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Tag Archives: wood

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As a result, they have been replaced by logistical solutions that are more advantageous in terms of both safety and economic profitability.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

 

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wooden packaging
Circular packaging, Ecology

Sustainable forests to drive a greener, cleaner and more responsible economy

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Forests are one of the most valuable natural resources for their social, economic and environmental benefits. Wood is also the only material that continues to absorb and store CO2 from the atmosphere for years.

For the European Union, forests are a priority. The new EU Forestry Strategy 2030 includes measures for the protection, conservation and sustainable management of forests, within the framework of the European Green Deal to curb climate change. The aim is to promote forest management practices that are more respectful of the climate and biodiversity, as well as to encourage the responsible use of wood.

Wood is a recyclable, renewable and biodegradable raw material. Qualities that fit with the principles of the circular economy. An intelligent use of forests would help to protect the environment, repopulate territories and generate employment. That is why organizations wishing to move towards a responsible economy model include in their plans the PEFC chain of custody certification, which endorses good practices along the entire wood value chain.

 

What is Chain of Custody?

 

Chain of Custody certification allows companies to label their products as coming from sustainable logging or recycling.

This certification can be done by two entities:

  • Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®).

  • Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Both represent a useful tool for tracing the sustainability of any type of product made from forest raw materials, both for the companies that market them and for the consumers who buy them.

In Spain, 1,646 companies already certify their products through the PEFC forest management system and the number is increasing every year. The certified forest area has also grown, as has the number of foresters and forest owners, as can be seen in the search engine for certified areas and the search engine for Sustainable Forest Management certificates on the PEFC Spain website.

 

Benefits of PEFC certified Wood

 

Chain of Custody certification is essential for companies seeking to access environmentally and socially responsible markets or to demonstrate compliance with public or private purchasing policies that specify the sourcing of environmentally responsible materials as a requirement. For example, the European Union Ecolabel system for furniture or the LEED rating system issued by the Green Building Council in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design category.

The PEFC seal is key to the development of the market for sustainable forest-based products, which are increasingly in demand and gaining social recognition.

 

How to recognize a product of sustainable forest origin?

 

Consumers can identify and choose products based on a responsible forest management model. In fact, 8 out of 10 consumers prefer companies to label the sustainable forestry products they use.

A product or packaging of sustainable forest origin is distinguished by the FSC®/PEFC seal with the visible logo, accompanied by a numerical code composed of nine digits, unique to each certified company.

It is surprising to see the number and diversity of items that can be found with the FSC®/PEFC label or printed on cardboard or wood: furniture, textiles and footwear, food, hygiene products, as well as wooden containers and packaging.

As consumers, we play a decisive role in the future of our forests and the development of a greener and more sustainable economy. Turn to certified wood suppliers.

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Cardboard Pallets
Circular packaging, Ecology, Transport and logistics

Ecological Cardboard Pallets: Are they the alternative to wooden pallets?

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The pallet is one of the most widely used elements in the packaging industry. Its use facilitates the handling, loading, transport and storage of goods.

Due to its resistance to support any type of load, grouping of goods and ease of handling, the wooden pallet occupies most of the market, being one of the most widely used packaging systems for export.

However, it is indisputable that wood is an increasingly scarce resource. In recent months, supply problems have led to a rise in the price of wood, which, together with a growing environmental awareness, is driving companies to look for sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. One such solution is the cardboard pallet.

 

What are the characteristics of the cardboard pallet?

The cardboard pallet is composed of corrugated cardboard sheets and solid cardboard blocks that are inserted as pillars. This manufacturing system gives it a stacking strength similar to that of a wooden pallet, since it can carry loads of over 600 kilograms.

It is also much lighter. A cardboard pallet weighs up to 10 times less than a wooden pallet. This reduces the risk of occupational accidents during handling and damage to palletized products.

Cardboard pallets are manufactured with the same dimensions as a traditional pallet, so they are suitable for use with forklifts.

 

What are the advantages of cardboard pallets over wooden pallets?

The demand for sustainable transport packaging has sparked interest in the cardboard pallet, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industry, where its advantages over traditional palletizing systems have not gone unnoticed:

  • Stronger and lighter than the wooden pallet. A cardboard pallet weighs between 1 and 5 kilos compared to 10-25 kilos for wood. This facilitates handling during transport and storage and reduces warehouse space.
  • It is valid for export without the use of phytosanitary treatments, which are mandatory for wooden pallets for international transport, according to ISPM15 standard.
  • Easy recycling, in any common paper container.
  • It is customizable.
  • Reduces CO2 emissions.

The search for sustainable alternatives for packaging all kinds of goods is one of the trends that will mark the packaging industry in the coming years. Cardboard packaging, and in particular the cardboard pallet, meets the requirements of quality, efficiency and recyclability demanded by an industry committed to efficient resource management and respect for the environment.

Did you know about this type of packaging? Which of its qualities do you find most interesting?

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Returnable Packaging Wooden Packaging
Circular packaging, Ecology, Industrial packaging

Types of Returnable Packaging (I): Wooden Packaging

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Returnable packaging is a solution that more and more companies incorporate into their supply chain for its environmental and economic benefits.

Depending on the material, we can classify the different types of returnable packaging into three groups: wood, metal and plastic.

In this post we describe the most common returnable wooden packaging and its advantages.

 

Advantages of wood as returnable Packaging

Due to its strength, wood continues to be one of the most widely used materials in packaging for the transport of large or heavy goods. It also acts as a thermal and acoustic insulator and is highly resistant to fire. It is a durable, reusable and 100% recyclable material.

For this reason, wood packaging is considered one of the most sustainable and highest quality for export.
In this regard, it should be remembered that wood packaging for export is regulated under the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures ISPM-15, which requires treatment to prevent pests.

 

What are the most commonly used returnable wooden transport packages?

There are different designs of wooden returnable packaging to adapt to any merchandise.

The most common are:

  • Foldable packaging made of processed wood board and wood,

Clipping Crate ® model.

It is a model of high quality reusable box, patented by 360 Eco Packaging. It has a simple and ergonomic assembly and disassembly, without tools. It minimizes transport and storage space when not in use.

It can be manufactured in different types of wood boards (mainly plywood, OSB3, MDF and chipboard). The Clipping Crate® is standardized in its dimensions and can be made to measure. It has a replacement service for damaged parts for all its ranges.

Types of Returnable Packaging I_ Wooden Packaging

Types of Returnable Packaging I- Wooden Packaging

 

It is made of plywood board with steel reinforcements on the sides, which allows the box to be folded. It is reusable, stackable and available in different sizes.

 

It is a modular packaging composed of wooden rings that allow the height to be modified as required. They are made of pine wood boards joined by galvanized steel hinges, which are stacked on a pallet.

Types of Returnable Packaging I- Wooden Packaging

Types of Returnable Packaging I- Wooden Packaging

 

This returnable wooden packaging solution stands out for its simple anchoring system and its ability to be reused. The frame is collapsible, which represents an efficient alternative to save costs in storage and transportation.

It is an economical, resistant and durable packaging model, as it can have a useful life of up to 10 years. It is replaceable. If a fence is damaged, it can be quickly replaced by another of identical characteristics.

 

To prevent the entry of dust or rain, specially designed covers are available for this product. It is available in standard sizes and can be made to measure.

 

Wooden supports with boards with or without separation between them and wooden blocks or slats at the base to facilitate the transport and mobility of the load. Wooden pallets can be open or closed, with two or four entrances, blind, reversible or reinforced to support heavy loads. They are available in standard sizes and can be made to measure.

 

Packing provided with wooden boards, with a construction system similar to that of a wooden box, but with a greater separation of the boards from each other, which makes it lighter. They are manufactured with metal reinforcements so that they can be disassembled and reused. Standard or custom-made.

 

If you want to know how to reduce logistic costs with a returnable packaging, please contact our technical department.

We will study the most suitable solution for your product and logistic process.

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Intersolar Europe
Intersolar Europe
Circular packaging, Industrial packaging, Transport and logistics

Presenting our Sustainable Packaging at Intersolar Europe

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Presenting our Sustainable Packaging at Intersolar Europe

On May 11, 12 and 13, 360 Eco Packaging – Encaja Embalajes had the opportunity to present its packaging solutions for the solar industry at the Intersolar Europe Fair, the most important exhibition of the sector worldwide, held in Munich (Germany).

The meeting was attended by Jesús Álvarez, commercial director, and José Ramón Novoa (ASTUREX; Sociedad de Promoción Exterior Principado de Asturias S.A.)

Our participation was possible thanks to the Sociedad de Promoción Exterior Principado de Asturias S.A. (ASTUREX), which organized a joint stand with 8 Asturian companies that supply products and services related to the solar energy value chain.

With commercial actions such as Intersolar Europe, ASTUREX contributes to a greater presence of Asturian companies in international markets.

On this occasion, among all the participating companies, we have highlighted the potential of the region as a producer of goods and services in the value chain of renewable energies linked to solar energy.

We were accompanied by: Alusín Solar S.L.U., Distribuciones Solares del Principado S.L. (DSP Solar), Duro Felguera S.A., Ingeniería y Suministros Asturias S.A., Mecanizados CAS S.A., Procinsa Energías Renovables S.L. and Temper Energy International S.L. (Temper).

 

As part of the fair, 360 Eco Packaging – Encaja Embalajes informed attendees about the most efficient packaging for transporting solar panels, sustainable packaging and the reusability of wooden packaging and its impact on logistics costs, as well as the specifications that this type of packaging must meet for export.

 

Why Intersolar Europe?

Intersolar Europe is one of the most significant events in the energy sector calendar.

The event brings together more than 50,000 visitors and around 1,500 exhibitors interested in showcasing their innovative products, solutions and business models for the energy transition and security of supply in Europe.

 

The importance of Sustainable Packaging at Intersolar Europe

As industrial packaging manufacturers, we remain attentive to market demands in order to offer solutions that meet the needs of the supply chains of each sector and customer. 

It has been an honour for us to present our Sustainable Packaging at Intersolar Europe.

See you at the next edition!

Presenting our sustainable packaging at Intersolar Europe

Presenting our sustainable packaging at Intersolar Europe

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Circular packaging
Circular packaging

Circular Packaging for a New Cycle

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It is a fact that the intensive use of natural resources and the volume of waste we generate have a huge environmental impact. It is also a fact that through a Circular Economy we can transform our throwaway model into a new, more balanced and respectful production system, able to provide value thanks to continuous and regenerative cycles.

At 360 Eco Packaging we are contributing to a sustainable economic model.

Our company has spent years helping companies in a wide variety of sectors to be more productive and reduce their environmental footprint through efficient, sustainable and profitable packaging systems.

And we do this from a circular perspective based on three principles:

  • Reduce and valorize our resources.

Our raw materials come from certified sustainable sources, as well as from our own manufacturing surpluses. We also apply circular designs to our packaging solutions, based on technical, economic and ecological feasibility diagnoses.

  • Extending the useful life of our products.

We manufacture returnable packaging that can be reused and recycled by companies, allowing them to save costs, produce less waste and optimize their logistics processes.

  • Identify opportunities for improvement in the supply chain of our customers.

We provide an advisory service and optimization of packaging processes, creating circular packaging solutions for every need.

With this work philosophy we have developed patents in returnable packaging, such as our Clipping Crate® and obtained certifications in ISO9001, PEFC/FSC chain of custody and ISPM15 (phytosanitary regulations for export), among others.

We also participate as a member of the Subcommittee CTN 192 SC 03 (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. We also belong to the board of directors of the Innovation Club in Asturias and collaborate in the development of new projects with leading technology centers and companies such as AIDIMME and Aglae.

 

For our company, being sustainable has become a competitive advantage.

For this reason, we want to share our knowledge and experience with companies and professionals who are still unaware of the benefits of the circular economy or are wondering how to implement a circular strategy in their packaging systems.

We want this blog to serve as a meeting point where we can provide resources on trends, regulations, programs and success stories that facilitate the practical application of a circular economy.

The future will be circular. And as in every cycle, there is always a starting point.

We hope that each post will be a source of inspiration that helps to see packaging in a different way.

 

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