Transport Archives - Page 2 of 5

Types of warehouses and their characteristics

By 360 Ecopackaging On 21 de August de 2023 9 Comments

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

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

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

Warehouses by logistics activity

Production warehouse

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

Central warehouse

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

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

Distribution warehouse

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

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

Transit Warehouse

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

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

Temporary warehouse

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

Other types of warehouses

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

The building:

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

The type of product:

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

Level of mechanization:

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

What type of warehouse does your company use?

Securing loads with Airbags

By 360 Ecopackaging On 17 de August de 2023 41 Comments

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

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

What are packaging airbags?

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

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

Which airbag do I need to protect my cargo?

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

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

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

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

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

Types of airbags and characteristics

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

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

Raffia:

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

Kraft paper:

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

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

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

What is Just in Time logistics?

By 360 Ecopackaging On 11 de August de 2023 0 Comments

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

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

What is the Just in Time method?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages of JIT

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

Disadvantages of JIT

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

Packaging for Just in Time logistics

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

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

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

7 milestones in the history of packaging

By 360 Ecopackaging On 2 de August de 2023 1 Comment

Since ancient times man has had the need to protect his belongings, hence the following post on the history of packaging and its evolution.

Over the years the evolution of the history of packaging has been parallel to the economic and social development of the time. As manufacturers of industrial packaging, these are for us the 7 most important milestones in the history of packaging.

1. From clay to wood for transporting wine

In ancient Rome, large clay containers were already used to store and transport wine. The clay amphorae and jars were airtight and protected the wine from oxidation. Upon conquering French lands, the Roman Empire discovered the wooden barrel; an easy-to-handle container, lighter and more consistent than clay for transporting wine from Greece, Gaul and Hispania.

This was the way it was done for centuries until glass arrived. In the 17th century the use of the bottle became widespread. However, wood continued to be a highly valued packaging in the logistics of the wine sector.

2. The emergence of corrugated cardboard

The Chinese are considered to be the first to use corrugated cardboard in the 16th century. However, it was the pleats of Victorian fashion in the mid-19th century that led to the development of corrugated cardboard.

In 1856 Healy and Allen patented in England the use of pleated paper as an inner reinforcement for stiff top hats. Years later, the American pharmacist A. Jones came up with the idea of wrapping fries in corrugated cardboard. Jones came up with the idea of wrapping perfume bottles in corrugated paper to protect them from knocks.

In 1874, Oliver Long improved Jones’ patent by adhering the corrugated paper to a flat sheet of paper and then to two flat sheets of paper. Liners were born, the structure of corrugated cardboard that provides the compression and strength of the cardboard boxes we use today.

In 1890 Robert Gair invented the corrugated box and the American Thompson and Norris Co. began manufacturing the first boxes.

Today the cardboard box is the preferred packaging for ecommerce due to its lightness, strength and low cost.

3. The arrival of the europallet

It was not until World War II that the use of pallets became popular for moving military equipment. Until then, wooden crates, skids or barrels were used to move the goods.

At the end of the war, the first American pallet patents were registered. However, train wagons in Europe had dimensions in which they did not fit well, so it was necessary to reduce them and regulate their manufacture so that they all had the same dimensions and could make better use of space. In the 60’s the Euro pallet was born.

Since 1991 the European Pallet Association (EPAL) issues licenses to manufacturers and under the EPAL seal certifies the quality of the pallet and identifies reliable suppliers.

4. The collapsible wooden box, a step towards packaging engineering

During World War II, the Allied side had to make a great logistical effort to get weapons, equipment and medical supplies by ship and plane to the places in conflict. One of the biggest challenges was shipping war vehicles.

The Jeep automobile company had designed the “Willys,” an agile and rugged all-terrain vehicle, the forerunner of the 4×4 we know today. For domestic shipments, vehicles were stacked on top of each other on pallets. But shipping them across the ocean required special packaging. And an innovative solution was found: the disassemblable wooden crate.

The “Willys” was stored in pieces and once at destination the crate was disassembled, allowing access to the vehicle and assembly in a matter of minutes.

Today, packaging engineering continues to successfully meet the challenges of the automotive sector.

5. The expansion of plastic

The origin of plastic is related to the game of billiards. An American company decided to award 10,000 dollars to whoever could create a material to replace ivory, which was scarce at the time, to manufacture billiard balls. In 1870, the Hyatt brothers chemically modified cellulose to produce celluloid, winning the contest and obtaining the first plastic in history.

In 1907, Baekeland invented Bakelite, the first fully synthetic commercial plastic, described as thermosetting, insulating and resistant to water, acids and moderate heat. In the following decades, new plastics derived from the processing of fossil fuels, such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were investigated.

At present, the applications of plastic are infinite, and it is a very common material in the manufacture of returnable containers and packaging for industrial use.

6. The box that revolutionized the transport of goods: the sea container.

Since they made the first transatlantic crossing in the mid-twentieth century, sea containers have revolutionized the transport of goods. Before their appearance, ships were loaded manually, which meant long waits in port.

The businessman Malcolm McClean came up with a system whereby cargo could be stacked inside a large metal box and transported by ship or truck. Thus was born the container, which made its first trip in 1956, from New Jersey to Houston.

A decade after its first trip, the ISO (International Standard Organization) developed standards for its international use. Containerization led to a reduction in the cost and time of freight transport, giving way to intermodality.

7. Ecopackaging and sustainable packaging

In the mid-twentieth century the packaging industry began its development and today continues to evolve.

With self-service, marketing, the computer and the internet, packaging began to spread, becoming a competitive advantage for companies and a lure for the consumer.

Today, the Circular Economy model and the preferences of an increasingly eco-conscious consumer force the industry to look for sustainable packaging solutions, designed from the source to reduce the use of resources and revalue their waste, without forgetting their original purpose: to protect the goods.

How to Retract a Merchandise

By 360 Ecopackaging On 29 de May de 2023 1 Comment

The shrink wrapping of goods is a process used to secure and protect products during transport or prolonged storage.

This type of plastic creates a protective film capable of protecting items against adverse atmospheric conditions (UV rays, rain, wind…).

Materials needed for shrink wrapping

Below, we provide you with the necessary materials to shrink wrap effectively:

Steps to follow to shrink-wrap goods

Prepare the load: the first step is to place the products in an organized way, making sure that they are well secured and that they do not move.

Cut the shrink wrap: next, cut the necessary amount of shrink wrap to completely cover the load. It is important that the shrink wrap is long enough to seal the bottom of the pallet.

Place the shrink wrap over the load: once the shrink wrap is cut, unfold it over the load and check that it is completely covered. If it is not well covered, adjust its position.

Seal the plastic at the bottom: with the help of the clamp, seal the plastic to the bottom of the load, so that it is taut and tight, to avoid wrinkles or air pockets.

Apply heat: in this step, repeat the same process as in the previous procedure, but this time it is done on the load. Again, it is important to avoid possible wrinkles or air pockets.

Finish shrink-wrapping: the last step is to check that there are no gaps or goods exposed to the elements. In case of an error, this piece should be covered with more plastic or with specific adhesive tape.

By following these steps, you can confidently and effectively shrink-wrap your merchandise, ensuring its protection and security during transportation or storage.

Shrink-wrapping offers many benefits, such as safeguarding against dust, moisture, and tampering, while also providing a professional and presentable appearance. Remember to carefully select the appropriate shrink plastic and ensure a tight seal using a Shrink-Wrap Gun. With these techniques, you can retract your merchandise with ease and peace of mind.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to streamline your packaging process or an individual seeking to protect valuable items, mastering the art of shrink-wrapping is a valuable skill. With practice and attention to detail, you can ensure that your merchandise arrives in its intended condition, impressing customers and preserving the quality of your products.

So, embrace the advantages of shrink-wrapping and confidently package your merchandise with the knowledge and skills gained from this guide. Efficiently securing your goods will not only save you time and money but also enhance the overall customer experience.

Bubble Wrap

By 360 Ecopackaging On 25 de May de 2023 0 Comments

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Mechanical Impact Detectors

By 360 Ecopackaging On 22 de May de 2023 0 Comments

There are two types of impact detectors: mechanical and electronic.

This time we will focus on mechanical devices, they are the most used and the most affordable due to their simple architecture. They are capable of detecting impacts on one or more axes and there are tared models with different g-force sensitivities.

Therefore, we can classify these detectors as:

One-dimensional

Mechanical detectors that capture accelerations in only one axis (one direction and two directions).

These detectors are the most commonly used, there are sticker type (with adhesive) that are easily anchored to the packaging to be controlled.

Their placement is generally:

For a box with a side-to-side proportionality of approximately 1:1

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

3. The heights “h” at which the indicator should be positioned may vary depending on the load, the g-force and the manufacturer.

Most of these indicators are activated by changing color (red) when the maximum set acceleration has been exceeded, it does not show a history of events, for that an electronic detector would be necessary.

Two-dimensional

Mechanical detectors that capture accelerations in two axes (two directions with their two senses).

These detectors are capable of detecting impacts in two directions and even show the direction, sense and modulus of the maximum force to which the load was subjected as shown in the above simulation (provided it is within the operating range of the detector).

Their placement is generally done by means of four screws (per detector) and unlike the one-dimensional ones, their location in the case does not generally interfere in the operation.

There are two main types: magnetic and combined sphere-spring system.

Both are two-dimensional and allow the working accelerations g to be adjusted (depending on their type of construction).

What is the Best Packing Material

By 360 Ecopackaging On 16 de May de 2023 0 Comments

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.

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.

Wood:

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

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 (Features)

By 360 Ecopackaging On 11 de May de 2023 0 Comments

We have been reviewing different packaging products that help us to preserve and transport our goods in perfect condition, all of them for sale in our company.

For this reason, today is the turn to talk about our flagship product, the Clipping Crate. A reusable, economical, easy, waterproof box with an innovative design: the packaging of the present and the future.

After years of research, what started as an idea came to life and became a serious project to improve the wood packaging sector as we knew it. Gone were the bulky boxes built with nails, difficult to move and of great volume and weight.

What is the Clipping Crate?

360 Eco Packaging is one of the first European companies to have patents in the packaging sector, one of them is the Clipping Crate, the first with fastening system by staples or galvanized zinc clips, which provide strength and flexibility. In this way, a single person can assemble and disassemble the box without the help of tools.

How does it work?

It facilitates the packaging of products difficult to move, especially when it comes to goods with a lot of weight and volume, since, once placed on the base, it is only necessary to place the corresponding sides and lid securing them with staples, easy and fast wood.

Since many international shipments are opened for customs inspection, it is a useful tool that can be opened and closed in the same way without damage to the box or nails to be nailed and uncoiled, saving time and worries.

Why do I save with Clipping Crate?

Being a detachable box, it saves logistics costs, since it takes up less space, either for transport or to be stored. It is not necessary to have a large amount of free space for storage until its reuse and, in terms of transport, costs are greatly minimized, since the height of the folded and palletized box decreases.

What size boxes have?

The Clipping Crate is standardized, which means that we have a wide range of measures in stock to cover any need, without forgetting that each packaging is unique and, In the same way, the customer who wishes can request your customized Clipping Crate with the measures you need.

Can it be reused?

The Clipping Crate, for its strength and durability, can be used again, although the number of reuses is subject to the material of the box (plywood, OSB or chipboard) and to the use that is granted at all times.

Clipping Crate Avant

Made of 15 mm plywood for the sides and 12 mm for the cover and base, makes up the high range of our product to be the most resistant.

Clipping Crate Basic

Made of chipboard, is the most economical and has the least capacity for reuse. Its sides, lid and base are 15 mm thick.

Clipping Crate Fresh

Made of OSB 15 mm for the sides and 12 mm for the lid and base, is the standard quality-price product, since this material, in addition to strong, is economical, so it represents the best alternative to obtain the highest quality at the lowest price.

What does it mean that the box is eco-friendly?

The wood we use for our boxes comes only from sustained felling. In this way, we help to stop the indiscriminate felling of trees, protecting the environment. It has the distinctive international PECF that guarantees the correct environmental management of the forests from which it comes. In addition, our commitment is to plant one tree for each Clipping Crate supplied.

Not only that, but thanks to its reuse and the replacement of damaged parts, we contribute to consuming less wood, a material that is also easily recyclable.

Soon we will have a new post with more information about our flagship product the Clipping Crate.

Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)

By 360 Ecopackaging On 8 de May de 2023 0 Comments

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.

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.

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.

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