnable packaging solutions for every need. We have already explained which wooden returnable packaging is commonly used and which metal returnable packaging is the most commonly used. In this post we will explain the most commonly used plastic returnable packaging and its benefits.

 

Properties of plastic Packaging

 

Plastic is one of the most commonly used packaging materials. It stands out for its lightness, resistance and high protection against external factors such as humidity, temperature or microorganisms. All these innate characteristics have made it an essential packaging material for the food, agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors.

Plastic packaging can be easily handled. And because of its durability, it is a returnable packaging with an excellent price/performance ratio. Especially now, when due to the scarcity of raw materials such as wood and the rise in market prices, it is a very competitive product.

 

What are the most common plastic returnable packages?

The most commonly used plastic returnable packaging models are:

They are detachable, stackable and very versatile. They can be folded, taking up less storage space. They save 85% in return transport and storage. There is the possibility of providing the box with a lock, securing the goods. Manufactured in polyethylene and polypropylene. They are suitable for food use and are available in different sizes and types.

Foldable plastic box-FlexiCrate ©
Returnable packaging- Plastic
Reusable Packaging - Plastic packaging
Reusable Packaging - Plastic packaging
Reusable Packaging - Plastic packaging
Returnable packaging - Plastic Packaging
  • Removable and reusable plastic packaging.

This type of plastic packaging is characterized by its strength, low weight, reusability and re-stackability. They are available in several standard sizes that cover most of the needs of the packaging sector.

Plastic collapsible crate – Container storage box
Returnable Packaging -Plastic Packaging

Manufactured to support medium and heavy loads, plastic pallets are lightweight, durable and reusable. They are available in a range of standard sizes.

Returnable Packaging_plastic packages
  • Lego pallet/paletkit.

It is a modular plastic pallet that can be disassembled for its return. The parts that deteriorate over time can be easily replaced.  In addition, it is dimensional according to your needs. Being modular, it can be assembled as long as required and benefit from a logistical return.

 

  • Woodyplast collars.

These collars are manufactured with a combination of materials: 70% wood (spruce) and 30% plastic (PP + additives). This mixture is then thermoplastically processed into granules and WPC is obtained. They are highly resistant to moisture and are 100% recyclable. They are available in standard sizes.

Returnable Packaging_plastic packages

In short, there are different plastic returnable packaging that can be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to your conventional packaging system.

 

Contact 360 Eco Packaging. We will help you find the right solution for your logistics processes.

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