Tag Archives: wood

Rail Transport

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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Packing for moving

Nobody is aware of what they have until they have to move, that is why in this post we will talk about packing for moving. Moving our belongings from one place to another requires good planning, starting with choosing the optimal packaging so that the move is resolved quickly and smoothly.

Like any other type of shipment, each move will require different packaging, depending on the contents to be transported and the mode of transport.

Packing for moving

What is the most suitable packing for a move?

The packaging systems for the moving or furniture storage sector share the following characteristics:

Packing for moving

Types of packaging for moving

No two moves are the same. Moving a house is not the same as moving an office where electronic equipment and components are moved, much less a transoceanic move in a container.

Depending on the volume of material to be transported, wooden, cardboard or cardboard combined with wood packaging solutions can be used.

The most common are:

Cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are the most common type of packaging used in removals. As is logical, boxes of different sizes are used, depending on the needs. From a weight of 8 kilos upwards, it is advisable to use two-channel cardboard boxes, which offer greater resistance and protection.

Large-volume cardboard boxes, available with flaps or lids, are used to move large furniture and belongings.

Packing for moving

Folding wooden boxes

Plywood transport crates with lids are the most commonly used for transoceanic moves. This type of box is made of ISPM15 certified wood, so it is suitable for international shipments.

It is a reusable, stackable and collapsible box. It consists of a lid, a base with support and a very consistent central body. The anchorage of the pieces is by means of metallic tabs, which gives it great resistance.

Packing for moving

Fillings to protect the inside of the boxes

Just as important as choosing the most suitable box for a move is to have protection and padding aids to protect the contents inside.

Packing padding products immobilize objects to prevent them from suffering any impact during transportation and protect them from humidity or vibrations so that they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

An economical solution to protect ceramic pieces, glassware or fragile products, as well as to fill the gaps left in boxes, is cardboard netting.

Cardboard corner protectors and foam profiles are essential to protect the edges on the inside and outside of the boxes.

In international moves, and especially in sea transport, inflatable bags or airbags are used as a complementary system in cargo lashing to fill the gaps in containers and prevent them from moving.

Packing for moving

At 360 Eco Packaging we can’t move your things, but we can provide you with the necessary packing material to make your move as safe as possible. Contact us.

Packing for moving

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7 milestones in the history of packaging

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.

7 milestones in the history of packaging

 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.

Corrugated cardboard

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.

European Pallets EPAL

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.

7 milestones in the history of packaging
7 milestones in the history of packaging

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.

Plastic collapsible crate

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 milestones in the history of packaging

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.

 

Foldable wooden crate

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.

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What is the Best Packing Material

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.

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Clipping Crate (Export & Availability)

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.

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Happy Easter Holidays!

Happy Easter holiday!
We will return next week with more energy, more information about our packaging products, photos, content and the most outstanding news about the sectors of interest of the industry.

 

Joyeuses vacances de Pâques!
Nous reviendrons la semaine prochaine avec plus d’énergie, plus d’informations sur nos produits d’emballage, photos, contenus et les nouvelles les plus remarquables sur les secteurs d’intérêt de l’industrie.

 

Boas férias de Páscoa!
Voltaremos na próxima semana com mais energia, mais informações sobre nossos produtos de embalagem, fotos, conteúdos e as notícias mais marcantes sobre os setores de interesse da indústria.

 

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What types of packaging does the food industry use?

From the time they leave the factory until they reach the consumer, products in the food industry use different types of packaging. All of them are an essential part in the process of transporting, distributing and selling the product to ensure its safety and quality.

 

We can classify three types of packaging:

Primary Packaging

It is the one that is in direct contact with the product. Its main function is to protect it from external agents and keep its properties intact. But it is not the only one. In the food sector, the primary packaging is the first thing the consumer will see on the supermarket shelves.

It must therefore be presented in such a way that it stands out from its competitors and is attractive for purchase. In addition, the primary packaging should provide all the information that the product should include as a matter of course.

Today, there are many examples of product packaging that combine functionality, design and sustainability.

Packaging in food industry

Secondary Packaging

It is the one that contains several primary packages, grouping the product to transport several units of the same product or to facilitate the consumer the purchase of several units at the same time.

Packaging in food industry

Tertiary packaging

Tertiary packaging, or packaging proper, is the one that encompasses the two previous ones, protecting both primary and secondary packaging during transportation and storage. For this reason, it is often said that packaging is “the packaging of packaging”. An example of tertiary packaging would be a pallet with 10 cartons containing bottles of wine.

Tertiary packaging includes wooden, cardboard and plastic pallets, as well as large-volume cardboard boxes with or without lids, or corrugated cardboard boxes on wooden or cardboard pallets.

Packaging in food industry

Protective elements in food containers

There are also elements that stabilize the packaged products, facilitating their movement without risk of loss or breakage.

 

In primary and secondary packaging, adhesive tapes, glues or seals are usually used to ensure their closure. Stretch film is the most widespread option for grouping smaller packaging units.

Packaging in food industry
Packaging in food industry

As a summary of this post, the following is an image of a product that does not belong to the food industry, but as in most products, it is also used with the three types of packaging that we have seen above.

Packaging in food industry

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Packaging for Medical Equipment

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.

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Custom packaging for Electrical Equipment

Why should you use customized packaging for electrical equipment?

 

The use of customized packaging for electrical equipment is important because electrical equipment manufacturers work with high-value, often fragile and heavy equipment and products. Engineering, industrial and energy solutions in the sector increasingly have connections and finishes where the slightest knock can render the product unusable and result in financial loss.

This is why the supply chain in this field is one of the most demanding in terms of transport and storage, requiring packaging that offers maximum safety during the various stages of distribution.

The electrical and energy sector is also one of the most concerned with reducing its carbon footprint, so there is growing interest in the implementation of sustainable packaging.

 

What are the advantages for electrical equipment manufacturers of using customized packaging?

 

For packaging companies this poses a major challenge. For us, it is essential to carry out a technical-economic study on the basis of which we design the most efficient packaging solution to help optimize the logistics process.

In most cases, custom-made packaging is the best option, as it offers significant advantages:

  1. By adapting to the goods, they guarantee integral protection during transport.
  2. The mobility and handling of products is more efficient, saving on packaging time and auxiliary packaging costs.
  3. By reducing the use of unnecessary material, space is used and excess waste is avoided.

 

Wooden packaging for electrical equipment and components

 

Due to their strength and versatility, wood packaging for the electrical sector has proven to be the most efficient for your supply chain.

electric industry

Our wooden crates are manufactured with high quality materials, shock and humidity resistant. They have ISPM 15 Certification for international trade, being valid for all types of transport (air, sea and land).

Assembly and disassembly does not require the use of tools or nails. It can be handled quickly and safely, and once disassembled it occupies one fifth of its size, saving storage costs.

As it is modular, it can be fully utilized, since it can be used in components. The base can be used for auxiliary transports before the box is completely closed for shipping.

 

Success story: Registered fastening system for electrical cabinets

 

If you follow our blog, you will already have noticed the importance of packaging aids for securing the load during transport.

Lashing and securing elements are necessary complements because they provide additional protection.

At 360 Eco Packaging, we are always thinking about new packaging solutions, so we have investigated how to incorporate fastening systems to the packaging itself without altering its properties.

And Eureka, the result is an innovative interior REGISTERED LASHING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL CABINETS .

Registered system for electrical cabinets

With this device we are able to fix the cabinet quickly and efficiently, by integrating the immobilization elements into the base of the box itself.

Registered system for electrical cabinets

Thanks to this system we have eliminated unnecessary packaging aids, such as pallets, supports, cleats… In this way we manage to optimize the weight and interior volume, which translates into a reduction of logistics and transportation costs for our customers, especially in air shipments.

 

In 360 Eco Packaging we have a wide experience in packaging for industrial sectors.

Contact us and take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of using customized packaging for your product.

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Packaging for Exporting Automotive Products

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.

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