September 20, 2017. How Much Does Custom Packaging Really Cost? Blog post, not news. Doesn’t answer the question but raises several of the variables to be considered in its calculation.
August 27, 2017. Connected pallets shown to enable supply chain sustainability. A new study suggests that longer lasting, lighter weight pallets will be more sustainable, especially in conjunction with IoT technology to reduce loss and dwell time.
June 30, 2017, LEAP plans to raise ₹100 cr in two months. LEAP India, a supply chain solutions company, plans to raise ₹100 crore in next two months to enhance its wooden pallet capacity and improve geographic reach. The company currently supplies about one million pallets made of wood imported from Russia and 20,000 containers to over 200 fast moving consumer goods and automobile companies on daily rental basis of ₹1.20-1.60. Typically, the contract for rentals is for three years. LEAP (Leading Enterprise in Advance Pooling) through its in-house software MyLeap tracks the movement of each pallet and places it with another customer once the goods are delivered to the warehouse.
June 5, 2017, The Humble Pallet Gets Smart. A discussion of the pallet industry and the opportunity for IoT. The focus is on RM2’s IoT offering.
June 2, 2017, Active RFID Tracks Kit Carts Through Assembly. The Wave Reusables Kit Cart Solution has been used by an undisclosed heavy equipment manufacturer for roughly a year, according to Wave Reaction, and has reduced the costs related to kitting cart loss by 83 percent, according to a report in RFID Journal. The customer asked if “Wave Reaction could provide a solution that would not only track the reusable kitting carts that move from a kitting facility to product assembly, at a separate location, but also link each cart to the items loaded onto it.”
June 2, 2017, Cost-cutting the key growth driver in 2016 as Gefco profits surge. Gefco: “In 2017, our aim is to grow our finished vehicles logistics business, while continuing to develop the overland, warehousing and reusable packaging, freight forwarding, and 4PL expertise by testing new technologies and concluding new partnerships.”
May 31, 2017, The Mighty Pallet: A Supply Chain Powerhouse. This Inbound Logistics feature touches briefly on the 48×40-inch pallet situation for the CPG sector, noting a slight increase in market demand due to increase demand plus catching up on postponed purchase during the recession (Freedonia), the growing importance of recycled pallets as a cost-effective alternative to new pallets, the reluctance of carriers to backhaul empty pallets, the benefits of pooled pallets in terms of quality assurance and compatibility with automation, as well as the case for high quality plastic pallets in terms of food safety, compatibility with automated equipment and durability.
On 18 Oct 2018, Loscam China celebrated its milestone 10-million-pallet achievement in Beijing China. The celebration was comprised of a Pallet Pooling Forum followed by 10-Million-Achievement Ceremony, joined and witnessed by around a hundred of guests and customers from China’s major logistics-related industry associations, retailers, FMCG manufacturers and logistics companies.
At the 10-Million-Achievement Ceremony, Mr. Song Rong, Chairman of Board of Loscam, delivered a welcome speech to the guests. Mr. Song said, pursuant to the strategic reorganisation between CMG and Sinotrans & CSC, Sinotrans Limited had become the integrated logistics operation platform for CMG. Among its main missions, to build one standardized products & services sharing platform is Siontrans’ important task, while its ultimate mission is to establish a supply chain & logistics ecosystem. Mr. Song expressed his hope that, Loscam, being an important member of this ecosystem, would play a key role in CMG’s total logistics solutions and become the pioneer in CMG intelligent logistics system.
Mr. Dai Zhengnan, Executive VP of Loscam & GM of Loscam Greater China, made a review on Loscam China’s growth while in the meantime presenting his new vision for future growth. During the past eight years, Loscam China had successfully undergone two important growth stages, namely firstly to establish a basic customer base and service network to remain competitive; secondly, to acquire a strategic customers portfolio and strong operations capability for large-scale palletization for FCMG supply chain. 10-Million-Pallet Milestone means that Loscam now enters its third strategic growth stage. The focus of this stage will be to upgrade and optimize Loscam’s core pooling capabilities in its operations, customer services and IT systems to get fully ready for the new pooling era in China.
The highlight of the celebration was when the guests were invited to the stage to complete the final fabrication of the 10,000,000th pallet, marking the new stage for Loscam China’s next journey ahead.
Pallet No. 10M was fabricated by (from left to right): Mr. Dai Zhangnan, Professor Wu Qingyi, Mr. Sirin Limpaitoon (President of Loscam), Mr. Song Rong, Mr. Spencer Liu (Supply Chain Director of Carrefour China), and Mr. Alan Chen (Logistics Director of Unilever China)
Innovative advances in technology, coupled with seamless in-store shopping experiences, are among the IGD’s top predictions for 2019’s global retail trends:
Data, and particularly customer data, will offer more personalised shopping
Sustainability concerns will change the way retailers do business
Stores will offer more seamless shopping experiences
Healthy eating and wellness will grow in popularity
Shopping opportunities will increasingly be available anywhere, anytime
The past twelve months have seen new, faster payment systems and collaborations between retailers and healthcare providers to encourage healthy eating. Developments such as these are expected to go even further in 2019.
“2019’s biggest trend of all is likely to be the continuation of rapid and radical change in the food and grocery industry,” said Toby Pickard, Head of Insight, Innovation and Futures at IGD. “We have already seen a significant pivot towards innovative new technology, and there is no sign of this letting up next year. Shoppers’ expectations have changed, and the retail and grocery sectors are working to meet those expectations in every area of business.”
Five key retail trends for 2019
1. Data dictates the way: data will be one of the main building blocks of retail growth
2018 has seen data become more valuable to the retail sector than ever, with 46% of supply chain experts now actively prioritising data-driven business. As well as helping to boost sales, accurate data will be vital for tools that allow retailers to understand customer behaviour – and reward their loyalty.
Through customer datasets, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in-store, retailers can target products and offers more effectively whilst maintaining appropriate stock levels and improving customer service. Insights gained through closer customer engagement will provide invaluable guidance to retailers looking to grow their businesses: making stronger connections beneficial to both groups.
2. Doing good is good businesses: firms will increasingly take the lead on sustainability
Issues such as food waste and plastic pollution are headline news, and this has translated to changing attitudes across the generations. Nearly three quarters (74%) of UK shoppers say that they have become more aware of the environmental impact of plastic packaging over the past year, and this has led to innovations such as biodegradable wrapping and plastic-free supermarket aisles. Retailers are no longer thinking about just reducing waste, but want to make a positive, tangible contribution. The next wave of innovative and leading retailers and brands will move beyond reducing their impact.
3. Seamless stores: physical stores will become more digital, and offer a more ‘seamless’ shopping experience
Physical stores will offer a much more digital experience in 2019, by using technology to make it easier for customers to find items and gain more product information. 85% of UK shoppers would like to see the rollout of more in-store technologies. This should lead to a faster shop for many, where searching aisles and shelves for the right item is replaced by an app that guides shoppers to where they want to be.
“Physical stores offer customers a more tangible shopping experience, where they can see products before they commit to purchase,” said Pickard. “This gives these spaces an advantage over online providers, and we are seeing stores begin to capitalise on that and add in extras to incorporate more of the benefits of online.
“A recent example of this is Il Viaggiator Goloso, a premium Italian brand, which has enabled its electronic shelf-edge labels to show the online reviews and scores products have received. This gives customers a more informed choice in store.”
4. Help me be healthy: retailers will play a more active role in supporting the health and wellness of consumers
Most shoppers aspire to eat and live well, with 85% saying they are actively trying to improve their diet, but aspirations don’t always translate into action. We believe shoppers will be more health conscious going forward, so supporting them to both look and feel good will be a major priority for retailers and their suppliers. This means that both consumers and businesses will be thinking more about wellness and the role of retail in promoting cleaner living going forward.
5. Anywhere, anytime: social commerce will grow with more options for purchasing products ‘on the go’
We expect new innovative social commerce solutions to emerge throughout 2019. Retailers and suppliers will deliver targeted marketing, and new ways to make online shopping more social, instantaneous, and convenient.
“In 2019 we’ll see retailers think increasingly about making every moment shoppable,” Pickard continued. “A recent innovation was easyJet making it possible for Instagram users to find and book holidays to new destinations, simply by clicking on a photo they have seen.
“Whether through targeted marketing or simple ways to make purchasing more seamless, shopping is becoming not just more convenient but more instant as well.”
Shopping will become seamless and omnipresent. People will no longer need to visit a retailer’s online store. As they look at pictures, watch videos or TV they’ll be able to just add products to a shopping cart. This has the potential to change the way that retailers think about selling in the future.
Quite literally green, CPR System also offers wood pallets. Its plastic pallet is shown below.
Reduce product damage, limit disservices at the point of sale, avoid food waste and the consequent production of waste. Conad, an Italian food retailer, identified these objectives as underlying a project it developed together with CPR System, a cooperative pooler and historical partner in the joint management of pallets and recyclable packaging for the transport of products.
In order to better manage the distribution of perishable products under its own brand (cured meats and cheeses), a new plastic pallet was developed (100% recyclable polypropylene), lightweight and suitable for manual lifting. The company says it is a good example of circular economy, developed to reuse materials in successive phases or cycles.
Conad was awarded the project “Logistics of the year 2018”, a recognition that Assologistica presents every year to the most innovative companies in the sector.
“Conad has placed a strong focus on sustainable development in recent years,” stated Andrea Mantelli, Conad’s supply chain director. “The commitment has grown and is highlighted by all the initiatives put in place to reduce the environmental impact of distribution activities. Conad products are successful thanks to a combination of factors: quality, attention to supplier selection, supply chain controls, convenience, but also optimization of distribution flows. The latter, on which we have worked hard, in terms of logistics centralization and the development of innovative projects. The award is the recognition of our commitment to sustainability and a project that improves the quality of the environment by improving the modes of transport.”
“The partnership with Conad has allowed us to develop important projects aimed at preserving the quality of fresh products and food safety, optimizing transport, making them more efficient and reducing their environmental impact,”, emphasized Francesco Avanzini, the president of CPR System. CPR is sustainable and we consider sustainability an opportunity also for the economic development of the country. The award crowns a long-standing commitment, which we pursue to provide the modern distribution with the best and most effective answers, with a view to a circular economy that is increasingly our distinctive character.”
The new pallets provide better cube utilization and weigh less than corresponding wood pallets, according to Conad, resulting in better freight utilization and reducing product damage by 20%. The generation of wood and nail waste is also eliminated.
“It is above all the environment that benefits from it: the emissions of greenhouse gases – that is CO2 – related to transport are reduced by 42% compared to the traditional system with wooden pallets due to the lower mass of plastic pallets, to the higher quantities transportable of products and, therefore, to the lower number of vehicle journeys,” the Conad announcement concludes.
Japan Pallet Rental. (This story first appeared in February 2017.)
With a pool of over 8.5 million pallets, Japan Pallet Rental Corporation is the leading pallet rental provider in Japan. And while it was launched as wood pallet rental service back in 1971, it began introducing plastic pallets in 2000. Today, plastic pallets encompass over 65% of its pallet inventory, and almost 100% of those plastic pallets are RFID tagged.
While Japan Pallet Rental began with wood pallet rental, the market has gradually shifted. Japanese customers are increasingly interested in plastic pallets. “Customers value plastic pallets for sanitation,” explained Toshifumi Okabe, Executive Director of Development Sales and Overseas Sales Dpt. & Supply Chain Management Dpt. at Japan Pallet Rental Corp. (He is also Vice-Chairman of the Japan Pallet Association.) The other key driver for plastic pallets, he explained, is the popularity of multi-tier automated warehouses in Japan, and the need for dimensionally accurate, good quality pallets. The demand for warehouse automation, in turn, has been influenced by the lack of real estate availability and labor in the country.
I was greeted by Okabe, and Minako Ito, a marketing specialist, at Japan Pallet Rental’s Tokyo head office on a sunny and expectedly warm Thursday morning in December. The location is close to the immense Tokyo Station and the Emperor’s Palace. I had read that punctuality is extremely important in Japan, so I allowed myself an extra 45 minutes, given it was my first trip to this country. After several minutes of disorientation in the crowded station, I did somehow make it to the building on time after I went back and reread Ito’s detailed instructions containing references to various landmarks (“Look for the Lawson convenience store”) and station exit numbers. At the building entrance, I asked the attendant if it was the right building for Japan Pallet Rental. “Ah, JPR,” he said, and handed me a pre-prepared visitor ticket with my name on it.
Japan Pallet Rental was launched in 1971. Today, plastic pallets constitute over 65% of its rental units.
“We are somewhat like CHEP,” Okabe explained. “But they are not here because we are here already,” he quipped. Japan, like South Korea, utilizes the 1100 x 1100 mm footprint, and with material handling and transportation equipment all geared to that size, that size is firmly entrenched. The 1100 x 1100 footprint is also one of the two standard sizes in China, Okabe told me, along with the 1200 x 1000.
Japan Pallet Rental has a pool of over 8.5 million pallets, and over 5.6 million of them are plastic, either polypropylene or polyethylene. It has another 2.6 million wood pallets. The company issues about 37 million pallets annually and generates revenue of ¥22 billion or slightly less than $US 200 million at current exchange rates. It has been affiliated with the Korea Pallet Pool and Chinese Logistics & Rental (formerly Taiwan Pallet Rental) since the mid-1980s, as well as CPR (China Pallet Rental, Shenzhen China.) JPR is also a member of Asia Pallet Pool, which is a collaborative effort of pooling providers across Asia.
Japan Pallet Rental customers include several major companies familiar internationally, including Nestle, P&G, 7-11 and Walmart, as well as a number of other leading domestic players. One of the challenges for pallet pooling in Japan is the relatively small market share of major retailers in comparison to North American or Europe. The top ten grocery retailers in Japan have an aggregate market share of less than 35%. The wholesale trade remains very strong, and small format stores remain important, while modern convenience stores remain the fastest growing segment. The leading grocery retailer in Japan is 7-Eleven (7 & I Holdings) which had a 12.2% market share in 2015.
Japan Pallet Statistics (from Japan Pallet Association report)
Total annual pallet production (April 2015 – March 2016): 58,925,606
Annual production of wood pallets: 37,474,668
Annual production of plastic pallets: 11,228, 176
Annual production of metal pallets: 2,069,051
Annual production of other pallets: 8,151,711
Total plastic rental pallets in Japan: 12,610,633
Total wood rental pallets in Japan: 6,550,457
Standard pallet size: 1100x1100mm
Japan Pallet Rental Corporation Statistics
Annual pallet issues: around 37 million
Total number of pallets: 8,589,021
Total plastic pallets: 5,633,378
Total wood pallets: 2,639,881
Others: 315,762
Pallets are scanned upon arrival and departure from JPR depots.
Okabe acknowledged that such a fragmented distribution system can complicate pallet retrieval, however. One benefit of the Japanese market is that pallets typically do not flow through to the retail store. They are emptied at the distribution center or at the wholesaler, from where they are retrieved. The company enjoys a 99.8% recovery rate on a per trip basis. While the recovery is excellent, he observed that when you are talking about moving 37 million pallets annually, the replacement cost for unrecovered pallets, with a replacement value of about $70 each, is still a big number.
Japan Pallet Rental utilizes technology to help it manage its pallets, and it also offers management services for the mobile assets of others. Back in 2002 it first launched “epal,” its web-based logistics equipment tracking program. Today, the company offers logistics equipment management services as well as information services in addition to pallet rental. For example, it provides its epal information management solution to the grocery industry, managing a collective industry pool of 2 million handheld crates, involving 56 distribution centers of 29 companies.
The company launched its rebranded Logiarx service in 2016 (Originally started as Llink in 2013), which provides visibility of pallets through customer supply chains while generating actionable data to support analytics and continuous improvement. One client of note is AEON, a leading Japanese retailer. It uses Logiarx to help it track its inventory of 650,000 roll cages, used for the delivery of assembled orders to retail. The result has been that AEON has been able to reduce the number of roll cages it needs, allowing it to cut back on new purchases. Other benefits included labor saving, inventory accuracy, the elimination of paper invoices and automatic data capture.
Automated data capture helps to streamline supply chain operations.
Moving forward, Japan Pallet Rental will soon be offering a forklift-based RFID reader and weighing system to allow customers to drive more efficiencies into their supply chains. For example, actual load weights can be communicated to the WMS to compare the actual versus calculated load weight in order to validate order accuracy. It has been working with Portland, Oregon-based Cascade Corporation in developing this offering.
As our brief meeting ends, Okabe asks me about the latest trends in the U.S. rental market, about which, not surprisingly he already seems up to date, given that JPR is a company that continues to monitor global best practices in its efforts to best serve its customers. Japan Pallet Rental has 80 depots across the country. For more information, visit www.jpr.co.jp/english/.
Sidebar
Plastic and Pallet Theft ‘Not a Problem’ in Japan
The outside storage of reusable packaging is a common site in cities such as Kyoto, Japan, shown in this photo.
One interesting thing I learned in Japan is that the theft of plastic containers and pallets is not a problem, as it is in many other countries around the world. Speaking to an executive of a plastic container pooling company, I learned that theft is not an issue. He joked that it is the nature of the Japanese culture, and that if you lose your wallet, for example, you are very likely to receive it back, still intact. Walking the streets of Tokyo and then Kyoto, I remarked that plastic containers are often stored outside. There are also a lot of bicycles left outside, and many, if not most of them were not secured against theft.
Backward compatible active RFID sensor capabilities support new DoD audit requirements
Savi®, an innovator in big data/machine learning analytic solutions, supply chain management software and sensor technology, has added two new devices to its current suite of active RFID transponders and interrogators available for use by the US Department of Defense (DoD), NATO, and Federal Government agencies.
The new devices are Savi Locate, which is a GPS location sensor and Savi IoT, which is a hybrid active RFID interrogator (reader) and transponder (transmitter). Savi Locate will deliver real-time, in-transit visibility data from the Savi Visibility solution to the DoD’s Radio Frequency In-Transit Visibility (RF-ITV) system. Both devices send data over a mobile network. Because the Savi IoT device is backward compatible, it can both transpond or interrogate active RFID data to and from the thousands of active RFID tags and readers the military has already deployed. Savi IoT can also send active RFID data over a mobile network without the use of fixed readers. When acting as an active RFID reader, data is sent over a mobile network to Savi Visibility and to the DoD’s RF-ITV system. Now, whenever a mobile network is available, the location of government assets in a yard, or in-transit, can be known in real-time.
“Today, military logisticians must provide a more mobile, agile fighting force with the equipment, materiel and supplies they need for a global mission. Sensors that can go anywhere, streaming real-time data on the count, location and condition of critical assets support always-ready, cost effective lethality,” said Rosemary Johnston, Senior Vice President of Operations, Savi Technology. “Savi Locate and Savi IoT both provide enhanced support to military supply chains, recognizing the need for more flexible implementation options. The new products we are offering demonstrate our commitment to continued innovation in the active RFID environment and provide a bridge to new IoT technologies.”
The Pentagon just completed a multi-year audit of $2.7 trillion worth of DoD inventory as part of its Department of Defense Agency Financial Report FY 2018. The audit identified major flaws in IT security processes and inaccuracies with its internal asset tracking databases. These findings reinforce how sensors that pinpoint the location of vehicles, weapons, heavy equipment, technical tools and supplies from moment to moment are crucial to tracking and managing that valuable inventory with the potential to save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Savi Locate and Savi IoT have recently received HERO certifications and will be ready for sale to government and military customers upon Notice to Proceed in Savi’s sole-provider active RFID-IV contract (#W52P1J-14-D-0014) with the U.S. Department of Defense.
LF & LOSCAM, all about the shift from complication to simplicity
As a subsidiary under the wing of Li & Fung Company, LF Logistics’ (LF) network covers Greater China, ASEAN, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Partnering with 400 renowned global businesses, the daily throughput is greater than 100 million units. LFL reached out to Loscam for solution assistance 13 years ago and it’s been a successful partnership ever since.
Chua Lian Teck, General Manager of Transport for LFL, explains that when considering potential logistics partners, the first thing that pops into the mind of LF management is the scale and capacity to grow, strong local execution know-how, flexibility, innovation, and forward thinking. In managing such a massive LFL network, Mr. Chua explained that the secret to such smooth operation is found in one word:
“As an Operation Centric Organization, our primary value is ‘INSPIRE’”, which stands for Innovation, Nimbleness, Simplicity, Productivity, Initiative, Reliability and Engagement…”
LFL had acclaimed Loscam’s valuable contribution to the group’s growth. “Loscam is a value-added and customer focused business partner. It offers innovations targeted to our needs and offers cost-effective solutions which fit our operation, while at the same time working within our financial requirements.”
Look to Thailand for a perfect example of Loscam & LFL excellence.
The Sales & Customer Service Manager of Loscam Thailand, Somyot Thongthangyai, shared the challenges his team faced in meeting the needs of this very special customer.
“Since LFL have many customers in many industries with many varying requirements, plus their habitual logistic practices to manage pallets over their vast network, there have been challenges for the services demanded and analysis on pallet usage by location.” Somyot explained. He added that success in addressing these challenges over the last 13 years was thanks to two main resolutions:
“First, we work closely with the LFL management team in all locations, so we can offer the fastest possible response. Second, we’re committed to constantly brainstorming new innovations to enhance LFL efficiencies, such as recent successes like the Pallet Cages.”
With a Key Account Manager now specifically assigned to service the LFL operation, Loscam Thailand is set to continue to contribute to the group’s growth and ensure great success in any challenges the future holds.
Wilmington Machinery introduced the company’s first Pallateer molding machine in 2010 because of an increased demand for plastic pallets. Recently, a European company who had no experience in making plastic pallets was looking to mold plastic pallets in-house which lead them to install their first Wilmington Pallateer to mold plastic pallet designed specifically to meet their needs.
The metric size pallet that Wilmington’s engineers designed has a static capacity of 17,500 lbs, a dynamic capacity of 8,800 lbs, and a racking capacity of 4,000 lbs. The pallet is molded of polypropylene or polyethylene or a blend of the two plus color and other additives.
Due to the success of the initial Pallateer, the customer ordered and installed a second pallet machine. Once again, before shipping the equipment, testing of the machine was performed inWilmington, NC. Then the entire system was disassembled and reinstalled at the customer’s facility.
The Pallateer molding machine for this customer included variable frequency hydraulics and other state of the art machinery features. The Pallateer uses the structural foam injection method for high strength to weight ratio of the pallet and performs well with 100% recycled material. A Pallateer system comes complete with the molding machine, mold(s), robot, mold chiller, nitrogen generator, resin blending/loading equipment, plus training and full know-how.
Since its’ founding in 1972, Wilmington Machinery has been building high performance, low-pressure structural foam molding machines. In addition, the company has built custom extrusion, thermoforming, and industrial blow molding machinery, along with a primary line of high capacity rotary blow molding systems for polyolefin monolayer/ multilayer barrier blow molded packaging. From a modern 65,000 SF facility in Wilmington, North Carolina, the company can easily meet any customer’s need for extra-large plastics machinery. International shipments can also be arranged through the nearby deep-water Port of Wilmington.
Returnity and Sekoyia Partner to Ship Essentials Kits in Reusable Packaging
Collaboration Provides Sustainable Solution to Shipping Packaging Waste with First Field-Deployment of Returnity’s Chrysalis Packaging.
New York, NY, December 06, 2018–Returnity and Sekoyia have announced their partnership on the launch of Sekoyia’s newest product, the Sekoyia Essentials Kit. Returnity’s reusable, reversible packaging is being used to deliver the kit, which then turns into a tote bag when reversed. Sekoyia enables you to lead with your lifestyle in protecting our world by providing sustainable products, eco-information, and an impact community. This Essentials Kit comes with 9 products to seamlessly transform your everyday living into a sustainable lifestyle. The collaboration is also the first ever field-deployment of Returnity’s Chrysalis concept.
“We are excited to partner up with Sekoyia, an eco-impact company on a mission to empower us all to live more sustainably. This partnership is even more exciting because our missions are so well-aligned,” said Mike Newman, CEO of Returnity Innovations. “Consumers are tired of wasteful, single-use packaging and companies are looking for ways to enhance the doorstep experience. Returnity’s Chrysalis packaging is an elegant solution that replaces poly-bags for order fulfillment and returns and becomes a keepsake, reusable bag for customers when they keep their order.”
“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Returnity, a company leading the industry in reusable shipping bags and boxes,” said Gareth Lewis, Founder & CEO of Sekoyia. “Our Sekoyia Essentials Kit comes in their custom shipping package that reverses into a tote bag! That means no more cardboard, no more boxes, and no more waste. That’s Real Impact: They are already working with some big brands and aim to save 750,000 boxes and bags from being used this year alone!”
The Sekoyia Essentials Kit is available for preorder now: https://www.sekoyia.com/pages/essentials
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Features “The Brambles|CHEP Approach to Messaging the Circular Economy”
ATLANTA – Dec. 4, 2018 – As more companies commit to an innovative circular economy and sustainability strategies and investments, there is an increased need to learn the best practices for successfully communicating these decisions externally.
A case study report published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation offers insights into how to effectively communicate about the circular economy from a variety of perspectives—including business, academia, communications firms, trade associations, and nonprofits. “Messaging the Circular Economy” includes input from a number of leading organizations, including Brambles and CHEP, Best Buy, IKEA, The Wharton School, Loyola University, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
The time is now
When it comes to protecting and preserving the global environment, there is no time to waste. With the publication of this report, companies now have immediate access to information on circular economy programs that have proven their worth.
“Our business model has long focused on sharing and reusing finite resources,” says Lindsay-Walker. “Brambles customers use our pallets, crates, and containers over and over again. Our circular business model defines how we do things and who we are. It also defines how we approach communications, and make the circular economy real to our diverse audiences.”
Let’s be real
Now’s the time for action, states CHEP. Now’s the time to spread the word about the circular economy, and the environmentally essential benefits it creates.
TrackX to Deploy Keg Tracking Solution for Anheuser-Busch InBev
TrackX Holdings Inc., a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based enterprise asset management solution provider, last month announced the plans for deployment of its Global Asset Management for Enterprises (GAME) solution for Anheuser-Busch. The initial implementation will be for the tracking of ¼ barrel beer kegs at their Houston, TX facility.
TrackX, in partnership with Impinj, Inc., a leading provider and pioneer of RAIN RFID, and Velociti, a leader in technology deployment and support services, will implement GAME for RTI (Returnable Transport Items) with specific configurations for brewery operations. Leveraging RFID tags and a network of RFID readers and antennas at strategic points throughout the brewery operation, TrackX will capture invaluable real-time data and business intelligence related to their keg fleet to drive efficiencies throughout the supply chain. This solution once implemented will facilitate increased visibility and utilization of kegs, streamline production planning, ensure effective keg and valve maintenance, increase quality assurance, prevent loss, and improve turn rates. It is anticipated that the solution will expand beyond the brewery to Anheuser-Busch distribution partners and large retailers.
“We are pleased that Anheuser-Busch has chosen to partner with TrackX, Impinj, and Velociti for the deployment of an enterprise asset management solution system capable of changing the way in which beer kegs have been traditionally managed,” said Tim Harvie, CEO of TrackX. “Because of the need to assure maximum keg utilization, we at TrackX are focused on utilizing best of breed technologies to more effectively manage the assets and processes that impact the overall supply chain. GAME will analyze real-time data, identify areas of improvement, and provide analytics and business intelligence resulting in increased productivity across the enterprise.”
Optimizing the world’s supply chains. Yesterday, today, tomorrow.
Vishal Pattel of CHEP recently posted a Q and A on LinkedIn. (You can read it here.) It provides some interesting observations across a range of topics. including the segment below:
So what’s next for your customers? If you get out your crystal ball, even farther down the road, what are your customers looking at in the future?
I think customers are looking at how to stay competitive and relevant. Someone just sent me a list of the top ten retailers in 1970 and none of them are in the top ten list today. So, when our customers look 20, 30 years out, they want to stay relevant. And how they’re going to stay relevant is by knowing their consumers and their consumers’ preferences and optimizing the way they get products to their consumers. Most know they are going to need to create supply chains that don’t even exist yet. Everything that helps them do that is going to be relevant to them. And I’ll just say this again, technology and optimal supply chains are the two single largest components of that.
RePack USA
686 x RePack
The most recent RePack newsletter is reporting its first US pilot program. RePack is the innovative reusable packaging solution for e-commerce. Customers drop the empty bag into a mailbox for return. In Finland, there is a deposit system to motivate customers to do that. In America, of course, deposits aren’t looked at as fondly, so a customer credit is the enticement of choice.
Quoting from the newsletter:
When a brand slogan is “Always Different” it means something. That is why we went to talk to the guys at 686 to find out if they were a good fit for our very first US pilot.
You’ve guessed it by now but, still, we’re thrilled to announce that RePack is now removing packaging trash in the US!
So, how do 686 pilot RePack?
The pilot is simple. 686 is shipping “trash free” in November and all orders will come in reusable RePack’s to help eliminate packaging trash.
Once the empty RePack is returned, customers receive $20 off next purchase.
We’ve set up a return logistics hub in Salt Lake City, Utah where all empty RePack’s are returned and handled.
CHEP Appoints Jake Gilene as Senior Vice President, Sales and Customer Service
Gilene joined company in 2006, positively impacting the business and its customers
ATLANTA – Nov. 12, 2018 – CHEP, the global leader in pallet pooling and supply chain management solutions, has appointed Jake Gilene to the role of senior vice president, sales and customer service, CHEP USA. This position was previously held by Dan Martin, recently named president, IFCO North America.
“CHEP prides itself on developing and promoting world-class talent,” said Laura Nador, president, CHEP North America. “The way the world moves, makes and sells goods is being transformed, and Jake will ensure we continue to be on the front line of solving our customers’ challenges, every day.”
Gilene will lead a team devoted to positively impacting the industry and customers. He will be responsible for commercial strategy, delivering new products, services and solutions to help customers find more value in their supply chains.
The new position is the most recent promotion in Gilene’s long, tenured history with CHEP. Over the last 12 years, he has served in numerous customer-facing roles, including vice president of retail supply chain solutions and vice president of global business development. Gilene has led teams focused on introducing CHEP’s comprehensive capabilities that deliver sustainable value and improved asset productivity. He and his teams have helped customers drive cost out of supply chains, improve efficiencies and create a better shopping experience at the point of sale.
“I am committed to working collaboratively with customers and building strong value pipelines to establish savings in the supply chain,” stated Gilene. “I look forward to continuing to work with partners who have helped shape our business into what it is today.”
Circularity 19 Conference Call for Speakers
November 12, 2018–The call for speakers is now open for the Circularity 19 conference, taking place June 18-20 in Minneapolis, MN. Submit a nomination here.
The world is facing stark limits in being able to provide enough food, water and goods for 8.5 billion people by 2030, and companies are under pressure to reduce waste — including plastics and excess packaging — and to create innovative products and services.
To address these challenges, the circular economy has emerged as a business strategy focused on designing and manufacturing products and materials that have continuous and infinite life-cycles, or which can be returned safely to the soil.
The circular economy isn’t just another sustainability framework — it is a radically different way of doing business. It requires that a company engage its entire value chain, even its competitors. It’s transformational, disruptive, regenerative and will create opportunities at every part of the economic spectrum, including those in traditionally marginalized communities.
Moving to a circular economy is also a massive business opportunity — $4.5 trillion, according to Accenture. The business opportunities exist globally, across multiple markets and sectors, and leading companies are already embracing it.
However, it is still early days. There is still a lack of awareness and many myths and misunderstandings about what a circular economy means and how more companies and cities can get involved.
Circularity 19 will bring together more than 500 thought leaders and practitioners to define and accelerate the circular economy. Through inspirational plenaries, interactive breakouts, hands-on design charrettes, networking opportunities and a solutions-focused expo, Circularity 19 will inspire, inform and empower participants to make the shift to a circular economy.
The conference is looking for more than 80 speakers for the Circularity 19 program, which will be framed by six program tracks:
Business Strategy & Innovation
Circular Cities
Design & Materials
Logistics & Infrastructure
Next-Gen Packaging
Standards & Metrics
The submission deadline is December 21, but everyone is encouraged to submit your nomination soon — speaking slots for this conference will fill up quickly.
Roberto Aguado, Sales & Customer Service Director at Pooling Partners-IPP
The Dutch multinational Pooling Partners – IPP has placed Roberto Aguado at the head of its Iberian commercial team, a well-known professional of the sector with great experience in the field of logistics and equipment pool solutions. Its objective is to position the company as the option capable of adding value to the supply chain of the different business sectors.
With more than 20 years of experience in the Logistics sector and the management of the Supply Chain, Roberto Aguado arrives at Pooling Partner ‘s – IPP with a very clear objective, to accelerate the growth of the company and consolidate the organizational structure of the company. And for Sergio Sanz, Director of IPP Logipal Iberia , Roberto Aguado is ” the ideal person to achieve that goal, since he has directed the sales strategy in international logistics companies in different sectors, knows the operations and has experience in the management of the equipment “pool” model.”
In addition to his professional background, Aguado has a solid academic background to support his mission : in 1991 he studied Business Management and Marketing at ESIC, where he also completed a Postgraduate in International Trade and Master in Logistics Operations. He has also completed the Executive Development Program (PDD) by IESE Business School of the University of Navarra.
Aguado affirms that it has a clear goal “to position Pooling Partners as the option capable of contributing value to the Supply Chain and to differentiate its proposal through simple, flexible and sustainable solutions . The pool model is an alternative that generates efficiency and savings for Manufacturers and Distributors.”
Foxwood Renews Kontrol Asset Management SaaS with DHL
Foxwood Business Services Ltd is delighted to confirm that it has renewed the provision of its Kontrol Asset Management SaaS solution to DHL for a further term. “We have been providing Kontrol to DHL since 2014 and look forward to continuing our business partnership with this prestigious customer,” says Angus Wolfendale. For more information, visit www.kontrol.com.
New EPAL CEO
Christian Kühnhold brings extensive experience
Christian Kühnhold most recently spent 13 years as CEO of PAKi Logistics GmbH and member of the board of Faber Halbertsma Groep B.V. There, he was involved in starting IPP six years ago and has since then helped to develop it. Now he is focusing on new challenges.
From October he takes over responsibility of the EPAL General Secretariat. For the last few years it has been led by Martin Leibrandt, who helped to get it off the ground and initiated many new projects.
“Christian Kühnhold has in-depth knowledge of the pallet market and managing open pools at an international level”, emphasises Robert Holliger, President of the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL).
On the international Association’s Board, they are convinced that he will give EPAL an invaluable boost to successfully continue to develop. The aim is to further strengthen the Euro pallet under the EPAL brand, to push ahead with expansion into new markets and to establish more products.
A very important project at the moment is iPAL, in collaboration with the Fraunhofer-Institut für Materialfluss und Logistik IML, the Euro pallet will be equipped with intelligence, on which new business models will be based.
IFCO North America Names Company Alumnus Jon Heyler, Vice President, Operations
Tampa, Florida – October 29, 2018: IFCO, the world’s leading supplier of Reusable Plastic Containers for fresh food packaging, today announced the appointment of Jon Heyler as Vice President, Operations, for IFCO North America.
“I am pleased Jon has agreed to rejoin the IFCO team,” said Dan Martin, President of IFCO North America. “A strong commitment to food safety and a culture of constant improvement are two of IFCO’s core operating principles, and Jon will provide the leadership, vision and superior execution we need to serve our customers, and their consumers, faster, better and more completely than ever before.”
Jon will lead IFCO’s strategic operations effort in the United States and Canada, focusing on wash operations improvement, asset management and transportation.
“I am proud to return to IFCO,” said Mr. Heyler. “The company has developed a strong reputation for developing and implementing fresh food packaging solutions that increase food safety, sustainability and operational efficiency, while reducing costs for growers and retailers. That is something special and something I want to be a part of once again.”
Jon has more than two decades of experience in supply chain management. He served as IFCO Vice President, East Area, from 2009 to 2013. For the past two years, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Pooling Provider, Hoover Ferguson Group, a former Brambles joint venture. He has served in numerous leadership roles in operations, logistics, transportation and general management during his career. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont.
Jon assumed his new role September 4th. He is based at IFCO headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and will report directly to Dan Martin.
New I.D. Systems Product Line Transforms Logistics Visibility
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Oct. 29, 2018 — I.D. Systems, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise asset management and Internet of Things technology, has released a new line of asset telemetry solutions, a suite of interoperable sensors, as well as an interactive voice-user interface for accessing the power of I.D. Systems’ analytics platform without the need to manually run reports. This launch includes a first-of-its-kind image-based cargo visibility detector. These robust technological platforms enhance I.D. Systems tracking, monitoring and reporting capabilities to provide freight transportation providers, shippers and supply chain stakeholders with powerful insights to make smarter, faster decisions for higher overall performance.
LV-Series, a Cargo-Tracking Solution Suite LV-100 / LV-300 / LV-500 / LV-710 / LV-740
The I.D. Systems LV Asset Tracking and Freight Visibility Series address a critical gap in the supply chain by giving users real-time updates into their freight through imagery and environmental sensors. Driven by wireless sensor integration and visual image confirmation, the LV Series monitors the condition and status of the cargo including temperature, humidity and shock, and tracks the asset’s location, loaded levels, tire pressure, anti-lock braking system lights, and other elements.
The three asset tracking models (LV-100, LV-300 and LV-500) vary according to power management technology such as a long-life primary battery, rechargeable battery, or dual-power source. Each includes I.D. Systems’ field proven drive-segment detection and well as time-based and sensor-event reporting. They also incorporate wireless sensing of both LV-710, LV-720 and LV-730 on-asset sensors as well as LV-740 pallet-level sensors.
The LV-710 is a patent-pending, wireless high-definition camera, image recognition processor, door sensor and cargo-area environmental sensor that integrates with the family of LV primary asset tracking devices, and our new YardView smart phone app. When utilized with LV-740 pallet sensors, the LV-710 can also detect and report if and where pallets are loaded, as well as environmental alerts (e.g. temperature, etc.), to deliver complete cargo visibility.
Lucy, an Interactive Voice-User Interface
Lucy is an integrated voice-activated system that provides dynamic interaction with a fleet’s asset and cargo database. From providing detailed in-transit reporting to real-time status and analytics, Lucy quickly and easily unlocks actionable insights and opportunities without the time and hassle of manually running reports. In addition, Lucy leverages its voice-activation technology with the Bing search engine to provide users with up-to-the-minute traffic, weather and other valuable updates along planned or existing routes.
For more information on this new line of sight for assets and freight from I.D. Systems, please visit www.id-systems.com.
DS Smith to launch sale of plastics packaging unit in November
According to Reuters, British packaging group DS Smith is expected to launch the sale of its plastic packaging division in November, three sources familiar with the matter said, in a deal that could be worth around $800 million.
JD.com expands reusable packaging program
E-tailers have long been criticized for using too much packaging materials in their shipments to customers. Now, at least one China-based e-commerce giant is attempting to address the issue, according to Air Cargo World.
Greystone Reports Record Quarterly Sales
Tulsa, OK, Oct. 22, 2018–Tulsa-based Greystone Logistics, Inc. has recorded quarterly sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.
Sales for the three months ended August 31, 2018 were $18,206,110 compared to $10,287,075 for the three months ended August 31, 2017 for an increase of $7,919,035, a 77% increase. Greystone’s sales to major customers in the quarter ended August 31, 2018 were 84% of sales compared to 73% in the same period last year. Greystone’s net income was $764,908 in the three months ended August 31, 2018 compared to $530,282 in the same period last year. Greystone recorded net income available to common stockholders for the current quarter of $601,388, or $.02 per share, compared to $374,708, or $0.01 per share, in the same period last year. EBITDA for current quarter of fiscal year 2019 was $2,562,139 compared to $1,824,727.
“The continuation of record-breaking sales in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019 was expected based on the burgeoning development of our customer base”, stated CEO Warren Kruger. Kruger continued, “The number of customers with over 15% sales volume increased from two to three over the prior period. Our margins have not developed consistently with the increase in sales as front loading of costs continue to remain high. These costs include equipment, facilities, infrastructure, training, and maintenance costs. Our dedicated employees work daily to flatten out these costs, maximize production and implement cost saving initiatives.”
“In this quest for efficiency, we have ordered automation on two production lines that will begin to roll out in the third quarter which we believe will have a significant positive impact for our employees and on earnings in the long term. We anticipate rolling this automation across all equipment lines in the future. Additionally, equipment is on order to increase Greystone’s capacity to refine recycled plastic and thus reduce total resin average price per pound. Based on the large volume of recycled plastic resin utilized by Greystone, penny reductions in the cost of raw materials should provide significant positive improvements in earnings. Our 48×45 automotive pallet mold has been shipped and this product will be available for sale in December. We have just completed installation of a new production machine that will start producing revenue in November, 2018 with an additional large tonnage machine scheduled for January.”
Arrows Up Stands Strong for Open Competition, Seeks Relief from Texas Appeals Court
Intellectual Property Suit against Sandbox Proceeds in Federal Court
HOUSTON – October 4, 2018 – Arrows Up, LLC, the latest target of Sandbox’s competition stifling litigation, will secure a stay for yesterday’s Texas State Court judgment (see post below) pending a ruling from the Texas Court of Appeals. Arrows Up becomes yet another company to be party to Sandbox’s demonstrated pattern of lawsuits against competitive innovation within the frac sand logistics industry.
“From the beginning, this lawsuit has been an attempt by Sandbox to shut out competition and we are committed to fighting for open competition within our industry while protecting our superior intellectual property claims,” said Kevin Shuba, CEO of managing affiliate OmniTRAX.
Arrows Up business operations continue without interruption while the company resolves the outstanding contract dispute in the Texas Court of Appeals.
“The lower court judgment is not enforceable until the appeals process is complete and it does not address the pivotal issue of contract enforcability,” added Shuba. “We remain convinced that the contract as written is an unenforceable restraint of trade and will seek relief in the Texas Court of Appeals.”
In addition to the Texas State Court appeal, Arrows Up, LLC continues its federal suit against Sandbox to protect its first in time superior intellectual property rights.
About Arrows Up, LLC.
Arrows Up, LLC began following a company’s request to create better products to serve the bulk storage and transportation industry. The management and operations teams of Arrows Up have over 65 years of combined experience in the packaging and logistics industry. Its mission is to create innovative, efficient and safer solutions for the bulk storage and transportation industries. This will be accomplished by research, customer involvement and continued experimentation with materials, design and assemble concepts. More information is available at http://www.arrowsupllc.com/.
Source: Arrows Up
U.S. Silica’s Sandbox Unit Receives Final Judgment Against Arrows Up
Monetary damages to Sandbox of $49.2 million
Judge declares Sandbox owns Arrows Up boxes
U.S. Silica reports 10% Third Quarter proppant volume growth despite headwinds
KATY, Texas, Oct. 4, 2018 — U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. announced entry of final judgment in its trial in State District Court in Harris County, Texas, against Arrows Up, LLC, an affiliate of OmniTRAX, Inc., a Broe Group portfolio company. In July 2018, the jury returned a unanimous verdict in favor of SandBox Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Silica, on every issue presented in the lawsuit. Among other things, the jury found that both Arrows Up and John Allegretti, its founder and CEO, committed fraud against SandBox and breached a 2015 Settlement Agreement with SandBox. The jury also found that Arrows Up breached a 2014 Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement with SandBox.
After considering the parties’ post-verdict briefing, the Court entered final judgment in SandBox’s favor on October 2. The judgment requires Arrows Up to pay SandBox $49.2 million in damages. In addition, the judgment declares that all frac sand shipping containers that Arrows Up has manufactured, sold or leased since January 2015 are actually “owned solely and exclusively” by SandBox under the terms of the parties’ Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement. The judgment awards SandBox title to and possession of Arrows Up’s frac sand shipping containers, and it sets up a schedule by which Arrows Up is to deliver those containers to SandBox.
U.S. Silica President and CEO Bryan Shinn commented, “We’re very happy with the outcome of this case. The ruling reaffirms the strength of Sandbox’s intellectual property and its broad patent portfolio. As the leading provider of last-mile containerized solutions, our Sandbox unit continues to add customers and new product offerings that solidify its industry-leading position in this growing and dynamic market segment.” Shinn added that, “We will strongly support an orderly transition from Arrows Up to Sandbox that minimizes customer disruptions.”
Commenting on Company third quarter performance, Shinn said, “We are pleased to report that we grew sand proppant sales volumes 10% sequentially in the third quarter. Given the widely reported slowdown in well completions in the back half of Q3 and the continued growth of in-basin sand capacity, we do expect our Northern White proppant pricing will be down sequentially. However, West Texas volumes and pricing held up well during the quarter, despite the more than 12 million tons of high cost competitor Northern White capacity coming off line,” he concluded.
Norm Plotkin Named CEO of 48forty Solutions
ATLANTA–48forty Solutions, the largest supplier of recycled pallets in North America, announced that Norm Plotkin has assumed the role of chief executive officer. Plotkin will also continue in his position as executive chairman of the Company. Plotkin has a 30-year track record of achieving growth and operational improvement in companies in a number of industries, including distribution, retail, business services, manufacturing, and real estate.
Mr. Plotkin was most recently CEO and executive chairman of Honsador Holdings, LLC, the largest independent distributor of building products and electrical supplies in the state of Hawaii. Additionally, he has served as CEO and executive chairman of Binswanger Glass, Stratix Corporation, and Distribution International. Over the course of his career, Plotkin served as CEO of a multi-site retail operation and has held various senior management roles in the real estate, building products and retail industries. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University.
When Brambles Limited announced plans to divest itself of its North American recycled pallets business in August of 2017, it indicated that CHEP Recycled’s growth outlook would improve under alternative ownership.
Less than five months later, Grey Mountain Partners, a Boulder, Colorado-based private equity firm, seized the opportunity to purchase the spinoff and completed the acquisition of CHEP Recycled on February 14, 2018. The former CHEP Recycled rebranded with a bold new name and brand image that it said positioned it for growth while celebrating its position as the leader in one of the foundational businesses of the supply chain and logistics industry. Kyle Otting, a 14-year veteran of CHEP Recycled, was named the first Chief Executive Officer of 48forty Solutions.
48forty Solutions is North America’s largest pallet management services company with a national network of company-owned and operated facilities and fleet operation to serve customers. Comprehensive pallet solutions include supply and retrieval, on-site services, reverse logistics, and packaging materials delivered to national and local companies by a customer-focused network of 225 facilities and 2,200 employees. Visit www.48forty.com.
Smurfit Kappa’s Vitop® develops innovative new Delta tap
Smurfit Kappa’s Vitop® company, leading producer of Bag-in-Box® taps and connectors, has launched an innovative new tap for rigid tins and cans with high density products such as detergent, chemicals and oils. The Delta tap, which holds a worldwide patent, has been designed to permit air to enter without requiring an extra air fitting and can be screwed on to rigid plastic packaging.
Thanks to its inbuilt ‘no return valve’, the Delta tap prevents leakage. If external pressure is applied to the rigid container during pouring, an inner ball shuts air entry and prevents liquid from escaping. A measuring cap can be placed on the Delta tap to avoid any additional product wastage. Furthermore, the Delta tap is spring-free, improving recyclability and the reduced number of components has made it more economical.
“This innovative new Delta Tap is another step forward for Vitop® . Its clever design can contribute to the overall improvement of a packaging design to better fit the customer’s requirements,” said Didier Pontcharraud, CEO of Vitop® . The Vitop® tap occupies the No. 1 position in the world for wine taps and has revolutionised the Bagin-Box ® system.
Greif Reaches One Million Drum Production Milestone at Jubail Plant
Industrial packaging specialist Greif has shipped its one millionth steel drum from its newly opened facility in Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Greif’s plant in Jubail is capable of manufacturing tight head and open head steel drums with or without internal coatings and gauges ranging from 0.8mm to 1.2mm. These drums can be supplied using tailor-made solutions that allow automatic loading onto chemical filling lines.
The facility is strategically located in close proximity to major customers allowing for 24-hour, 7-days per week operations and supply, providing potential operational efficiencies for these customers.
Speaking about the milestone, Abdennour EL Mosor, Regional Manager EMEA, said; “Our team is fully engaged and working every day to provide solutions that improve our customers’ operational efficiency and profitability”. “Greif strategically located this plant close to key customers to ensure a reliable, quality service that meets or exceeds their expectations. Reaching this significant milestone is key for our business.”
Greif’s Jubail plant is a specialist supplier to the chemical sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
Intertape Polymer Group Completes Acquisition of Polyair Inter Pack
Acquisition of protective packaging offering strengthens IPG’s product bundle
MONTREAL, QUEBEC and SARASOTA, FLORIDA – Intertape Polymer Group Inc. has closed the previously-announced transaction to acquire 100% of the outstanding equity value in Polyair Inter Pack Inc. , a North American supplier of protective packaging with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario and Chicago, Illinois. The aggregate purchase price of the transaction is approximately $146 million, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. All amounts in this press release are denominated in US dollars.
“The addition of Polyair’s protective packaging offering is a strategic acquisition that expands our offering into a new product line thereby strengthening our overall product bundle,” said Greg Yull, President and CEO of IPG. “Polyair’s complementary product offering and established customer base provide us a two-faceted approach for cross-selling opportunities. In addition, as the e-commerce market continues to experience out-sized growth, we believe protective packaging demand will continue to be a key component of our future growth.”
IPG estimates Polyair will generate approximately $133 million of revenue, approximately $14 million in adjusted EBITDA in the twelve months ending December 31, 2018 and will be accretive to IPG earnings in 2019, excluding advisory fees and other costs associated with mergers and acquisitions activity, including due diligence, integration and certain non-cash purchase price accounting adjustments. Deal and integration costs are expected to be approximately $2 million and $3 to $4 million, respectively, with the majority of integration costs expected to be recognized during 2019 and 2020. IPG estimates Polyair will generate approximately $20 to $22 million in adjusted EBITDA by 2021, which includes synergies and organic growth driven primarily by its e-commerce business channel.
The purchase price was financed with funds available under IPG’s revolving $600 million credit facility.
China Merchants Is Said to Weigh Sale of $1 Billion Loscam
State-owned China Merchants Group is considering a sale of pallet maker Loscam, according to Bloomberg, citing interest from investors including Asian buyout firms.
“The Hong Kong-based conglomerate is working with financial advisers on the potential divestment of a majority stake in Loscam, the people said, asking not to be identified because the matter is private. A deal could value the business at about $1 billion, said the people.”
CMG acquired Loscam from Affinity Equity Partners in 2010, moving its headquarters to Hong Kong.
Smith Plastics will be Showing Their Induostry Leading Returnable Packaging Containers at Empack Porto 2018
DS Smith Plastics’ polypropylene collapsible and reusable containers are known for their durability, light weight and reliability to safely transport goods for any market.
Empack Porto will be held on the 19-20 in Porto, Portugal, and the DS Smith Plastics’ team will be in the main exhibition hall at Stand F12.
The 24m2 stand will feature a selection of customised polypropylene reusable packaging for a variety of markets. For the automotive industry, DS Smith Plastics will be featuring their AkyPak family of reusable containers, trays and boxes made from AkyLux polypropylene sheets. Additional packaging solutions with functionalities and critical benefits such as durability, lightweight and customisability will also be highlighted at the show.
Polypropylene packaging solutions have become an industry standard in a variety of markets from automotive to foodservice. Because of its many advantages—such as superior printability—the DS Smith Plastics’ family of returnable transit packaging has gained popularity to safely transport an endless list of products. The surface of AkyPak boxes and container sleeves are the ideal surface for printing any company logos or labels to clearly mark the product when in transit. This industry leading transport packaging system is also known for its ability to carry large products like automobile parts that require a durable solution to keep the product safe, or seafood products that require watertight packaging to keep the product fresh.
Empack Porto will gather more than 4,000 professionals in search of products and solutions in order to minimize risks, create better control over processes and bring greater advantages to businesses. The wide assortment of businesses and products at exhibitions can make it hard to know what the best solution for any professional to learn what the best solution is for them. DS Smith Plastics assures that no matter the issue we will do our best to come up with a system to meet the requirements of any customer.
Come visit DS Smith Plastics at this amazing show, and learn about a wide variety of industry leading products.
U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Wood Pallet Manufacturer After Employee Amputation
COLUMBUS, OH, Sept. 13, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited pallet manufacturer Buckeye Diamond Logistics Inc. – which operates as BDL Supply – for lockout/tagout hazards after an employee suffered an amputation at the Columbus-based company. OSHA proposed penalties of $191,794 for two repeated and four serious violations.
The employee suffered a finger amputation while working with an energized pallet stack machine. OSHA investigators determined that the company failed to develop lockout/tag out procedures, install machine guards, and train employees on procedures to prevent machines from starting during service and maintenance; and exposed employees to electrical hazards. OSHA cited the company for similar violations at its Lima and South Charleston, Ohio, facilities in 2016.
BDL Supply had 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.
Menasha Now Offering ISTA 6-Amazon.com Testing, Certification
NEENAH, Wis., Sept. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Menasha, an industry-leading merchandising, packaging and e-commerce solutions provider, now offers International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) 6-Amazon.com testing and certification. The company is certified to conduct multiple series of ISTA testing for Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships-in-Own-Container (SIOC) and Prep-Free Packaging (PFP).
An official participant in the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS), Menasha also provides APASS services directly to vendors, sellers and manufacturers related to package testing in compliance with Amazon’s certification test methods.
“As an APASS partner and provider of ISTA certified testing, we are further simplifying e-commerce for consumer packaged goods companies and retailers with our multi-platform, adaptable supply chain solution,” says Jason Rottier, director of e-commerce for Menasha. “Conducting ISTA testing alongside our in-house design also enables us to increase speed-to-market for our customers and provide them with innovative, unbiased packaging that’s designed for delivery.”
Menasha is trained and certified in the following ISTA testing standards:
ISTA 3 Series: General Simulation Performance Tests
ISTA 6 Series: Member Performance Tests
ISTA 7 Series: Development Tests
Menasha’s adaptable, innovative and personalized e-commerce offerings also include complete digital printing capabilities that enable late-stage customization and scalable supply chain solutions.
Recycling company president pleads guilty for underpaying Stewart’s more than $150,000
The president of an Amsterdam, New York, recycling company has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $150,000 from Stewart’s Shops Corp., according to the district attorney of Saratoga County’s office.
Sam Donadio, president of Power Pallet Recycling, pleaded guilty on Monday in Saratoga County Court to grand larceny in the second degree. Read more.
Surgere® Names Michael Silvio to New Role
Surgere® has announced the appointment of Michael Silvio to Vice President – Operations Innovation. A Detroit native, Silvio has 29 years of global supply chain experience, the last 17 in the global Tier I automaker supply chain. He has been an adjunct faculty member at the Mike Ilitch School of Business, Global Supply Chain Department, at Wayne State University in Detroit since 2003. In his new role, Silvio will work with new customers to deploy Surgere products’ hardware and software and ensure its smooth implementation. “Great ideas often come from the warehouse floor and local material departments,” Silvio said. “For this and many other reasons, it’s important for us to be close to the customer’s needs and get their ideas for process improvement.”
China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing Meeting with EPAL
On the 20th August 2018, Mr Cai Jin, Vice-Chairman of China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP), met Mr Thomas Beenen, Senior General Manager of European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL), and Ms An Xiaowei, EPAL’s representative in Asia.
EPAL and CFLP aim to strengthen exchange and deepen collaboration together. Mr Thomas Beenen introduced the background and development of EPAL in detail, explaining that EPAL focuses on quality and assures the constant quality of EPAL load carriers worldwide. Besides, EPAL thinks that ultimately the market and users will choose which pallet type to use. Mr Cai delivered a warm welcome to Mr Beenen, and highlighted the existing cooperation between CFLP and EPAL. Mr Cai thanked EPAL for its efforts in the field of pallet standardisation over the years in China. Mr Cai also introduced the structure of CFLP briefly and pointed out that CFLP pays great attention to the promotion of pallet standardisation in China in such areas as production certification, standardisation, operating models and the application of new technology on pallets. CFLP and EPAL intend to strengthen and further promote these points to fulfil the huge demand for pallets in China. At the end of the meeting, there was a further discussion between the two parties on how to develop global pallet integration together in future.
The Department Directors of the Pallet Professional Committee (CPC), the International Cooperation Department and the Logistics Equipment Committee of CFLP also attended this meeting.
Cartonplast Group strengthens its returnable transport packaging business with the acquisition of Green Plate
Dietzenbach, Germany, 4 September 2018 – Cartonplast Group (“CPL”), Europe’s leading provider of mission-critical closed-loop logistics services to the food and beverage packaging industry, has acquired Germany-based Green Plate GmbH (“Green Plate”).
CPL and Green Plate are combining their returnable transport packaging (“RTP”) solutions via plastic layer pad (“PLP”) pooling operations. By merging asset pools and logistics networks with Green Plate, CPL strengthens its capabilities in reusable RTP solutions for the glass and can container industry. The acquisition further amplifies the service proposition for CPL’s German and international clients.
Serkan Koray, CPL’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The acquisition of Green Plate is part of our continuous strategy of service and market expansion. Our menu of mission-critical RTP outsourcing solutions for the container manufacturing industry will keep benefiting the environment, the sustainability of our clients’ business models and their overall economic efficiency.”
Michael Heikenfeld, the Chief Sales Officer of CPL and Managing Director of CPL Germany, added: “We are proud to have been continuously supporting our customers in Germany since the mid-late 1980s. We will further increase our depth and breadth of service after the acquisition of Green Plate. Weexpect this business combination to improve our already high network effects, leading to more efficient pool management and enhanced service breadth.”
Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Green Plate, added: “Green Plate views this combination as highly complementary and beneficial for the clients of Green Plate and CPL, as well as for all industry stakeholders”
After the acquisition of Green Plate, CPL’s pool of PLPs will be sized at more than 45 million units and its service network will count on 17 operating sites in the Eurasian region plus 9 on-site / in-house service centres in Brazil and South Africa. CPL’s international drive will continue to support container manufacturers focused on efficient and environmentally-sustainable logistics. CPL plays a critical role in the marketplace, providing unique ‘first-mile’ solutions to the users of RTP logistics across 20 countries.
PACK EXPO Presentations Geared to Help Improve Manufacturing Operations
Professionals who attend this year’s PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO in Chicago, Oct. 14–17, can learn about the latest smart manufacturing techniques aimed at delivering value across the enterprise. This year, Rockwell Automation will conduct a series of presentations and demonstrations for end users, machine and equipment builders in packaging and related industries to share the most recent innovations in independent cart technology, analytics and network security.
Rockwell Automation subject matter specialists will present at the PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO Innovation Stages, featuring the following topics:
Smart Flexible Manufacturing: Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. in Booth N-4560 – How companies are leveraging innovative technologies to add more flexibility into manufacturing
Advanced Technology in Life Sciences: Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. in Booth W-320 – How business models in life science manufacturing are evolving to support changing market demands
Analytics for Delivering Business Value in Industrial IoT: Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. in Booth N-4560 – Why big data will become less relevant in the future and increasingly be replaced with contextualized data and digital twins that are embedded in devices, machines and the cloud
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing Operations: Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. in Booth N-4560 – Recommendations on best practices and actionable steps industrial companies can take with reference to network security and standards within the industry
“At PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, attendees can learn how they can leverage analytics to help generate increased productivity and flexibility in their operations,” said Steve Mulder, OEM packaging and segment leader, Rockwell Automation. “We look forward to sharing the latest in automation technology and offering new solutions for machine designers and end users.”
Attendees can also visit Booth E-8043 to see the iTRAK and MagneMover Lite motion control systems from Rockwell Automation. Designed for the precise movement, positioning and tracking of loads, these modular, scalable motion control systems can increase throughput and efficiency in applications such as packaging, pharmaceutical manufacturing, sterile and aseptic filling, lab automation and medical device manufacturing.
In conjunction with its participation in PACK EXPO International, Rockwell Automation is a title sponsor of the PACK gives BACK benefit event on Oct. 15 featuring Chicago-based comedian Sebastian Maniscalco. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the PACK EXPO Scholarship, which supports students pursuing advanced degrees in packaging or processing at PMMI partner schools. Tickets can be purchased at packexpo.com.
IMDA EXHIBITS AT PACKEXPO INTERNATIONAL
Be sure to visit the IMDA booth N-5000 to say hello. It is located in the Partner Pavilion, upper North Hall of 2018 PACKEXPO International, October 14 – 17, 2018, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
IMDA members will be there to greet you and discuss questions you may have about in-mold labeling, in-mold decorating and in-mold electronics. Click HERE to view the schedule of our member experts who will be at the booth during the show. (Check often as the schedule is updated daily.)
On display will be the winning entries from the 2018 IMDA Awards Competition plus many other interesting in-mold labeled packages (IML), in-mold decorated durable products (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME) for you to examine and admire.
The winners of the 2018 IMDA Awards Competition will also be displayed in The Showcase of Packaging Innovations®, sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company. The Showcase highlights more than 300 award-winning packaging designs from internationally recognized packaging organizations.
PELICAN BIOTHERMAL OPENS NEW NETWORK STATION IN FRANKFURT
Latest facility to support the fast expanding Crēdo on Demand rental program
Pelican Biothermal Credo
(Frankfurt, Germany – August 14, 2018) – Pelican BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, announces the opening of a new network station in Frankfurt. The new facility will service reusable Crēdo Cube parcel shippers, including refurbishment and repair. It will also serve as an additional network station for the company’s rapidly expanding Crēdo on Demand rental program, which offers a high performance, flexible rental option for temperature controlled pallet shippers, with global reach.
The network station is located in close proximity to Frankfurt’s Main Airport, a major logistics hub for both pharmaceutical manufacturing and transfer in the region. The latest location enables global Pelican BioThermal clients to receive and return the reusable Credo line of temperature-controlled packaging.
“Our Crēdo rental programs are specifically designed to provide our global customers with options,” said Dominic Hyde, vice president of Crēdo on Demand. “To serve the needs of our clients worldwide, we continue to make significant investments in key locations globally. Our Frankfurt facility offers operational processes and quality procedures replicated throughout all of our expanding network stations and service centers. Our aim is to provide our customers the convenience and flexibility to select the best logistics location for their business.”
The location complements the existing and expanding network of service centers, network stations and rental drop-off points spanning Europe, Asia and the Americas, providing customers with an additional option for returning and conditioning of Crēdo on Demand assets at the end of the rental period, including Crēdo Xtreme pallet shippers and Crēdo Cargo bulk shippers.
The Crēdo on Demand rental service offers daily, monthly and other rental terms, including qualification reports and clean, freshly refurbished shippers.
Visit www.pelicanbiothermal.com to learn more about the wide range of Pelican BioThermal products and offerings.
Pelican BioThermal is a division of Pelican Products, Inc., which is a portfolio company of Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco.
DS Smith to Make All Packaging, Including Plastics, Reusable or Recyclable by 2025
DS Smith has just released its annual Sustainability Review, setting nine ambitious targets across Packaging, Plastics, Recycling and Paper Divisions
LONDON, UK, 23 July 2018 – The DS Smith Sustainability Review 2018 has announced a total of nine new sustainability targets, including a target to manufacture 100 percent reusable or recyclable packaging by 2025.
The company will spend the next year establishing strong action plans and gathering robust data. For the Plastics Division this will likely include measures to:
Reduce material complexity to single polymers for efficient, high quality and 100 percent product recyclability.
Providing alternative end-of-life solutions where possible, through reuse or repair.
Conceiving and designing new plastic solutions from post-consumer recycled material to stimulate secondary material markets.
The report tells the story of how the company embeds sustainability throughout business discussing key issues, being honest about challenges and sharing success in how we create sustainable value at every stage of the supply cycle.
Read the report to find out more about:
The design and manufacture of durable, recyclable products with long-life cycles, such as returnable beverage crates that can be reused for up to 30 years; and returnable sleeve pack containers with a life-cycle of 7 to 10 years.
The collection of end-of life plastics products at our manufacturing facilities and via mobile regrinding vehicles services at customer sites.
The creation of new designs made from post-consumer material such as our European Recycling Award Winning Beaulex®, used in rainwater buffering systems.
The benefits of reusable, repairable lightweight transit packaging products that lower our customers’ C0₂ emissions.
And finally, how DS Smith has reduced carbon emissions from its manufacturing plants by over 7% in the last year.
More needs to be done to ensure that the positive role of good, reusable and recyclable packaging is not forgotten, states DS Smith, saying that these steps mark just the start of its journey towards a more sustainable packaging future, and ever closer to 100 percent reusable and recyclable packaging.
IPP is to join forces with MATCH Belgium
Source: Pooling Partners
July 2018. Back in March, IPP, a division of Pooling Partners, introduced the “Pallet Pooling Next Level: simple works best” model onto the Belgian market. The focus on simplicity has already seen many logistics managers change tack, such as the supermarket chain, Match.
MATCH is also opting for “Simple Works Best”
As of July the Match logistics chain will differ slightly in that goods will be delivered on brick-brown IPP pallets. Significant cost-savings and enhanced efficiency across the entire chain were the deciding factors for Match to switch over to the Simple Works Best model. “We started collaborating with IPP because of the simple invoicing, straightforward communication and guaranteed, premium quality stock levels on offer,” explained Laurent Vanden Brande of Match. “Moreover, the pooling model underpins our efficiency objective for the entire supply chain.”
Sharp increase in IPP pallet use in Belgium
The FMCG market is increasingly encouraging the use of rental pool pallets. This has seen one of the largest retailers in Belgium raising the fine for EPAL deliveries by a staggering 27% earlier this year. Indeed, the pooling model IPP is offering results in a 20% cost-saving, according to IPP.
According to IPP’s Mohamed El Miniti, Sales Manager Belgium & Luxemburg: “The price agreements reached with our partners frequently result in a 20% cost-saving. That’s quite something!”
Pallet pooling is simple; in a nutshell, it fully facilitates the customer. All the customer need do is say how many pallets he needs, and where and when. Moreover, no further investment is required. The product is leased as it were; a concept that dovetails seamlessly with the prevailing ‘to rent, not have’ trend. As such, pallet pooling takes up a significant share in the circular economy.
Martin Leibrandt leaves EPAL
Düsseldorf, 18th July 2018 – The Board and General Assembly of the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) have decided to end cooperation with the EPAL CEO, Martin Leibrandt. He left EPAL after more than 6 years on 30/06/2018.
The EPAL Board will decide on a successor in due course. Until then the President, Robert Holliger, and the Vice-President, Dirk Hoferer, will jointly manage the association with the deputy CEO, Mrs Claudia Töller.
At the same time as his departure from EPAL, Martin Leibrandt’s position as Managing Director of Gütegemeinschaft Paletten e.V. (GPAL), the German National Committee, is also terminated. As usual, Mrs Sabine Dresbach and Mrs Suzane Giurlando are available at Gütegemeinschaft Paletten e.V. (GPAL).
Demand for Reusable Plastic Containers (RPCs) to Grow 7.6% Annually
The number of RPCs in use is much larger than demand
CLEVELAND, July 16, 2018 — Demand for new reusable plastic containers (RPCs) for fresh produce is projected to increase 7.6% per year to $185 million in 2022, making them one of the fastest growing produce packaging products. Gains will be due to the implementation of RPC-based logistical systems for produce by grocery chains. Walmart and several regional grocery chains have adopted full or partial RPC-based systems. Demand for new RPCs will increase much faster than the overall produce packaging average but is expected to continue decelerating due to the size of the existing RPC pool. These and other trends are presented in Produce Packaging Market in the US, 7th Edition, a new study from The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry research firm.
The number of RPCs in use is much larger than demand due to the multiple trips made per year by most of these containers and their ability to be used for up to 100 trips.
Still, there will be growth opportunities due to:
replacement needs due to wear or breakage
compatibility with modular corrugated box systems and other packaging formats
handling efficiencies due to size standardization
stacking efficiencies compared to boxes
efforts to reduce overall packaging waste
US demand for all types of produce packaging is projected to increase 4.0% per year to $6.5 billion in 2022. This will represent an improvement over the 2012-2017 period, when domestic produce production declined. Beyond a modest rebound in production, a number of other factors will boost demand, including increased packaging of heretofore unpackaged produce items, and the widening availability of cut and shredded produce in convenience-oriented packaging.
Paxxal Inc. Names Ellwood Hunt as Chief Operating Officer
Noblesville, IN – July 12, 2018 — Following an extensive search, Paxxal Inc., an innovative provider of shipping platforms, announces the appointment of Ellwood P. Hunt III as Chief Operating Officer effective August 1, 2018. Hunt will report to Ben Stoller, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Managing Member of Paxxal, and have global responsibility for manufacturing, logistics and operations.
Hunt brings more than three decades of operational expertise to the role, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing & Product Development for IGPS Logistics, the world’s largest plastic pallet rental company. He has fostered key relationships with Fortune 500 Companies nationally and internationally in the supply chain industry and plastic pallet industry.
“Ellwood’s nearly 30 years of operational experience in the plastic pallet industry and at PepsiCo is extraordinary and will enhance our team tremendously,” said Stoller. “We look forward to him joining our executive team.”
Prior to joining Paxxal Inc., Hunt held key executive roles and gained invaluable experience with four other companies. In addition to IGPS, he spent five years as Vice President, Sales/Operations of Teph Seal Auto Appearance, the largest auto detailing company in the US, served as Vice President of Operations & Logistics and Customer Service for seven years with CHEP, the world’s largest wood pallet rental company and 23 years at PepsiCo, where he was Regional/Market Unit General Manager and held other operational positions.
Paxxal is a platform company that specializes in logistics related products and services in the supply chain sector. Its focus is on improving supply chain efficiencies through manufacturing, logistics, reusable rental markets, robust data analytics and services. Paxxal’s portfolio consists of three main divisions Industries, Logistics and Analytics. Find more information at www.paxxal.com.
Yukon Supports Grey Mountain Partners’ Investment in 48forty Solutions
MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jul 10, 2018–Yukon Partners (“Yukon”), a provider of mezzanine capital for middle market private equity transactions, is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Grey Mountain Partners (“Grey Mountain”) in its investment in 48forty Solutions (“48forty” or the “Company”), formerly a division of Brambles and formerly known as CHEP Recycling.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, 48forty is the largest whitewood pallet recycler in North America, recycling over 90 million pallets annually across its network of 73 company locations and more than 225 network facilities. 48forty has approximately 2,400 employees and serves over 2,700 customers, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the distribution & logistics, food & beverage, packaging, durables, and non-durables industries. The Company sources used pallet “cores” from the end of supply chains, repairs the pallets, and then re-sells them to manufacturers/distributors at the top of the supply chain.
Yukon provided mezzanine capital to facilitate the transaction and acquired a minority equity interest. Dorsey & Whitney LLP served as legal counsel to Yukon.
Bill Ross, Vice President of Grey Mountain commented, “We are excited to partner with Yukon and appreciate their flexible approach as the Company enters its next phase of growth as a standalone business outside of Brambles. We believe 48forty’s reputation as the industry leader and commitment to customer excellence will position the Company nicely for continued, profitable growth.”
Aaron Arnett, Principal of Yukon, added, “We are looking forward to partnering with Grey Mountain, as well as with the management team at 48forty, to support the Company in further penetrating the North American recycled whitewood pallet market. The Company’s diverse customer and supplier base, and network of over 225 facilities across the United States and Canada, are key differentiators relative to competitors, allowing the Company to provide a comprehensive one-stop-shop solution for both national and regional customers.”
Recycling Industry Unites with Goal of Addressing Key Issues
Washington, DC – July 10, 2018 – In May, a group of organizations representing various segments of the recycling industry met to discuss ways to better collaborate to advance the industry as a whole. The initial meeting, which took place in Washington, DC, at the headquarters of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, was an open discussion aimed at identifying ways throughout the recycling stream to improve quality, increase demand for material, and promote products made with recycled content.
As part of the initial phase, the organizations have released the following statement of cooperation:
“As representatives of the complete recycling chain, we understand that improving the quality of the recycling stream and increasing the demand for recyclables in the manufacture of new products will deliver economic and environmental benefits nationwide. We commit to actively engaging with one another to enhance the nation’s recycling systems, while simultaneously continuing our own organizations’ work to influence change.”
The groups have scheduled a meeting in August to determine specific courses of action and efforts to work on collectively.
Organizations participating in the effort include:
American Forest & Paper Association
AMERIPEN
Association of Plastic Recyclers
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
Keep America Beautiful
Northeast Recycling Council
National Recycling Coalition
National Waste & Recycling Association
Plastics Industry Association
The Recycling Partnership
Southeast Recycling Development Council
Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Solid Waste Association of North America.
EPAL Board meeting and General Assembly in Ljubljana, Slovenia
The Board and the representatives of the National Committees of the European Pallet Association met on 28th and 29th June 2018 in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. The Ordinary Board Meeting took place on 28th June, and the General Assembly was held a day later. The meeting of EPAL members takes place annually in one of the member countries of the world’s largest quality assurance association for EPAL pallets.
The General Assembly elected two new country representatives to join them: Tatyana Sargsyan from the EPAL Baltic States National Committee and Ruben Hut, representing the EPAL Dutch National Committee, NEDERPAL. The Board and the participants at the General Assembly would like to express their sincere thanks to the Slovenian National Committee, SIPAL, represented by the President, Igor Sep and the Managing Director, Ivan Kerec, for their excellent organisation and professional support.
Stacey McGuire Appointed as General Counsel for Pelican Products, Inc.
TORRANCE, CA – July 2, 2018 – Pelican Products, Inc., the global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance protective cases, temperature controlled packaging and advanced portable lighting systems, has appointed Stacey McGuire as General Counsel to lead the legal function at Pelican
“Experienced legal counsel in-house is crucial to navigating the complex regulatory issues associated with doing business in today’s global economy,” said Don Jordan, Chief Financial Officer, Pelican Products. “I’m confident that her experience and guidance will help protect our brand and operations so we can continue delivering the quality products and services that our customers around the globe have come to rely upon.”
McGuire brings more than 15 years of transactional and litigation experience to her new position. Prior to joining Pelican, she served in a variety of high-level positions at companies and law firms that include J.T. Posey Company, Clinipace Worldwide and Sedgwick LLP.
McGuire holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Pepperdine University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Pelican Products, Inc. is a portfolio company of Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco.
MAUSER Expands IBC Footprint with Opening of North Wales, PA Facility
MAUSER USA, LLC opens IBC bottle facility in North Wales, PA to support rebottling operations in the northeastern United States.
July 2, 2018 – MAUSER USA, LLC has announced its latest expansion of intermediate bulk container (IBC) manufacturing capabilities with its new North Wales, PA site. The North Wales facility will provide on-site supply of IBC bottles to MAUSER’s reconditioning affiliate, National Container Group (NCG) as well as IBC bottle replacements via NCG for other users in the northeastern US market.
“We are excited to enter the northeastern market with IBC bottle capabilities,” remarked Ed Konyen, Senior VP Operations – IBC Division at MAUSER USA, LLC. “This new location will improve our carbon footprint as we optimize our supply of bottles to our NCG locations and further solidify our commitment to sustainable packaging.”
“IBCs and reconditioned packaging continue to be the drivers of growth within the industrial packaging industry,” stated Jeff DeLiberty, Director of New Markets and Business Development at MAUSER USA, LLC. “Providing these solutions in the northeastern US corridor is critical as it further completes MAUSER’s North American footprint. In addition, this new location is ideal for MAUSER to enhance lead times and improve customer service.”
Kamps Pallets and Corrloc LLC Announce Strategic Partnership
June 28, 2018. Kamps Pallets, a national pallet company headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, has announced a partnership with Corrloc LLC, a corrugated pallet and packaging company.
Dan Gibson, Corrloc co-founder, says, “Corrloc will be widely adopted in the market place due to its cost to strength ratio. Our customers will no longer have to choose one or the other, it will be based off what best fits their needs.
“Because Kamps is a recycling company at its core, Corrloc was a perfect fit for us. It can be manufactured from recycled materials, and itself is 100% recyclable as well,” said said Brad Rietema, Kamps Executive VP of Corporate Services. “This product will allow Kamps to offer multiple solutions to our customers in both wood and paper, for their pallets, bracing, dunnage and packaging needs. We are very excited to partner with Corrloc and offer the product on a national scale.”
Kamps plans to add Corrloc technology and manufacturing to its national network and work with existing, and new customers to see how Corrloc can best benefit them. The first CorrLoc manufacturing site was fully operational in Niles, MI in May of this year.Corrloc offers many different packaging solutions including pallets, dividers, braces, rails and cases. Each solution is engineered to meet specific packaging needs.
Kamps Pallets is a full service pallet company delivering innovative pallet and packaging solutions to customers across the United States. It specializes in custom pallet management processes, high-quality products and excellent customer service. Based in Michigan, Kamps has nationwide facilities to meet the shipping needs of industries from coast to coast, including wood pallets, plastic pallets, and corrugated pallets
Primex Design & Fabrication Improves Prototyping Time With New Appointment
June 18, 2018. Primex Design & Fabrication, PD&F, (formerly Woodruff Corporation), a leading manufacturer of reusable, returnable and recyclable plastic shipping containers, custom interior dunnage, point of purchase displays and retail packaging, recently announced the appointment of Debbie Robinson to the position of sample department coordinator. She was previously a design engineer for the company for twenty years.
Robinson will be responsible for the creation, production and delivery of prototypes and samples to PD&F customers. “Our design and rapid prototyping capabilities set us apart from our competition,” says Robinson. “We normally are able to design and deliver custom samples within a 24-48-hour window.
Robinson’s position represents a critical touchpoint with customers during the initial phase of a new project. “I will be communicating with customers, answering questions and helping them with design solutions. With my 20 years’ experience as a designer, I have a good insight on what a customer needs in a finished product,” Robinson says.
PD&F is committed to accurate functional prototypes. The goals are to provide a perfect solution to the customers’ design needs, faster turnaround and accurate prototypes the first time. The appointment of Robinson brings stronger, more experienced management to this function.
Amstel and Kronenbourg Choose DS Smith’s Box2Keep Beer Crates to Promote Their Beer in the UK during the World Cup
The injection moulded One Way Box2Keep crate is the ideal tool to promote beer brands during international sporting events.
International football events are always the perfect times to have a beer with friends and thus, for beer brands, the perfect time to increase sales. With the World Cup 2018 on going, famous beer brands Amstel and Kronenbourg were looking for an original, supplementary packaging solution to promote their beers at POS in the UK.
In order to extend the existing offering with a special ‘FIFA World Cup Russia 2018’ promotion, the brands were looking for a sustainable packaging with a triple function: to transport the bottles, to promote the brand at the POS and to keep as a functional FIFA 2018 souvenir.
The world-famous beer brands chose DS Smith Plastics’ Box2Keep beer crate, a standard injection moulded one-way crate that can be personalized by screen printing, stickers, and ultra-thin IML labels, thus providing a lot of opportunities for an affordable cost. The supplementary inside dividers protect the bottles during transport. Its durability transforms the stackable box into a timeless promotion because it can be re-used by the customer to store all kinds of things.
The Amstel and Kronenbourg ‘must-haves’ will be available in Tesco warehouses in the UK during the FIFA World Cup 2018. The boxes are 100% recyclable after their long life.
Corrugated & Recycling Industries Work to Increase Residential Recovery
Corrugated packaging and recycling industry groups recently met to review recommendations for increasing residential recovery of old corrugated containers (OCC). The recommendations are a result of research conducted by RRS for the Fibre Box Association (FBA). The research asked more than 1,000 Americans about their residential OCC recycling practices.
Corrugated packaging is the most widely recycled packaging material with a recovery rate near 90 percent for the past seven years. To retain this leadership role, the corrugated industry is exploring how shifts in consumer purchasing patterns could impact recovery. The group recognized the need for a renewed focus on promoting the recyclability of OCC and agreed to proactively pursue a broad set of initiatives to help increase recovery.
These initiatives include activities to generate greater ease of access and specifically address multi-family and rural residential recovery. The group agreed to:
Promote the use of carts instead of bins for curbside collection of OCC where applicable to accommodate greater collection
Support efforts to match the frequency of recycling and trash collection to provide for equal access to recycling
Establish clear and harmonized messages and graphics for household recovery of OCC including what can be recycled and how to do it
Develop more direct recycling messages on boxes to remind consumers to recycle
Work with additional groups on recycling education to increase understanding and encourage recycling behaviors
Support the development of building codes that make recycling easy for multi-family dwellings
Encourage replication of successful multi-family and rural recovery programs
For years OCC has been a recycling success story. The group believes a renewed focus on its recyclability will spur additional recovery efforts.
The group led by FBA included AICC – The Independent Packaging Association, American Forest & Paper Association, AMERIPEN, Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries, Waste Management, and member companies Cascades, Dusobox, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, Kruger, PCA, Pratt Industries and WestRock.
Source: Fibrebox.org
Pregis enters into definitive agreement to purchase FP International
DEERFIELD, Ill., June 19, 2018 – Pregis LLC, a leading manufacturer of innovative protective packaging materials, equipment systems and surface protection, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. (FP International). The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review.
“The acquisition of FP International will benefit our combined customer base by providing a robust set of diverse solutions and accelerated product development—most notably to address growing e-commerce shipping requirements. This also significantly strengthens Pregis’ geographic position within new international markets, supporting our global growth strategy,” said Kevin Baudhuin, president and chief executive officer. “Additionally, we look forward to welcoming FP’s exceptional professionals to the Pregis team. Our cultural similarities will fuel future growth.”
FP International has a 50 year history of providing a wide range of protective packaging solutions. Its well-known brands include the MINI PAK’R®, PRO PAK’R® and POWER PAK’R® and many other protective packaging products. The company was founded in 1967 by Arthur Graham, who pioneered the use of free-flowing interior packaging material. FP International has been transformed over the past two decades from a single-product company to a leading provider of protective packaging solutions with multinational operations.
FP International President Joe Nezwek said, “We’re excited to become a part of Pregis’ expanding protective packaging portfolio. This will enable us to continue FP’s 50-year commitment to innovation and outstanding customer service. As one company, we can accelerate our efforts to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Headquartered in Fremont, California, FP has five manufacturing facilities—two in the United States plus Germany, France and the Netherlands—supported by 360 employees. Pregis plans on continuing manufacturing operations in those locations.
Serendipitously started with a batch of discarded soda straws five decades ago, FP International has grown to become a global leader of innovative protective packaging products and systems. Now widely recognized for its sophisticated product design and customer-centric culture as well as its trail-blazing technology, FP International operates on three continents, providing interior packaging solutions to a wide array of industries, from automobiles to toys.
FP International is the sixth acquisition Pregis has completed in the past four years under Olympus Partners ownership. The other five are Rex Performance Products, Sharp Packaging, 3M Company’s PolyMask protective films business, Easypack paper-based protective packaging systems and Eagle Film Extruders.
FSK calls for entries for the 2018 Innovation Award Foamed Plastics
Stuttgart, 19.06.2018 – The Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK) is once again calling for entries for the Innovation Award Foamed Plastics in 2018. The competition is open to young talents and specialists, professionals and companies – to submit innovative ideas, forward-looking concepts and new developments in the field of foam plastics.
The Specialist Association Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes (FSK) has set itself the goal of promoting young industry professionals and motivating them to submit new ideas, concepts and developments. Each year, the FSK presents an innovation award in the categories “Technology” and “Design and Construction”. The prize is awarded alternately to the Foamed Plastics and Polyurethanes divisions. In 2018, the competition will be specifically for innovations in the field of foamed plastics. Applications are open until 3 September 2018 to individuals and groups from universities and companies across Europe. Submissions from junior professionals and senior professionals or companies will be evaluated and awarded separately in order to ensure a fair and appropriate assessment and according to the level of knowledge and experience. The evaluation is carried out by a jury of experts selected by the FSK. The criteria are the newness and innovative power of the submitted products and solutions, as well as their market and competitive ability.
Application documents can be requested from the FSK office or downloaded from its website. The award ceremony will take place in Papenburg on 28/29 November as part of the 19th International FSK Specialist Conference Foamed Plastics. The winners in the category junior professionals will receive an additional cash prize of up to 3,000 Euros in order to establish their innovations on the market.
Application documents can be found on the FSK-Website.
For further information, please send an e-mail to fsk@fsk-vsv.de or call +49 (0)711 993 7510.
PolymerLogistics to Showcase Reusable Packaging & Merchandising Systems for Produce and Floral at 2018 United FreshMKT & International Floriculture Expos
See innovative produce and floral transport and display solutions at United FreshMKT booth #1538 and IFE booth #5255 in Chicago June 25-27, 2018
Tampa, FL (June 18, 2018) – Polymer Logistics, a global leader in reusable packaging and merchandising systems, will present innovative products and services for transport packaging, retail and promotional display, and asset management at the 2018 United FreshMKT and International Floriculture Expos at McCormick Place in Chicago, June 25-27, 2018.
“We are laser focused on helping retailers and growers deliver delightful shopping experiences and profitable growth across the store,” said Fred Heptinstall, CEO of Polymer Logistics North America. “Our transport and merchandising systems work together from source to store to door. We work with our partners to strengthen the total supply chain through innovative design, sustainable and efficient operations, unsurpassed quality and freshness, enhanced retail merchandising, and cutting-edge asset management systems.”
The Polymer Logistics Fresh Look flower stand will be featured at IFE booth #5255. Modular, easy to assemble, and flexible, this innovative merchandising unit enhances the presentation of flowers and brings an instant market fresh look to the entire floral department.
At United FreshMKT booth #1538, attendees can see and learn more about Polymer Logistics reusable transport, display, and in-store decor, product handling and mobile merchandising options for perishable food and floral applications. All Polymer Logistics packaging and merchandising solutions can be ordered in the color that best complements store decor.
“Our high-impact product presentation and efficient supply chain packaging systems deliver results,” said Heptinstall. “We look forward to seeing everyone in Chicago and discussing how we can work together as supply chain and merchandising partners.”
Molson Coors Celebrates Father’s Day with a Dedicated Returnable Beverage Crate for Their Croatian Beer Brand Ožujsko
June 17th, we will be celebrating dads around the world. To celebrate the occasion, Croatian beer brand Ožujsko contacted DS Smith Plastics to design a special Father’s Day returnable beer crate.
Returnable beverage crates are the ideal tool for advertising or seasonal promotions. From a simple means of transport, they have evolved to a hi-tech marketing tool with limitless possibilities.
To increase the brand awareness of their customer’s product and with Father’s Day coming up, Molson Coors’ Croatian beer brand Ožujsko decided to celebrate fatherhood with a special beer crate. They contacted the DS Smith Plastics design department to create a returnable beverage crate with silk screen printing and with extra free space to personalise with the father’s name.
The text ‘Žuja za tate’, is silk screen printed together with the brand’s name. Žuja is a nickname for Ožujsko, given by customers and ‘za tate’ means ‘for dads’. To promote the beverage crate on their website all Croatian dads who became a parent in 2018 can register for a free beer crate filled with 20 beers and chocolate. Every crate is personalized with the name of the father.
The returnable beverage crates last for decades and are 100% recyclable after their long life, which allows for significant savings on packaging and CO₂ emissions.
Automotive Manufacturers Use Dividers Made of Polypropylene Plastic to Protect and Efficiently Transport Small Automotive Parts Between Plants
DS Smith Plastics Alcala de Henares offers customized polypropylene plastic dividers to transport small automotive parts, such as auto forks, between assembly plants.
One challenge shared by automotive manufacturers is the safe transportation of small automotive parts such as auto forks, between assembly departments or plants. To meet these requirements, DS Smith Plastics offers customized dividers with special hollows to separate the parts for maximum protection and space optimization. The dividers are also completely customizable, so they can be designed to fit in any sized container the customer may need and can specialize in the transportation of a variety of automotive parts.
Some small automotive parts are soiled with oil as the result of the production process, requiring a material, such as polypropylene plastic, that is resilient to oil, water and other chemicals maintaining the sleek and clean design of the dividers, making them perfect for the luxury sector. Dividers made of polypropylene plastic are reusable, and when used as single-use by the customer, they can be recycled for a second life-cycle.
Polypropylene dividers manufactured by DS Smith Plastics can be fit to an outer packaging box and both the dividers and the outer polypropylene plastic box. The dividers can be customised or adapted to any part to securely protect and efficiently transport them throughout the supply or manufacturing chain.
DS Smith Plastics capabilities include designing services for optimizing the packaging thus maximum the number of parts that could be transported per divider or box.
IPP is to further strengthen its ties with PepsiCo in Belgium
Eindhoven, June 2018– Back in March, IPP, a division of Pooling Partners, introduced the: “Pallet Pooling Next Level: simple works best” model onto the Belgian market. This model embodies simplicity, resulting in immediate and significant cost-savings.
FMCG supply chains are opting for IPP pallets
The timing of the new model’s launch is opportune, according to Pooling Partners. The FMCG market is increasingly encouraging the use of pool pallets – the reason being superior quality and efficiency enhancement throughout the supply chain. In essence, pallet pooling results in an all-encompassing, easy service provision for the customer. One only needs to inform on needed pallet quantities, the timing and place. Moreover, no further (upfront) investment is required. The product is leased as it were; a concept that dovetails seamlessly with the prevailing ‘to rent, not own’ trend. As such, pallet pooling is Circular Economy-aligned, for it provides easy repair of breakages, free of additional charge.
PepsiCo Belgium’s snack division is also opting for IPP
IPP states that its pooling offer is all about simplicity: simple invoicing, straightforward communication and guaranteed stock levels are its key benefits.
The focus on simplicity ensures smooth-running partnerships, and has already seen many logistics managers change tack. This year PepsiCo Netherlands has opted to continue its partnership with IPP. Additionally, beginning in June, PepsiCo in Belgium will start supplying snacks on IPP pallets. Harold Notkamp, 3PL & Productivity Manager Benelux – PepsiCo, concurs: “We have extended and expanded our partnership with IPP due to the smooth-running processes and cost-efficiency the model generates, whilst simultaneously contributing towards our sustainability policy.”
Source: Pooling Partners
Alstom Chooses AkyPak Reusable Containers to Transport Train Components
When Alstom, a French multinational supplier and developer of high speed trains and trams, approached DS Smith Plastics, Extruded Products they were looking for reliable and durable packaging to protect their train assembly components while they are being transported between different manufacturing locations. Alstom needed a reliable and reusable transport container which could better protect the components they were transporting.
DS Smith Plastics offered AkyPak polypropylene containers because of their durability, longer life cycles of at least five years, low maintenance and simplified material handling and logistics when compared to traditional solutions. Furthermore, AkyPak three-piece foldable polypropylene containers could be reused from one shipment to the next.
To delight its customer, DS Smith Plastics Extruded Products assigned one engineer to the project and relocated him to another DS Smith Plastics location in La Chevrolière, France to be closer to the customer.
Due to the flexibility of DS Smith Plastics at La Chevrolière, France, the business was able to develop customized plastic containers with a variety of fittings used to protect ridged and delicate parts for Alstom France.
Story and image credit: DS Smith
Svenska Retursystem Hires New Sustainability Manager
Svenska Retursystem continues to reinforce its sustainability work through the hiring of Pontus Björkdahl as new sustainability manager.
“I am looking forward to working in an organization that has incredible ambitions with its sustainability work and which has previously had a high level of competence in the field,” said Björkdahl. “My mission is to ensure that the company is still at the forefront.”
Former sustainability manager Marie Winslow Andersson continues the company in the role of Central Sustainability Specialist and will focus on running internal work on the company’s production and logistics facilities as well as sustainability efforts linked to company carriers. The transport is a key issue for how sustainability can be achieved in the return system. Anna Elgh, CEO of Svenska Retursystem stated that strengthening its sustainability efforts “…is a strategically important issue to ensure that the return system continues to be the most sustainable alternative for the grocery and restaurant and the large-scale industry.”
DS Smith Plc to Acquire North American Corrugated Packaging Business
DS Smith Plc has announced an agreement to acquire Corrugated Container Corporation (CCC), a high-quality corrugated packaging company in North America.
The acquisition follows DS Smith’s recent purchase of Interstate Resources, building on the company’s paper and packaging capacity in the region.
CCC is a family owned business employing approximately 190 people across its four operations in Tennessee, North Carolina and two sites in Virginia. The acquisition of these packaging sites will significantly boost DS Smith’s box-making capacity, and complements its existing footprint in North America.
CCC’s capabilities include a strong focus on high-quality, sustainable retail ready and display packaging, an area where DS Smith is achieving strong growth in Europe.
Chris Powell Appointed as Corporate Controller for Pelican Products, Inc.
TORRANCE, CA – June 4, 2018 –Pelican Products, Inc., the global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance protective cases, temperature controlled packaging and advanced portable lighting systems, has appointed Chris Powell as Corporate Controller to manage global financial operations.
“Sound fiscal policy and practices are the cornerstone of any successful business and Chris’ diverse experience will ensure that Pelican continues to offer the high level of service and quality that our customers have come to expect,” said Don Jordan, Chief Financial Officer, Pelican Products.
As Corporate Controller, Powell will have direct oversight of the company’s global Accounting department which provides financial services for Pelican’s Commercial/Government, Consumer, BioThermal and International divisions. His responsibilities will include financial statements, general ledger, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting, tax compliance, and various special analyses.
Mr. Powell brings extensive financial leadership experience to Pelican. He began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Los Angeles and subsequently served in key financial leadership roles at Qualstar, Guidance Software, ReachLocal, Beats by Dre and Velocify, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics / Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California.
Pelican Products, Inc. is a portfolio company of Behrman Capital, a private equity investment firm based in New York and San Francisco.
May 28, 2018 – LOSCAM was a supporting sponsor of the inaugural MEGATRANS 2018 exhibition, held in Melbourne during May 12-14. Supported by the Victorian State Government, Australian Logistics Council, Port of Melbourne and the Victorian Transport Association, MEGATRANS showcased the forefront of innovation and collaboration across the logistics, warehousing, infrastructure and transport sectors.
LOSCAM returnable packaging solutions, including IBC’s I6 & I8, Foldable Bin LB750 and Heater Mat, were among the solutions showcased. LOSCAM Customer teams performed product demonstrations to illustrate each product’s functionality and to facilitate discussions on the product designs, features and benefits.
Along with demonstration sessions on Loscam product solutions, LOSCAM supported the inaugural event with a pop up Pallet Café, which encouraged networking between Australian and international supply chain industry partners and Customers to survey the end to end effective flow of goods, services and related information.
Michael Winter, LOSCAM Australia Customer Solutions Manager, said, “We welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate LOSCAM’s complete returnable packaging solutions. Our networking lounge provided an engaging environment for our team to promote the benefits of pooling equipment through various applications in supply chain.”
Over the three days, 9,604 visitors attended the MEGATRANS 2018 Expo.
LOSCAM Café & Bar
Product displays and demonstrations
Orbis is shifting its Mentor headquarters in $15M move
May 20, 2018 – ORBIS, a pallet and plastic packaging producer, searched widely for room to grow but satisfied its outsized space requirement three miles away as it seeks to consolidate to one site from its two current locations on Tyler Boulevard in Mentor.
The subsidiary of Neena, Wis.-based Menasha Corp. has leased 276,000 square feet at the former Caterpillar plant, 7206 Justin Way, now an industrial park that S.L. Equities of Los Angeles created by subdividing the former Caterpillar plant where tow motors once were made. Justin Way is a side street of Tyler. Read more at Crain’s Cleveland Business.
Pallet Machinery Group Features Storti Freedom, HY-400 and Ultimizer at the Richmond Show
May 15, 2018 – Pallet Machinery Group will be featuring three products from its diverse line at Expo Richmond, taking place May 18 and 19 in Richmond VA.
The first featured product is the Storti Freedom pallet nailing system, which the company has been advertising in Pallet Enterprise Magazine. “It is stringer only, as opposed to most Storti lines which are block and stringer,” explains Greg Wine, owner of Pallet Machinery Group.
Storti Freedom features of note include fast changeovers, as well as a two board hopper system as opposed to a single hopper. “This could be loaded by a conveyor from a robot,” Wine says. “Robot can feed boards onto the conveyor and the conveyor can feed the hopper.” While Storti pallet nailing lines have been used with robots in Europe for 10 or 15 years, Greg notes, the trend is newer in the U.S. He is aware of two or three installations with robots in Texas, and one in Virginia.
Another advantage for Freedom is that it nails the entire board in one stroke, as opposed to stopping three times to nail a 6-inch board. For example, on a GMA pallet, it would stop just seven times as opposed to 16 times.
The second featured product Expo Richmond is the HY400 saw, which Wine states is ideal for softwood splitting applications in the Western states. He describes it as faster, thinner kerf and more flexible than the competition. “We can put three saw blades on top and three blades on the bottom,” he notes. “We have customers running it at 400 feet per minute.”
Pallet Machinery Group will also be featuring a board scanning system from Ultimizers. They will demonstrate a board scanning system that can be used in conjunction with the HY saw. “We have several customers who have done Ultimizer inline with our HY saw,” Greg reports.
“Those are the show highlights,” he concludes. “We will have many more features as well.”
For more information, visit Pallet Machinery Group at Expo Richmond, or online at www.palletmachinery.com.
USA Made Light Duty Stackable Pallet
May 9, 2018 – Chicago, IL – One Way Solutions announces the release of an “unbeatable” USA made, stackable light duty 3 runner plastic pallet, offering high capacity, low tare weight, and reinforced perimeter for increased impact-resistance. This 40×48 pallet weighs only 18 lbs, yet provides 2,800 lbs of dynamic capacity. High pressure injection molded with high quality recycled HDPE resin, this pallet has a 9,000 lbs static capacity- heavyweight characteristics at light duty pricing.
Every consideration has been taken to minimize weight while maintaining strength and durability:
9 legs feature structurally neutral knockouts to reduce weight and cost.
Tapered edges assist fork tine entry and assist splitting a pallet off a nested stack.
The pallet deck perimeter is reinforced with extra ribs to increase impact resistance.
3 runners are installed prior to shipping or by the buyer – a simple assembly to reduce to freight costs.
Ideal for one way export shipments, light-medium duty reusable applications, WIP, storage, display, and distribution applications.
The 4 way entry is compatible with nearly all fork trucks and hand trucks. The open deck design allows for easy handling and cleaning. A 53’ truck fits 1600 unassembled pallets (540 if shipped assembled).The product is now available on the One Way Solutions website and will ship out next business day to any location.
Compact Line – New IBC Size Offered by WERIT
Altenkirchen – 9 May 2018 – WERIT has developed a new IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container). The Compact Line with 300 l capacity, a comparatively small IBC, closes a gap in the market. The container is ideal for production environments with limited space and for liquids that need to be processed quickly.
Compact Line is the first 300-liter IBC on the market. With the new development WERIT covers the demands of manufacturers of high-quality filling media, supply the small and medium enterprises. With the compact dimensions 800 mm x 600 mm x 996 mm, the container fits even through ordinary doors and saves space in production, storage and transport. The integrated nestable wooden pallet IBC is stackable and can be easily transported with trucks and forklifts. The solid construction and the high stability enable positive locking and stowing, eliminating additional load securement costs in the supply chain.
The filling of the Compact Line is easy using a 150 mm large lid opening. A resealable and very robust sliding faucet valve is used for removal. The level can be seen at a glance on a scale on the transparent inner container and the special shape of the Compact Line allows an almost complete emptying. After cleaning or re-bottling, the container can be reused.
By UN and FDA approval the IBC Compact Line is suitable for the transport of foodstuffs and hazardous goods.
Source: WERIT, German translation
ORBIS®CORPORATION ACQUIRES HINKLE MANUFACTURING
Customers to benefit from decades of highly engineered custom dunnage design experience
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — May 1, 2018 —ORBIS®Corporation, a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, has acquired Hinkle Manufacturing of Perrysburg, Ohio. Hinkle serves the automotive market with highly engineered custom dunnage designed for part protection. Hinkle also operates a thermoforming plant in Dearborn, Michigan, where it produces trays and other plastic components. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Hinkle’s plastic and foam dunnage expertise solves unique protective packaging needs with decades of specialized design experience. Founded in 1962, Hinkle employs 125 at its two locations.
“The expertise and capabilities of Hinkle Manufacturing expand our portfolio of custom reusable packaging products and bring even more solutions to the evolving and growing needs that we are seeing in the marketplace,” said Bill Ash, president of ORBISCorporation. “Our commitment to providing unmatched products and services includes ensuring that our customers have the best options for their reusable packaging needs. Hinkle Manufacturing and our recent acquisition of Response Packaging will strengthen our custom solutions offerings.” ORBISCorporation announced its acquisition of Response Packaging of Piedmont, South Carolina, on April 2, 2018. Response Packaging designs and manufactures reusable custom fabric dunnage and fabricated steel rack solutions.
ORBISCorporation manufactures plastic reusable totes, bulk containers, pallets and dunnage. Additionally, it offers the ability to track and manage these assets in the supply chain through its Reusable Packaging Management (RPM) services offering. ORBIS has 2,500 employees in more than 50 locations across North America and Europe.
“We are delighted to welcome Hinkle Manufacturing to our ORBIS business. We see strong complementary value in combining the custom products of Hinkle and ORBIS, and we look forward to offering customers a wider array of solutions,” said Jim Kotek, president and CEO of Menasha Corporation.
Trilatec optimistic its squAIR-timber pallets will prove ‘a weight winner’
The squAIR-timber system offered by Trilatec is up to 80 percent lighter compared with conventional pallets. Moreover, disposal of the new material can be carrier out in an environmentally friendly way, using a paper recycling facility. Costs for special wood disposal are saved because squAIR-timber is manufactured of 100 percent recycled material.
One metre of the material carries up to five tons if weight is evenly distributed, and it has a net weight of only 1.2 kg/m. Timber of the same dimensions has a net weight between three and four kg/m. “The key to the stability lies in the manufacturing process,” said Stefan Trinkaus, technical director at Trilatec. “After working cold glue combinations into layers of cardboard fibres, they are laminated together under pressure. This process enables water resistance in the product, thus it is suitable for multiple use and at the same time ISPM15-compliant.”
April 14, 2018. RM2 has raised $18.2 million after issuing 1.28 billion first tranche placing shares and 3.16 billion conversion shares. Shareholders passed all resolutions put to them at an extraordinary meeting held April 13.
RM2 reported that it has entered into a Phase 1 agreement for an initial deployment of RM2 ELIoT (tagged) pallets through June 30, 2018, with a Fortune 500 company in North America following a year-long trial in the customer’s supplier network.
In addition, it announced having completed a major trial with another North American company and discussions on a large-scale implementation are expected to commence. The Company has also expanded ongoing trials with other major US-based customers.
Brambles Limited Divests its interest in the Hoover Ferguson Joint Venture to Focus on Core Businesses
April 11, 2018. Brambles Limited has completed an agreement to divest its 50% interest in the Hoover Ferguson Group Joint Venture (HFG) to its co-venturer, First Reserve, a leading global private equity investment firm exclusively focused on energy. The principal terms of the divestment were:
HFG repaid to Brambles on completion the principal and accrued interest on HFG’s US$150 million subordinated shareholder loan
At the time of its formation in October 2016, Brambles received consideration of approximately US$77 million from First Reserve to equalise their respective ownership interests in HFG. Of this amount, approximately US$37 million was deferred. The deferred consideration remains in place and will continue to accrue interest at 6.25% per annum and be guaranteed by First Reserve. The maturity date of the deferred consideration will be no later than 31 July 2026
Brambles’ interest in HFG was transferred to First Reserve for nominal consideration.
The divestment of Brambles interest in HFG will give rise to a non-cash write-down of the investment which had a carrying value of US$4.9 million as at 31 March 2018. This charge will be included in the full year FY18 results and will be classified as a significant item.
“Focusing investment in our core businesses that provide significant opportunities for growth and strong returns is one of our strategic priorities,” stated Graham Chipchase, Brambles CEO. As a result, the Board no longer sees the logistics operations in the oil and gas industry as a core business for Brambles and saw limited opportunity to deliver strong shareholder returns from our investment in HFG.
“We are pleased, therefore, to have reached a mutually-beneficial agreement with First Reserve to exit our investment. This includes securing repayment of our $150 million shareholder loan and preserving our long position in relation to the deferred consideration.
“We will use the funds from the shareholder loan repayment to pay down debt and to fund automation projects across the Group.”
The P3 All-Around level loader from Presto ECOA Lifts is economical as well as ergonomic. Though it requires no electrical power and little maintenance, it virtually eliminates the productivity-robbing, injury-producing bending, lifting, reaching, and stretching common to pallet-loading applications.
The pneumatic airbag of the P3 All-Around automatically lowers or raises a pallet as boxes are added or removed, maintaining the top layer at a convenient height. And the turntable ring (or optional solid turntable platform) at the top of the unit allows the user to spin the load so he or she can stand in the same spot throughout the loading or unloading process.
The stable base of the P3 All-Around is smaller than most competing equipment. This allows the user to step even closer to the unit’s platform, further improving the ergonomic benefits of the P3. Fork pockets at the base allow for easy relocation.
The P3 All-Around can accommodate loads from 400 to 4,500 lbs.
For more information, contact Rick daSilva, Presto ECOA Lifts, 50 Commerce Way, Norton, MA 02766, TEL: (508) 952-4000, TOLL FREE: (800) 343-9322, FAX: (888) 788-6496, www.prestolifts.com or email: info@PrestoLifts.com.
PORTABLE TILTER POSITIONS CONTAINERS FOR EASY ACCESS TO CONTENTS
NORTON, MA — PT Series Container Tilters from Presto ECOA tilt containers up to 85° to allow workers to access contents without bending into the container. As containers tilt up, items, even those at the bottom, end up at a comfortable position for easy retrieval.
These portable, battery-powered container tilters go anywhere they are needed making them ideal for applications that require sharing between multiple users or work cells, or where workers need to pick up and return containers to and from staging areas. They work with a variety of containers including wire baskets, plastic totes, and gaylords.
Power is provided by a 12V maintenance-free, leak-proof battery with internal charger. Optional 115V AC or air motors are available. Tilt is controlled by a pushbutton pendant that allows operators to tilt the load to any angle between 0° and 85°. The units push handle lowers when not in use further improving access to container contents. A foot operated floor lock keeps the tilter securely in position as items are being accessed.
Non-Straddle (PT Series) units work with most standard containers or choose a Straddle (PTS Series) unit for use with containers that have reinforcing leg bars. Both configurations are equipped with 40 inch long forks. Capacities of 2,000 or 4,000 lb. are available.
Flexcon’s New ASRS Tote Boxes, Plastic Pallets, Divider Systems on Display at Modex 2018
Flexcon Container will exhibit its new Universal and ASRS Tote Boxes, Divider Systems and Pallets at Booth #4037 in the 2018 Modex Show in Atlanta from April 9 to April 12th ,2018. Flexcon’s Totes and Divider Systems can handle, store and protect an infinite range of products in any automated, semi-automatic or manual system with maximum space efficiency!
Flexcon will feature their newest ASRS totes which are compatible with virtually any robotic system. Their ASRS totes have unique reinforced bottoms which resist deflection under heavy loads to enable their clients’ ASRS systems to be more space efficient, permit higher product density and to run faster. Other new products include “X-Corr” triple-strength totes and pallet-sleeve systems and a new line of molded plastic pallets. “We will also display several major client-based product innovations in our booth this year,” according to Ken Beckerman, President and CMO. “Flexcon now has the perfect containers, pallets and dividers for any part of any client’s supply chain. All of our containers, divider systems and pallets help protect and organize our clients’ products throughout their supply chains.”
Flexcon helps make carousels, ASRS, VLMs and virtually any form of automation, storage and production system better by providing the ideal containers, dividers, pallets and bulk boxes to protect the end users’ products throughout their supply chains. They work closely with their clients to help optimize their operations by focusing on space efficiency, functionality, aesthetics and cost. Flexcon has been supplying these solutions for over 50 years and is proud to have over 70% of the Fortune 500 Companies as clients.
Flexcon is also pleased to announce its new and improved heavy duty 45×48 stackable pallet with lip. At 35% stronger than the previous version, its durable one-piece construction helps it achieve 3,000 lbs. dynamic capacity, 20,000 lbs. static capacity. This pallet is high pressure molded for increased durability & strength. An improved deck substantially reduces deflection under load.
Features:
4 way forklift entry
1″ discontinuous lip
6-runner (Cruciform) bottom
100% recyclable
468 per trailer
This pallet is ideal for in-house, closed loop and export applications. These pallets can be sanitized with water or steam, making them safe & sanitary for storage and shipping.
Customers to benefit from broader packaging solutions and capabilities
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — April 3, 2018 —ORBIS® Corporation, North America’s leader in reusable packaging and part of Menasha Corporation, has acquired Response Packaging, headquartered in Piedmont, South Carolina. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2009, privately held Response Packaging conceptualizes, designs, prototypes and manufactures reusable custom dunnage and fabricated steel rack solutions. Included in the acquisition are design, testing and manufacturing facilities in Piedmont, and Greenville, South Carolina; Auburn Hills, Michigan; and León, Mexico.
Response Packaging will operate and be branded as a part of ORBIS Corporation. “This acquisition brings us talented people, efficient plants and strong capabilities in geographic areas where ORBIS wants to grow,” said Bill Ash, president of ORBIS Corporation. “Response Packaging is strongly aligned with ORBIS in areas like supply chain expertise, innovation and customer knowledge.”
Response Packaging has 245 employees in the U.S. and Mexico and serves the automotive and industrial markets with highly engineered custom dunnage designed for part protection. Additionally, it specializes in fabricated steel rack and dunnage systems for the safe and efficient transport of vehicle components in the supply chain.
“ORBIS has been pursuing a strategy to expand its custom business to serve customers with a broader portfolio of solutions,” said Jim Kotek, president of Menasha Corporation. “The acquisition of Response Packaging supports this objective by adding complementary capabilities and establishing a manufacturing presence in the Southeast, and expanded capabilities to meet our customers’ needs in Mexico.”
As a leader in automotive parts packaging, ORBIS Corporation manufactures plastic reusable totes, bulk containers, pallets and dunnage. Additionally, it offers the ability to track and manage these assets in the supply chain through its Reusable Packaging Management (RPM) services offering. ORBIS has 2,300 employees in 50 locations across North America and Europe.
(April 2, 2018) Industrial Container Services, has acquired the intermediate bulk container (IBC) reconditioning and recycling operations of Tote Detailing Specialists.
The acquisition includes all of the machinery, equipment and inventory utilized at TDSI’s Joliet, Illinois and San Antonio, Texas facilities. The businesses will become operating entities of Industrial Container Services, LLC.
ICS president and CEO Charles Veniez said: “The acquisition of Tote Detailing is yet another example of ICS’ commitment to our fast-growing IBC platform.
“With TDSI as part of our team, we are now firmly ensconced in the robust Chicago industrial market and the booming Texas oil patch. Combined with the full ICS product and service portfolio, this will create real opportunity for our customers, shareholders and employees alike.
“We are pleased to welcome the TDSI group into the ICS family and look forward to their help in supporting our mission to provide customers with the highest quality products and the most dependable service, all while adhering to the strictest environmental standards found anywhere in the industrial packaging industry.”
TDSI president and CEO Brad Noyes said: “I am excited to announce the merger of Tote Detailing into the ICS group of companies. When it came time to choose the best partner for TDSI, our customers and our employees, ICS was clearly the best fit.
“I would like to thank everyone at both TDSI locations, as well as our valued customers for their many years of support, knowing they are in good hands going forward. I look forward to helping transition the business over to ICS in order to make sure our customers always to get the high-quality products and excellent customer service they are accustomed to.
ICS is the largest provider of reusable container solutions in North America. Through multiple brands, ICS operates over 50 strategically located facilities in 21 US states and 6 Canadian provinces. ICS is well-positioned to service local, regional and North American customers alike, and strives to be the supplier of choice for high-quality, environmentally-responsible container solutions.
ICS offers unparalleled expertise with over 100 years of experience in the industrial container space and is focused on anticipating customer needs and exceeding expectations. The company offers the most complete container management systems available including reconditioning, manufacturing, distribution, used container collection and recycling services for all major industrial packages.
STAY-RITE Introduces an All-in-One Reusable Material Handling Device
Top corner support boards allow for the safe stacking of open top bulk containers and gaylords; eliminate the risk of
STAY-RITE Universal Stacking Platform Device, with a uniquely simple patented design, provides an all-in-one, innovative packaging, material handling, and storage solution for bulk open-top containers. By reducing direct contact between stacked containers and pallets, STAY-RITE instantly removes the vulnerability where damage and breakdown occur with these containers. Made with recycled plastic material, STAY-RITE is a reusable and economical material handling solution, placed in each of the four corners of an open top container, helping to prevent a stacked container and pallet from collapsing into the container below.
Because of its rigid, yet lightweight and durable design, STAY-RITE fits onto octagonal, hexagonal, square and circular open-top containers. It also supports a variety of pallet sizes. Without the need for any additional assembly or equipment, STAY-RITE’s load bearing capability can support thousands of pounds of static load weight to various heights. Every STAY-RITE is manufactured from recycled material and can be easily recycled as-is, after multiple reuses. STAY-RITE offers the ability to strengthen and reinforce box corners, reduce liability from falling inventory, and increase productivity through its smooth handling application.
Wood Packaging Supports Healthy Forests and Strong Communities
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) has released “Wood Packaging Supports Healthy Forests and Strong Communities” video that puts a spotlight on the vital role wood packaging plays in our communities.
NWPCA collaborated with leading forest conservation organizations to produce this video. Participating in this project were Tom Martin, President and CEO, The American Forest Foundation; Larry Selzer, President and CEO, The Conservation Fund; Jay Farrell, Executive Director, The National Association of State Foresters; Carlton Owen, President and CEO, U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities; and Vicki Christiansen, Interim Chief, U.S. Forest Service.
“We’re proud of the work of our members in supporting the missions of these conservation organizations, providing economic and employment opportunities in rural communities, and improving the health of our nation’s forests,” said Brent McClendon, CAE, National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) President and CEO.
“The wood packaging industry is a critical player in advancing the health of our forests because they use the small diameter wood for making pallets that cannot be used in higher end products,” stated, Carlton Owen, President & CEO, U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities. “Without markets for that low value material, we can’t move our forests to a healthier, more resilient condition.”
The 3-minute video is a project of Nature’s Packaging®, a North American initiative to promote the use of wood-based packaging to users seeking sustainable, responsible and economical packaging solutions. View the video on YouTube. Learn more about Nature’s Packaging at NaturesPackaging.org.
Pooling Partners appoints Duncan Moser as new CEO Production Companies
Eck en Wiel, March 16th 2018 – Pooling Partners has appointed Duncan Moser as CEO Production Companies. Starting April 2, he will be committed to strengthening the international position of the production companies of Pooling Partners in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France.
Moser brings with him extensive knowledge and experience in the field of operations and supply chain management. He started his career with Heineken more than 20 years ago. Since then, he has been responsible for operational improvement activities in Asia-Pacific and worked as Brewery Manager in Suriname. In recent years, Moser was in charge of packaging operations and supply chain optimization at Heineken Nederland Supply. He closely collaborated with suppliers to reduce costs and improve sustainability and innovation.
Future-proof
As the new CEO Production Companies, Moser will dedicate all of his knowledge, experience and time to the production companies of Pooling Partners. Developing a long-term vision and strategy are his main priorities.
“Pooling Partners is an incredible family business with a strong position in the European market,” according to Moser. “I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience to the next stage in the development of Pooling Partners.”
Ingrid Faber, CEO of Pooling Partners, is excited: “Duncan is another valuable addition to our organization. Duncan will focus entirely on the production companies and thanks to his extensive knowledge and experience, I have the utmost confidence that we will develop a clear, long-term strategy that arms us for the future.”
New Heavy Duty Stackable Pallet Offers Unbeatable Capabilities For The Cost
Chicago, IL – One Way Solutions announces the release of an incredible new heavy-duty stackable plastic pallet that offers a stable, stackable body at a cost-effective price. This 40 x 48 pallet has a light-weight cruciform perimeter base, making it extremely stable for heavy-duty loads and perfectly suitable for block stacking and automation.
Benefits of the pallet include:
100% recyclable
Resistant to insects, bacteria and fungi
No sirex treatment required
Maintenance free
Hygienic and clean
The product is now available on the One Way Solutions website and will ship out the next business day.
Rebranding and Major New Products Lines
BUBL Bag will trade as BUBL Packaging following strong Sales growth and Innovation Funding Award
BUBL Bag is to trade from now on as BUBL Packaging; the change of name reflects the company’s rapidly expanding number of product lines and follows strong sales growth in the past year of the original BUBL Bags. Following the recent win of prestigious EDGE Award funding BUBL Packaging invested in product development and two new product lines are now available.
BUBL Packaging’s products replace cardboard boxes, padded envelopes, void fill and bubble wrap; the packing process takes much less time than traditional packaging. In addition, they take up very little space and can be reused many times, so they are much more cost – effective that traditional packaging. All material used is recyclable.
The products inflate to provide a secure, air – filled pocket that offers maximum protection for valuable or fragile goods, so transit damage, which accounts on average for up to 8% of all product returns*, and a much higher percentage in some categories, is dramatically reduced.
Two new product lines have been added since the original BUBL Bag: –
BUBLPods provide advanced protection for high – value products ranging from mobile phones and laptops to crystal, artwork, and televisions. The air – filled tubes can be customized for specific product variants.
BUBLCases are perfect for transporting valuable technical and audiovisual equipment. The robust design is ideal for heavy duty, multi-trip use.
The company has also created BUBL Tec to highlight the technology behind the packaging system and enable rapid customization.
Ross Woodburn, managing director, BUBL Packaging said: “The rebranding makes it very clear that we are in the business of packaging, and the new product lines extend our offer to address a much wider range of product categories.
AkyPak Reusable & Foldable Bulk Containers
Kayserburg, France, March 12, 2018– DS Smith Plastics, Extruded Products has launched their new line of AkyPak bulk containers designed to optimize costs associated with logistics management.
AkyPak bulk containers are composed of a thermoformed lid and pallet and a customizable sleeve for cargo optimization. When empty, the sleeve is folded in between the lid and pallet and shipped flat reducing the cost associated with returned logistics & transportation.
The lid and pallet are made of thermoformed HDPE and the sleeves of polypropylene plastics. All three components are highly reusable (average of 7 years) and can be recycled at the end of their useful life. Other benefits include lightweight, stackability and ergonomics.
DS Smith Plastics’ AkyPak line of bulk containers includes three main models:
AkyPak Classic, a returnable in 3 separate, stackable parts to optimize logistics flow.
AkyPak Advanced is compacted into a single unit return position to avoid loss of pieces.
AkyPak 4You, a custom-designed bulk container per customer’s specification.
RM2 Extends Life into April, Will Focus on IoT Technology
After warning investors that it would run out of money in mid-March unless new support emerged, composite pallet company RM2 reported on March 9 that it has generated extra cash through selling a building, giving it enough cash to carry it into April. It said it continues to proactively transition the business to focus on IoT technology in pallet applications, “servicing its existing customers and developing new relationships with certain Fortune 500 companies.”
As a part of that transition, RM2 will continue to reduce resources and investments in non-core, nonvalue-add activities so that it can increase its investment in service. Following the sale of a non-core office building in Switzerland and repayment of the related mortgage, it received net proceeds of approximately $2 million and is, therefore, able to extend its cash resources to continue operating through mid-April based on information available to it at the time. The timeframe is dependent on the outcome of ongoing discussions with third parties, including manufacturing partners and sources of financing.
It stated that it is in advanced stages of financing discussions with the support of its existing shareholders and will announce developments to the market at the earliest possible opportunity.
RM2 reported that trials of its ELIoT smart pallets are producing remarkable results for customers’ supply chains in North America. The RM2 ELIoT proprietary tracking technology communicates the precise location of specific pallets, allowing misdirected or mishandled goods to be identified immediately, permitting customers to reduce loss, mishandling, spoilage, and theft, thereby creating significant cost savings and supply chain efficiencies.
Significant opportunities with Fortune 500 companies are in final trial phases, RM2 reported, saying that the conversion of a subset of these opportunities, deployed and financed on schedule, is expected to result in RM2 generating positive EBITDA in 2019.
RM2 also noted that its ELIoT Pallet won the Material Handling Product News’ 2017 Product of the Year award in the category of Packaging and Pallets.
Industrial Container Services, LLC Acquires Next Day Container
Maitland, FL— Industrial Container Services, LLC (ICS) of Maitland, FL announced today that it has acquired the intermediate bulk container (IBC) reconditioning and recycling operations of Next Day Container, Inc. (NDC). The acquisition includes all of the machinery, equipment and inventory utilized at Next Day’s Delphi, IN facility, and the business will become an operating entity of Industrial Container Services, LLC.
“The acquisition of Next Day Container is a big step forward for our fast-growing IBC platform,” said Mr. Charles Veniez, President and CEO of ICS. “Their central location and brand-new high-speed production line, combined with the full ICS product and service portfolio, will provide great opportunities for our customers while opening up new markets for ICS. We are pleased to welcome Ken Mushen and his team into the ICS family and look forward to their help in supporting our mission to provide customers with the highest quality products and the most dependable service, all while adhering to the strictest environmental standards found anywhere in the industrial packaging industry.”
“Speaking for the owners and employees of Next Day Container, we are all excited to announce the merger of our IBC business into the ICS group of companies. When it came time to choose the best partner for NDC and our customers, ICS was the clearly the best fit” said Mr. Ken Mushen, President/CEO of Next Day. “Along with my partners Mark and Steve, we would like to thank all of our customers for their many years of support. I look forward to continuing on as the Facility Manager for the Delphi, Indiana plant and making sure our customers always to get the high-quality products and excellent customer service they are accustomed to.
ICS is the largest provider of reusable container solutions in North America. Through multiple brands, ICS operates over 50 strategically located facilities in 21 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces. ICS is well-positioned to service local, regional and North American customers alike, and strives to be the supplier of choice for high-quality, environmentally-responsible container solutions. ICS offers unparalleled expertise with over 100 years of experience in the industrial container space and is focused on anticipating customer needs and exceeding expectations. The company offers a complete container management systems including reconditioning, manufacturing, distribution, used container collection and recycling services for all major industrial packages.
Recognizing & rewarding excellence at Industrial Pack 2018
Industrial Pack hosts the Industrial Pack Awards
Atlanta, US (03/09/2018) – The industrial packaging industry will be gathering in Atlanta to celebrate excellence as the winners of the inaugural Industrial Pack Awards are announced at 5.30pm on April 4 in the Networking Bar at Industrial Pack 2018.
The event will provide the world’s first recognition of those organizations and individuals within the industrial packaging community that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of packaging materials and/or processes. The awards ceremony, which comprises of five categories, will be hosted by Industrial Pack’s show manager, Tim Rusbridge, and will provide guests with an opportunity to join friends, colleagues and peers in celebrating innovation.
The five categories include:
Excellence in Industrial Packaging
Excellence in Transit Packaging
Excellence in Protective Packaging
Environmental Initiative of the Year
Best Booth in Show (judged onsite at Industrial Pack 2018)
“We have received a tremendous response with a high number of excellent entries”’ said Tim Rusbridge, Event Manager”. The awards will be judged by the event’s Advisory Board members: Susan Nauman, Executive Director, Industrial Packaging Alliance of North America (IPANA); Paul W. Rankin, President, Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA); Steve Mohr, Executive Director, National Accounts, Sigma Supply of North America, Inc and Lonnie Jaycox, CPP, CDGP, Independent Packaging Engineer.
Paul Rankin, President, Reusable Industrial Packaging Association (RIPA) commented “I am very excited to be a part of the Industrial Pack Awards as a panel judge. I am also looking forward to sharing my thoughts on topics of immediate and long-term interest to the North American container reconditioning industry. The conference offers an excellent opportunity to network with fellow packaging engineers and see firsthand the latest product designs, and industry trends that deliver the best possible solutions to the packaging supply chain.”
Industrial Pack exhibitors and visitors will have exclusive access to the Industrial Pack networking drinks and awards.Additionally, all attendees will be entered into a free raffle, with five lucky winners each receiving a bottle of bourbon!
For more information on Industrial Pack 2018, and to register free of charge in advance, please visit: www.industrialpackexpo.com
Sanitizing RPCs in Small Scale Produce Distribution
For many smaller produce distributors like family farms and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operators, reusable transport packaging can help streamline operations and significantly reduce costs for the recurring purchase of cardboard boxes. However, most of these smaller operators don’t have commercial washing equipment to ensure sanitary conditions of their transport packaging materials, especially critical in the distribution of fresh produce. A new guide offers best practices for RPC sanitation in small-scale operations. The guide was published by published by Use Reusables, a project by public agency StopWaste. It is available in English, Spanish and Chinese.
New Guides: Reusable Transport Packaging in Small Scale Operations
Reusable transport packaging can help streamline operations and reduce packaging costs for businesses of all sizes. However, for smaller scale operators like family farms, it is usually not economical to invest in automated maintenance equipment such as commercial washers sanitize, or RFID tag systems to track reusables totes, pallets and pallet wraps. A new series of guides for small-scale operators offers best practices, including cleaning and sanitation (available in three languages) and container loss prevention. The guides were published by Use Reusables, a project by public agency StopWaste.
Hygiene and Strength Optimized in New Flow-Through Pallet Design
A NEW plastic pallet offering optimum hygiene and strength has joined the range offered by Goplasticpallets.com.
Manufactured from recycled high-density polyethylene by SmartFlow and available exclusively in the UK through Goplasticpallets.com, the SF 1210 M3R and M5R have a 100% flow-through design.
Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com, said: “Cleanliness and strength are two key offerings with this new pallet and, thanks to the smooth and robust design, both will be maintained with use. The SF 1210 M3R and M5R are not porous – it physically cannot absorb any liquid it comes into contact with – and its smooth shape gives nowhere for contaminants to hide and multiply. With demand increasing for solutions where hygiene can’t be compromised, there is further peace of mind in the open structure of this pallet, which makes it easy to clean efficiently, and it is fully recyclable.”
With no ridges, joins or wood grain to trap dirt, it is ideal for food and pharmaceutical applications where clean handling and storing is a priority. It includes the option of reinforcing metal bars, doubling its racking capacity from 500kg in rack to 900 – 1000 kg. Depending on the number of runners, the SF 1210 comes in at a weight of 13.5kg (M3R, with three runners) and 14kg (M5R, with five runners).
As a multi-way pallet for light and medium weight products and a one-way solution for products which have to be stored in racks, the SF 1210 M3R and M5R pallet measures 1200mm (L) x 1000mm (W) x 150mm (H). It is available without a rim, with a 7mm rim, and even a 22mm rim, which is the perfect choice for the automotive industry.
Goplasticpallets.com is the UK’s leading independent supplier of plastic pallets with 160 different varieties to choose from, many available for next day delivery.
Goplasticpallets.com’s new SF 1210 M5R
Goplasticpallets.com’s new SF 1210 M3R with reinforcing bars.
Relogistics takes step to help end hunger with donation to Second Harvest
Relogistics Services, the leader in pallet and container management services, has announced their philanthropic efforts will support the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida with a $10,000 financial donation. Second Harvest is an organization they have partnered with in various locations across the country in previous years.
About Second Harvest Food Pantry, Orlando Florida
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, non-profit organization that serves more than 550 feeding partners located in six Central Florida counties. Their motto is fight hunger, feeding hope; and this is exactly what they do. Last year, volunteers, donors, and a caring community distributed more than 56 million meals to struggling families, seniors, kids, veterans, and others. Statistics conclude that 1 in 6 people in Central Florida are food insecure and that approximately 498,000 people turn to Second Harvest food pantries to feed themselves and their families. According to Second Harvest Food Bank, every $10 contributed provides forty meals for those in need.
Mike Hachtman, President, Relogistics Services stated, “We are fortunate enough to run businesses in the state of Florida, and more specifically in the Orlando area. Supporting the residents of the area and families who need a helping hand is a critical component of our framework and something we feel extremely passionate about.”
“While hunger in Central Florida remains a daunting challenge, we are able to keep closing the gap of need with generous support like the recent gift from Relogistics,” said Dave Krepcho, President & CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. “We are proud to be able multiply the gift up to nine times in terms of the dollar value of food being provided for our neighbors in need,” he added. The financial gift from Relogistics will allow Second Harvest to distribute approximately $90,000 worth of groceries to those in need.
About Relogistics Services
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Relogistics is the leading provider of pallet and container management services. Relogistics supports customers at 58 locations, servicing more than 1,000 retail outlets and processes more than 325,000 trailers including 80 million pallets and 110 million reusable containers annually.
MAUSER Acquires MaschioPack North America From Colonial Group, Inc.
MAUSER USA, LLC has acquired the manufacturing assets of MaschioPack North America of Atlanta, GA. This acquisition provides MAUSER the opportunity to expand its North American intermediate bulk container (IBC) footprint, as well as supply additional manufacturing support for its reconditioning affiliate, National Container Group (NCG). MAUSER will continue to supply former MaschioPack customers from the Atlanta location while investing in the facility to align it with other MAUSER product offerings.
“We are excited to further expand our presence in the Southeastern US market,” remarked Glenn Frommer, President and CEO of Mauser USA LLC. “This acquisition provides us the opportunity to more effectively service our North American customers while at the same time, welcoming new customers into our family.”
“IBCs and reconditioned packaging are the two fastest growing segments within the industrial packaging industry,” stated Jeff DeLiberty, Director of New Markets and Business Development. “These assets will not only serve as a critical part of Mauser’s growth strategy in North America, but will also provide the necessary support for NCG as the reconditioning industry continues to expand.”
In the coming months, MAUSER personnel will work closely with the MaschioPack team and their former customers to ensure a seamless transition to the MAUSER design of products.
EcoVadis: LPR is recognized once again for its commitment to CSR
For the third year running, the European pallet-pooling specialist LPR-La Palette Rouge (a division of Euro Pool Group), has been rated “Gold” by EcoVadis for its Corporate Social Responsibility policy. With a score of 71/100, a 4 point improvement on 2016, LPR is once again in the top 1% of the companies assessed.
As a major player in the supply chain, LPR is fully aware of the importance of its contribution to “responsibility” and continues to pursue the goal of social responsibility across the whole range of its activities, including with respect to its employees.
This commitment is based in particular on its relationships with its customers, its network of partners and subcontractors, and also its policy of procuring raw materials from PEFC-certified forests. LPR’s business (pallet pooling) is circular by nature and thus a perfect candidate for the circular economy.
LPR has long sought to provide a service involving optimized, multi-modal transport systems and transport loops for its customers, reducing “empty kilometers”, and service centers located close to distribution hubs.
With this in mind, and with its customers’ interests and satisfaction at the heart of the objective, in 2018 the pallet-pooling specialist will offer its partners the opportunity to partially offset their environmental impact by planting trees, whilst helping them calculate saved CO2.
LPR aims to pursue all of these objectives and reduce its own carbon footprint by 20% by 2025.
CHEP Recognized as Green Provider by Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Supply & Demand Chain Executive (S&DCE) magazine congratulates CHEP Pallecon Solutions and CHEP Automotive & Industrial Solutions on being named to their 2017 Green Providers list. The annual award recognizes companies whose products, services or exemplary environmental stewardship are promoting sustainability within supply chains while making a positive impact on the environment as well as their bottom line.
This recognition follows a recent announcement that Brambles, the leading supply-chain logistics company operating through the CHEP and IFCO brands, was ranked as the top performing company by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) in the global Commercial Services and Supplies industry category for 2017.Brambles’ approach to sustainability has helped establish the company as a leader in this area, with recognition from publications like S&DCE speaking to their continued efforts to reduce carbon emissions, water usage and waste sent to landfills.
Clients who convert from one-time use cardboard packaging to CHEP reusable containers save valuable storage space and streamline transportation, ultimately reducing the number of trucks on the road and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, CHEP’s collapsible stackable containers can be reused for several years, then fully recycled after their useful life, avoiding the landfill waste and the depletion of natural resources associated with single-use packaging.
As a part of the Brambles family of companies, CHEP Pallecon Solutions and CHEP Automotive & Industrial Solutions continue to innovate in an effort to achieve their outlined 2020 Sustainability Goals (shown at right). For more information on our sustainability efforts, please visit www.brambles.com/sustainability.
Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container Market in North America
According to a senior analyst at Technavio,“There are many risks associated with the use of FIBCs. To curb these risks, the polypropylene fabrics are first UV treated and made insulation proof. Therefore, the bags can be made shockproof while filling or discharging of products. Furthermore, the use of FIBCs enables cost reduction of around 45%-55% associated with packaging when compared with traditional corrugated cartons. The benefits of FIBCs over other kinds of packaging will create greater demand for FIBCs for industrial applications, which will drive the FIBC market in North America during the forecast period.”
Market trend: innovative FIBCs available in the market
The diversity of offerings by FIBC vendors has been increasing steadily by incorporating more innovative FIBC products, which have been catering to the needs of the end-user segments. Vendors provide bulk bags in various shapes, sizes, capacities, and properties. Vendors offer new innovative bulk bag solutions, which further cut down the packaging cost.
Market challenge: fluctuations in raw material prices
The instability in raw material prices is one of the key challenges faced by vendors. Polyethylene and polypropylene are usually derived from crude oil. But, the growing fluctuations in the crude oil prices have a drastic impact on manufacturing cost. These price fluctuations have a major impact on the cost of producing FIBCs.
The Global Folding IBCs Market Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 4.8% During 2017-2027
A new research report by Future Market Insights, titled ‘Folding IBCs Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012 – 2016 and Opportunity Assessment 2017 – 2027’ says that the global folding IBCs market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period, reaching a market size of over US$ 520 Mn by the end of 2027.
Based on material, plastic material leads in terms of market size, with an expected market size of over US$ 430 Mn by the end of 2027. However, the metal material for folding IBCs segment is expected to witness faster demand in the coming years. Metal is expected to lead in terms of CAGR with 5.1% during the forecast period.; On the basis of capacity, 500-1000 L capacity has the highest expected market share US$ 240 Mn by the end of 2027. In terms of CAGR, 1000-1500 L dominates the global market.
Based on packaging content, the liquid segment is way ahead solid and the semi-solids segment with a market share of over US$ 400 Mn by the end of 2027. However, the solid and semi-solid segment is expected to reflect a higher growth rate of over 5.1% during the forecast period.; Among the various application areas of folding IBCs automotive and mechanical part is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. However, chemicals segment is the dominating segment in terms of market size and is also not much behind mechanical segment in terms of growth rate.; Based on region, APEJ is expected to reflect highest market share among all the major regions, with the highest demand for Folding IBCs by the end of the year of assessment.
Brambles announces completion of the sale of its recycled whitewood pallets
business in North America
Following the necessary regulatory approvals, the completion of the sale took place on 14 February 2018 in New York.
The proceeds of the sale were broadly in line with the carrying value of the CHEP Recycled business. The related cash inflow will be reported in Brambles’ full-year results for the 2018 financial year in August 2018.
RM2 Provides an Update on Its Financial Position
February 12, 2018.RM2 has provided an update on its financial position. Based on the information known to it today, as a result of collection of receipts from debtors as well as continued careful cash management and cost reduction measures, it has sufficient cash to continue operating through the first third of the month of March, although this could vary depending upon the outcome of ongoing discussions with third parties, including manufacturing partners and alternative sources of financing.
RM2 previously announced on 19 January 2018 that it estimated its cash balance at the end of January 2018 would be approximately $2.0 million and that it would have sufficient cash to continue operating through the third week of February 2018.
The company remains committed to further reducing its overheads and continues its efforts to monetize certain non-core assets where possible.
Trials of the Company’s ELIoT smart pallet continue to elicit positive feedback from customers. RM2’s active pallet tracking system has demonstrated to customers how they can rapidly increase supply chain efficiencies. Pallet losses are reduced through the swift identification of pallets that have exited their authorized supply chain locations. This has enabled customers to quickly recover those pallets. Equally importantly, active pallet tracking has enabled customers to identify the root cause of pallet leakage and thereby eliminate further losses.
RM2 states that it continues its discussions with potential funding partners, strategic investors, and customers in order to progress the business. It continues to take appropriate advice as it explores the financial and strategic alternatives available to it, and will provide further updates as and when appropriate.
Producers and retailers exceed 1 billion tray movements with Euro Pool System in 2017
“This milestone of 1 billion tray (RPC) movements is achieved with all parties in the chain. We are happy to help our partners to drive the efficiency and sustainability of the fresh food supply chain. Choosing for reusable packaging implies a conscious choice for an efficient and sustainable supply chain.” says Gerjo Scheringa, CEO of Euro Pool System. “We believe that an increasing number of stakeholders will join our pooling formula, reducing the CO2 emission, preventing food waste and creating a better world for the next generation.
“Each and every day, producers, transporters, processing companies and retailers benefit from the advantages of our reusable trays and pallets: they are strong, always available, stackable, clean, traceable and 100% recyclable”.
Swisslog secures order to implement AutoStore in new distribution center for syncreon, a leading contract logistics company
February 8, 2018. Swisslog Logistics Automation, a leading provider of best-in-class warehouse automation and software, will implement AutoStore for syncreon, a leading specialized contract logistics company consistently recognized for its operational excellence. The newly constructed, automated distribution center in Carlisle, PA will serve both e-commerce and retail fulfillment. The new facility occupies approximately one million square feet and is scheduled to begin fulfillment operations in June 2018.
syncreonis globally recognized for optimizing customers’ supply chains, providing tailored, innovative, and scalable solutions that reduce costs and improve performance. According to David Minns, Senior Vice President, Global Procurement, for syncreon, “We believe that a proven goods-to-person picking solution like AutoStore will be a perfect complement to our more conventional picking operations. We are particularly attracted to the easy scalability of AutoStore for our future growth. As a global company, we selected Swisslog as our implementation partner because of their strong global footprint and support organization.”
Swisslog is the leading global integrator of the AutoStore system with more than 85 installations. Swisslog’s AutoStore solution combines intelligent SynQ warehouse management software and unique pick stations not offered by other integrators.
Markus Schmidt, President Swisslog WDS Americas, commented, “It’s exciting to see this technology really take off in the United States. American companies are rapidly adopting goods-to-person automation and turning to Swisslog because of our vast experience compared to other integrators. After installing more than 85 projects, our realization has been perfected to the point that our team can install in short time frames while tailoring solutions that work for our diverse clientele in the E-commerce/retail, consumer goods and production logistics industries.”
New Nestable Plastic Pallet Combines Best Features Into One Powerful Shipping Product
Chicago, IL – One Way Solutions has released a new nestable plastic pallet that combines the high capacity, low tare weight and reinforced perimeter for increased impact-resistance. All of these heavyweight characteristics come at light duty pricing, which makes it the ideal pallet for one way export shipments, light-medium duty reusable applications, WIP, storage, display, and distribution applications.
This 40 x48 USA made pallet weighs only 17 lbs, yet provides 2,500 of dynamic capacity. High-pressure injection molded with high quality recycled HDPE resin, this pallet has a 8,800 lb static capacity.
Every consideration has been taken to minimize weight while maintaining strength and durability:
9 nesting legs feature structurally neutral knockouts to reduce weight and cost.
Tapered edges assist fork tine entry and assist splitting a pallet off a nested stack.
The pallet deck perimeter is reinforced with extra ribs to increase impact resistance.
The 4-way entry is compatible with nearly all fork trucks and hand trucks. The open deck design allows for easy handling and cleaning. A superior nesting ratio allows 2100 pallets to fit in a 53’ truck, significantly reduces the per pallet shipping costs.
The product is now available on the One Way Solutions website and will ship out next day. Pricing for this item can go as low as $8.99 per pallet.
One Way Solutions is a 3rd generation family-run business specializing in plastic pallets for the Material Handling Industry.
U.S. Department of Labor Cites Pallet Manufacturer After Employee Injured by Machine
NEW LENOX, IL – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Supplyside USA, a New Lenox-based pallet manufacturer, for machine safety violations after an employee was injured while conducting maintenance on equipment. The company faces $91,832 in proposed penalties for two repeated, six serious, and three other-than-serious violations.
OSHA inspectors found Supplyside USA, which operates as Prime Woodcraft Inc., failed to install adequate machine guards, implement energy control procedures to prevent equipment from unintentional operation, and train workers about noise hazards; and allowed combustible dust to accumulate on surfaces.
“Too often, employees are injured because companies lack adequate machine safety procedures and safeguards,” said OSHA Chicago South Area Office Director Kathy Webb. “Employers have a responsibility to evaluate their workplaces for hazards, and ensure safe operations.”
Prime Woodcraft has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. View current citations.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.
CHEP Launches New Advanced Container Management Facility in Southern California
Redlands, CA – January 31, 2018 – CHEP recently opened its newest container service center just outside greater Los Angeles. The larger space, optimized layout, and investment in state of the art semi-automated cleaning equipment are key enablers to support CHEP’s growing west coast customer base and ensure just-in-time availability of high-quality sanitized containers.
Southern California represents one of the largest consumer markets in the United States. As an established partner with a large number of food and beverage manufacturers in the region, CHEP provides supply chain solutions including container rental, tracking, and optimized logistics. Redlands emerged as an ideal location for this new site due to its proximity to the concentrated manufacturing hub outside a major metropolitan area.
With consumers driving industry improvements in food safety and sustainable business practices, CHEP has implemented key innovations to better align with their customers’ values and goals. The new CHEP facility in Redlands boasts a high-efficiency hot water pressure washing system in combination with organic drain-safe cleaning chemicals to reduce the environmental impact and ensure consistent quality.
In addition, customers benefit from CHEP’s long-standing business model which replaces corrugated packaging that would have otherwise been sent to landfills, reduces transport miles and emissions, and improves the safety and traceability of food throughout the manufacturing process.
TOMRA Makes Change members can now exchange their loyalty points for a donation to MUCC. Four-hundred points in the program equates to a $1.50 donation.
TOMRA has more than 500 TOMRA Makes Change-connected reverse vending machines (RVMs) located at retailers throughout the state of Michigan. Any TOMRA Makes Change member who recycles at a TOMRA RVM connected to the program can earn one point per bottle recycled. Points can be redeemed for an array of rewards and charitable donations.
“As an organization helping to preserve the environment, we look to partner with those who share our mission,” said Chuck Riegle, SVP Government Affairs, TOMRA Collection Solutions North America. “Michighan United Conservation Clubs has more than 200 affiliated local clubs and does tremendous work in advancing environmental programs in the state, and we are proud to play a small role in helping them continue their work. They are also an organization that really resonates with the TOMRA Makes Change community, a group of highly-engaged recyclers.”
MUCC led the petition campaign that passed the Michigan Bottle Bill and has multiple conservation programs uniting citizens to conserve, protect, and enhance Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor heritage. To learn more about the success of the container recycling law in Michigan, visit http://www.container-recycling.org/index.php/media1/videos/436-keep-michigan-first.
How TOMRA Makes Changes Works
For every container redeemed through the TOMRA Makes Change program, members receive one point in addition to their state’s container deposit value. Members log in to their account on the RVM screen before beginning their recycling session to collect their points. Participating TOMRA RVMs without a touch screen instead print a QR code at the end of the recycling session, which the member can then scan using the TOMRA ReAct app. The app also tracks recycling activity and the environmental impact of a member’s recycling.
Points can be accessed through the ReAct app or tomramakeschange.com and redeemed for gift cards, tech products and eco-friendly goods. Users can also choose to donate their points to a variety of non-profit organizations, converting the points into a monetary donation.
The company established TOMRA Makes Change to reward consumer participation in beverage container return programs. More than 37 million containers have been recycled through TOMRA Makes Change reverse vending machines (RVMs) since the program’s launch in September 2016.
TrackX to Implement Supply Chain Management Solution for Global Appliance Manufacturer
DENVER– TrackX Holdings Inc., an enterprise Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) software platform provider, has announced that a leading, household appliance manufacturer has selected TrackX to implement yard distribution and supply chain logistics solutions. The initial implementation will be at one of the customer’s principal U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities with 3 additional U.S. locations identified for deployment in 2018. The solution includes hardware and recurring SaaS (Software as a Service) fees as well as professional services to integrate with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
In the first phase of deployment, TrackX’s GAME (Global Asset Management for Enterprises) for Supply Chain Management (SCM) software platform will focus on optimizing yard, dock, and gate related business activities. In the yard, GAME for SCM provides real-time equipment visibility utilizing a variety of IIoT devices to enable real-time tracking of transportation equipment and trailers throughout a large business park. GAME for SCM will manage the arrival, departure, and inventory of all transportation equipment within the facility. It will also dynamically assign tasks to the shunt drivers responsible for the movement of trailers to and from inventory locations, at the distribution docks and between facilities. The result will include: improved equipment utilization, efficient labor management, increased efficiency at the dock, a reduction in carrier detention charges, improved security and accountability at the gate, accurate inventory, and labor savings across all yard related business processes. Future expansions could include returnable container tracking and further optimization of other high-value assets.
“We are excited to be working with another multi-billion dollar enterprise that is spearheading IIoT initiatives to optimize their supply chain,” said Tim Harvie, TrackX President & CEO. “This customer, a leader within their industry, fully understands that asset tracking and inventory management are fundamental competitive advantages, and we’re proud that they have chosen TrackX to increase efficiencies within their operations.”
Futuropalette 2018 to be Held in Paris, April 5.
Whether you are a pallet user, professional transport, logistics or supply chain, manufacturer or repacker or public sector employee, the Futuropalette 2018 Meetings in Paris, France, organized on the initiative of the FNB and SYPAL, will provide an unmissable meeting of all the participants in the wood pallet sector, according to event sponsors. Click here to find out more.
January 24, 2018. Polymer Logistics, a global leader in reusable packaging and merchandising solutions, will bring fresh inspiration and innovative new products for retail and promotional display, transport packaging, and asset management to Fruit LogisticaFebruary 6-8, 2018.
New merchandising products being featured at Fruit Logistica include a modular spill-over display that can be used to extend the primary produce table or as a stand-alone unit in a secondary display location; a larger produce fixture for combined display and storage of high volume seasonal fruits and vegetables; and a modular display solution for enhanced presentation of floral products. All these packaging and merchandising solutions can be ordered in the color that best complements store décor. In addition, the displays and the siding panels are easy to assemble, interchange, and store, making them an efficient, effective, and attractive way to support holiday, seasonal, and other theme promotions.
“Applications for our merchandising units extend to all fresh departments in the store,” said Fred Heptinstall, CEO of Polymer Logistics North America. “Not only do they look great, they are designed to protect product freshness and quality. In addition, our panels can be readily adapted to fit existing fixtures and refrigerated units, making them a cost-effective way to create a consistent look around the fresh perimeter.”
The comprehensive range of products and services offered by Polymer Logistics help transform the shopping experience. Through innovative design, sustainable and efficient operations, unsurpassed quality and freshness, leading-edge merchandising solutions, and effective asset management systems, Polymer Logistics helps its partner growers and retail customers increase shopper satisfaction and realize profitable growth.
To see these new products and more, stop by the Polymer Logistics booth #E-09 in Hall 21 at the 2018 Fruit Logistica, February 6-8 in Berlin, Germany.
January 22, 2018
Sonoco Leads Fortune’s Most Admired Companies, Packaging Sector
Sonoco, one of the largest global diversified packaging companies, has been selected for Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies in the packaging sector, and named first in its industry. Among industry peers, Sonoco ranked first in nearly every category – including Innovation, Use of Corporate Assets, Social Responsibility, Financial Soundness, Long-term Investment Value, Quality of Products/Services and Global Competitiveness.
“We are honored to lead the packaging sector this year on Fortune’s Most Admired list,” said Jack Sanders, Sonoco president and CEO. “At Sonoco, we’re guided by the principle of Better Packaging. Better Life. Our goal is to improve the lives of all our stakeholders – including our customers, the consumers who use our packaging, our shareholders and our employees – through innovative packaging and a solid long-term growth strategy.”Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list is the definitive report card on corporate reputations. Executives, directors, and analysts rate companies in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. A company’s score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to be listed. Learn more about Fortune’s World’s Most Admired
January 22, 2018. Tulsa-based Greystone Logistics, Inc. reported sales for the three months ended November 30, 2017 totaled $9,722,102 compared to $9,221,711 for the prior year period for an increase of $511,391, or 6%. Sales for the six months ended November 30, 2017 were $20,009,177 compared to $17,065,972 for the prior period for an increase of $2,943,205, or 17%.
Greystone recorded net income attributable to common shareholders (after preferred dividends and income attributable to variable interest entities) for the six months ended November 30, 2017 of $363,371, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $(76,330), or $(0.00) per share, for the prior period. For the three months ended November 30, 2017, Greystone recorded net loss attributable to common stockholders (after preferred dividends and income attributable to variable interest entities) of $(11,337), or $0.00 per share, compared to a prior period net income attributable to common stockholders of $41,109, or $0.00 per share. EBITDA was $3,204,732 for the six months ended November 30, 2017 and $1,315,798 for the three months ended November 30, 2017.
“Although we are pleased with the company’s top line growth, our results from operations were affected by extraordinary costs of ramping up production for our new leasing customer and completing the installation of the previously reported new 3500-ton injection machine”, stated CEO Warren Kruger. Kruger continued, “Increased margins while growing sales continue to be a major focus for Greystone. On January 17, 2018, we received a purchase order for our 48X40 heavy duty pallet totaling in excess of $4.5 million from a new national customer. We first called on this potential opportunity over 15 years ago. Our persistence paid off. We continue to diversify our customer base and create innovative recycled pallet solutions. The revenue from this new customer will be recognized over several months beginning about March 2018. Our production and operation teams work diligently to maintain a high degree of utilization of equipment. This goal has a positive impact by lowering fixed costs allocation per pallet produced thus driving increased margins on greater sales volume. We look forward to our third and fourth quarters which are historically Greystone’s strongest. Additionally, we are continuing to invest in equipment and facilities to drive growth and shareholder value.”
Greystone Logistics reprocesses and sells recycled plastic and designs, manufactures, sells high quality 100% recycled plastic pallets that provide logistical solutions needed by a wide range of industries such as the food and beverage, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical and consumer products. The company’s technology, including that used in its injection molding equipment, proprietary blend of recycled plastic resins and patented pallet designs, allows for the production of high-quality pallets quickly and at lower costs than many processes. The recycled plastic for its pallets helps control material costs while reducing environmental waste and provides cost advantages over users of virgin resin.
January 15, 2018. CHEP, the supply chain solutions company, won the coveted Environmental Sustainability Award at the sixth Automotive Global Awards. The award recognizes the company’s excellence in delivering a sustainable global supply chain. CHEP received the award along with its customer Endurance Technologies, a leading auto parts manufacturer in India, for their shared achievements in reducing CO2 emissions and their commitment to deforestation.
The Automotive Global Awards honor outstanding achievements in 22 categories of the automotive industry in the areas of logistics, purchasing and supply chain. The annual award, organized by media company Three6Zero, brings together industry-leading logistics providers, OEMs, and external logistics providers to celebrate innovation and growth in the automotive industry.
“Through CHEP’s efforts alone, materials and emissions equivalent to around 360 trees per year have been saved. The huge size of automotive and logistics functions in India is a good example of how much small changes can be made if they are implemented on a larger scale, “says DK Rai, Director, CHEP Automotive in India.
CHEP has been working with over 3,000 customers since 1975, including leading vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 brands. CHEP reduces the total cost of the supply chain per item while improving the efficiency and carbon footprint of its customers with its environmentally friendly, cost-saving multi-use pooling service. CHEP also optimizes transport routes to save empty kilometers.
Atul Deodikar of Endurance Technologies explains: “Working with CHEP has allowed us to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve much better sustainability performance. On the one hand, trees can be saved with the reusable packaging solutions from CHEP for the automotive industry. On the other hand, less packaging material ends up in the landfill. Our company benefits greatly from CHEP’s business model ‘divide, reuse, recycle and reduce waste’. It also helps us make the most of our logistics resources. ”
The jurors commented: “The contribution of CHEP and Endurance Technologies clearly falls into the category of holistic sustainability. By reducing overall transports, there is a demonstrable, measurable and positive reduction in fuel consumption, both for packaging materials and vehicle operation. The work situation itself also benefits because fewer steps are required in all phases. In addition, further pooling opportunities arise. The described process represents a worthwhile and successful application of reusable rather than disposable packaging. ”
The Automotive Global Supplier Award honors CHEP for the second time in a row. In 2016, CHEP Automotive Europe and Tier 1 supplier Eberspächer received the Product Innovation Award for a new, efficient and reusable packaging solution developed to optimize the Eberspächer intercontinental supply chain.
AAR Mobility Systems has been awarded a task order valued at $27.5 million from the U.S. Air Force for production of 463L cargo pallets. The cargo pallets will be manufactured in Cadillac, Michigan and are expected to be completed by December 30, 2020. This task order is tied to a previously awarded contract, which brings the total cumulative face value to $170.6 million.
“Over the past 50 years AAR has been the sole provider of 463L cargo pallets to the USAF and we are honored to support their ability to deploy strategic assets worldwide,” said Lee Krantz, Senior Vice President, AAR Mobility Systems. “This new order ensures that we will continue to assist them in maintaining optimum readiness levels across the USAF and other services within the DoD.”
According to Compliance Packaging International, the 463L was designed in the late 1950s to provide more efficient intermodal cargo transfer for the United States Air Force:
A single 463 L pallet is 88” long by 108” wide and is 2 ¼” thick. An empty 463 L pallet weighs 290 pounds (355 pounds with a complete set of nets) and has a maximum load capacity of 10,000 pounds. The maximum pounds per square inch load that can be placed upon a 463 L pallet is 250 pounds. The usable dimensions of the upper surface of a 463 L pallet are 84” wide by 104” long, allowing a 2” periphery around the pallet to attach straps, nets, or other restraint devices.
AAR has been providing 463L systems cargo pallets to the U.S. Armed Forces since the early 1960s and continues to be the world leader in design and production. The 463L USAF design uses a lightweight balsa wood core that continues to provide unparalleled strength-to-weight performance and reliability compared to alternative commercial pallet designs.
AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include parts supply; OEM solutions; integrated solutions; maintenance, repair, overhaul; and engineering. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include mobility systems and composite manufacturing operations. Additional information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
AAR Mobility Systems is a division of AAR and a leading global supplier of rapid deployment equipment, including mobile tactical shelters, pallets and expeditionary containers that enhance the military’s ability to mobilize, deploy, maneuver and sustain forces. AAR Mobility also manufactures large lightweight structural assemblies and platforms that support mission essential functions. Products are supported through a network of service centers, field service teams and strategic partners. More information can be found at www.aarmobilitysystems.com.
The Spanish plastic pallet manufacturer’s 600,000 pallets are manufactured 100% with recycled materials and are present in four continents
This interview, translated here from Spanish, appeared at E3 Media.
Q. What were the beginnings of the company?
AFG. Nortpalet was born in 2006 in Asturias by the hand of a group of entrepreneurs with the idea of creating a reference company in the manufacture of Reusable Transport Elements (ERT). That is to say, any element that allows the transport of consumption goods between two points centered in the plastic since we are a plastic products factory focusing on these ERT.
We start by putting the focus on the pallets. Our objectives also include boxes, containers, big box (specific for agriculture).
Antón Fernández Gutiérrez
Q. Are you specialists developing customized solutions for large accounts or specific sectors?
AFG. The plastic pallet responds to a niche market. The data suggest that 89% of those in circulation throughout the world are made of wood. Only 6% of them are made of plastic and the rest corresponds to other materials. That means that plastic is a niche market within a very large market.
With which, when our customer is looking for a plastic pallet, since there is a substantial difference in the unit price between a wooden pallet and another plastic, In the end, it has to choose, among a wide number of solutions, the one that, for your specific logistics case, generates one or other benefits. There are so many varieties of product that, in order to compete one by one, very specific models are needed that are aimed at very specific applications to solve specific problems and it is at that point where we can generate an added value with plastic.
That is to say, the competition of plastic with wood is not global but is produced in specific cases and that is why it is a niche. Within that case, the fabrications as we do, satisfying the needs of the customer -transport more product, optimize storage space. In these cases the plastic allows, applying design and R & D techniques, to offer a different solution to timber, taking into account that the latter are all standard while the plastic pallet can be configured in different ways to achieve different results. Specifically, one of our developments are the pallets that can be inserted and the wooden one is not.
In short, the client seeks an objective and we develop an application so that he can achieve the benefit he seeks through a series of features.
In addition, within the custom developments and in order to generate a competitive advantage of the product, we have achieved that it can be repairable. For this, we designed a few years ago a concept of reparability in plastics that did not exist before. We have looked for solutions and we have identified the areas with the greatest possibility of breakage in a product typology and we have done it in such a way that when these are broken, instead of having to discard the complete product, we serve a spare part.
Q. What is the profile of your clients?
AFG. The pallet is used globally. It is a multi-sector product, multi-market, multi-application … With which, our client can be anyone. But, which are the ones that use it the most? Mainly the largest use is concentrated in food, retailers, consumer products. Other minor markets include the automotive industry, the electronics sector, etc.
The export companies are also our customers. Wood for export requires phytosanitary treatments that must be certified. A competitive advantage of plastic against wood is that the latter, to be able to export to different countries, a series of phytosanitary treatments are necessary to avoid transporting different ecosystems, pathogens–and to eliminate them must be fumigated. While the plastic pallets do not require anything when exporting and, in this way, the employer avoids a series of problems, which pushes companies to use plastic more and more to export their products.
Q. What production capacity do you have?
AFG. We will manufacture around 600,000 pallets per year or what comes to be the same, more than 5,000 tons of recycled plastic per year. The factory is in Asturias, in Valencia we have a delegation that started being commercial and is growing so that in the future we can also have another manufacturing center.
Q. Why did you opt for València ?
AFG. Asturias is a steel region and the Comunitat Valenciana is the region of plastic. There is also Aimplas, the Valencian Association of Plastic Entrepreneurs ( AVEP ). That is to say, the area of plastic par excellence is the Comunitat Valenciana, where our main clients are located and for us, it is very important to have a presence here.
Q. How do you support the circular economy in your manufacturing process?
AFG. Our product is closely related to the circular economy. We sell environment, this is our main message. That is to say, our product, on the one hand, is logistic and on the other hand, it is sustainable. The concept of sustainability, which is increasingly relevant, is also relevant for us. And why? On the one hand, the plastic pallet is an ideal product to introduce recycled materials.
We are talking about that throughout the world a lot of plastic is processed and for many applications, it is essential that this be of first use and that, today, cannot be changed. It is known that approximately 40% of the plastic that is transformed globally is destined for packaging. The problem with these containers is that they have a very short life cycle and that it is estimated to be less than a year–an average of six months. These figures indicate that 40% of the plastic becomes a waste in less than six months.
To this day, the sector is being attacked by an incorrect management of this waste. What makes it essential that there are applications that are able to take that residue and give it an output with high added value. So our product fits within that line. In fact, our products are manufactured 100% with recycled materials. These generate an application that allows, through this waste, to integrate it into a product, which in turn is integrated backwards into the chain, providing a high added value.
On the other hand, and continuing with the circular economy that you mentioned, I also wanted to emphasize that a plastic pallet weighs approximately the same as the containers it transports. That is, it is reintegrated back into the chain. For example, if you have a pallet of milk that weighs a ton, in the end, you are transporting 20 kilos of plastic and when these become a waste they could be reprocessed to become a pallet and return again to the same chain that has generated that contamination or that waste providing a high added value. Therefore, if we add all these steps we have a totally circular chain. The pallet has another advantage and is that it never becomes a waste. Therefore, what we are doing is converting a material that has a short life cycle,
Q. What are the advantages of the plastic pallet compared to the wooden pallet?
AFG. It is more durable, it can be cleaned and sanitized due to its waterproof nature and the wood does not. However, as it is used, it produces chips and generates a dirty environment in its path. These chips contain parasites and bacteria, something that does not happen to plastic. All these qualities result in an added value that we are able to offer. In addition, the plastic pallet is much lighter than the wooden pallet. This means that transport helps to reduce C02 emissions.
Q. What is the life cycle of a pallet?
AFG. It is estimated that between three and five times higher than the wooden pallet. Regarding time, it depends on the times it is used. There are logistic chains where it is used daily and others where it is only used four times a year.
Q. How far do your pallets go?
AFG. 40% of our turnover corresponds to the international scope. In 2017 we work in four continents. Our main countries of action are Portugal, France, North Africa, Germany, United Kingdom and some points in South America. Therefore, we are a totally internationalized company because to be successful in our sector we have to become a global brand. Being a market niche, our reach has to be international, we do not have a national vision.
Natures Way Foods, a fresh food producer which counts Tesco, McDonalds, Aldi, Zizzi and Sainsburys among its clients, says a drive to grow in an environmentally-friendly way has led to it signing a distribution deal with IPP.
The firm, which supplies retailers and food service companies with prepared salads, prepared fruit and fresh ‘food to go’ products, has partnered with IPP in an agreement which will see 400,000 Euro and standard UK pallets moved per year.
Based on four sites in West Sussex, Natures Way said the motivation behind the switch to Meriden-based IPP was the offer of a simple, flexible service, as well as a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Natures Way has a variety of systems in place to reduce waste, including plastic recycling and incinerating non-recyclable waste to produce electricity, and has a zero waste to landfill policy in place.
Paul Harmer, head of sales for IPP, said: “Natures Way like our ethos and culture, enjoy working with our people and appreciate our supportive attitude to helping streamline their supply chain.
“They were frustrated with the inflexibility of their previous suppliers, who had not been providing the kind of service they expect. We know it’s important to Natures Way to receive the best possible service with a company which focuses on its environmental impact, ensuring suppliers’ businesses are using sustainable materials and methods, so we were a natural fit.”
Phil Henshall, transport manager at Natures Way, said: “We’ve found the switch to IPP to be calculated and seamless, with no impact on our operations. The communication is brilliant and we receive a really personal service. Clear plans were put in place for the implementation with achievable timelines and realistic targets. Everyone knew their place in the process and the switch launched exactly as anticipated.
“We are looking to grow our business with IPP with as many pallet movements as possible throughout the supply chain. It’s a partnership we think will work very well.”
IPP has a long-standing commitment to the circular economy and is the only pallet pooler to be able to manufacture its own products, as well as retrieving, repairing and repatriating pallets.
Phil Storer, UK director of IPP, said: “Like ourselves, Natures Way has a clear plan in place to minimise its environmental impact and backs up its pledges with clear action.
“The products it makes are enjoyed by millions of people across the UK every week, so it’s imperative it receives an efficient, quality service it can rely on. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”
LPR-La Palette Rouge (a Division of Euro Pool Group) has joined with “Plantons pour l’avenir” to support the French timber sector and as part of its aim to support the biosourced economy. Since 2016, LPR’s support has contributed to the planting of nearly 100,000 trees in France. This partnership is an integral part of LPR’s sustainable development policy — an initiative which has been ongoing for more than 10 years.
Plantons pour l’avenir
European pallet-pooling specialist LPR is actively supporting this charitable project for the replanting of trees in France – in full compliance with the standards of sustainable management for certified forests. Planting makes it possible to introduce species capable of withstanding climate change and meeting the economic needs of the future. Planting, cropping and processing are essential activities for the survival of French forests. LPR’s decision in 2016 to work with Plantons pour I’avenir had two objectives: to contribute to the preservation of the French forest ecosystem, while also contributing to the absorption of part of the greenhouse gas emissions generated as part of its business activities.
A PEFC-certified wood supply
LPR’s involvement with the forestry and timber sector began in 2010 with the PEFC certification of the wood used in its supply chain. The PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) requires sustainable management of forest plots to meet economic, ecological and social needs, now and in the future. Gaël Gonzalez, European SHEQ Manager at LPR explains: “We were the first in our sector to be certified PEFC from the forest to the delivery of the pallet, including the various stages of manufacture and repair. As we are continuing to grow, we buy several million new pallets every year. We work to limit our impact on the forest and to preserve it, so only use timber from sustainably managed woodland, from responsible sources. We also know that the quality of our pallets, which depends on the origin of the raw materials, is bound to be better.” Today, 100% of the wood used for LPR’s activities comes from PEFC-certified plots or verified sources.
In addition to these commitments, LPR is pleased to share an eco-responsible policy with many of its customers. The pallet rental and management expert is taking a number of measures to reduce its energy footprint. Pooling transport, reducing empty returns and considering multimodal transport solutions are all central to the development of LPR’s and its customers’ activities.
About LPR-La Palette Rouge
LPR-La Palette Rouge, a division of Euro Pool System Group, is a pallet-pooling company for manufacturers and distributors in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. LPR operates throughout Europe, providing a full pallet service to its customers and their retail partners. www.lpr.eu
About “Plantons pour l’avenir”
Plantons pour l’avenir is a private, non-political and independent fund, governed by Articles 140 and 141 of Act No.2008-776 of 4 August 2008 and by the Implementing Decree No.2009-158 of 11 February 2009. Created in September 2014, its purpose, as part of its general interest mission of contributing to the protection of the natural environment, is to relaunch reforestation in France using sustainable management techniques. http://plantonspourlavenir.org/
Color, Pallet and Pooling – Factors to Consider in Picking Pallet Color
A distinctive color can prove useful to pallet managers and merchandisers alike
The color of a pallet remains an important consideration for any pallet pool. Just ask CHEP or other pallet and reusable packaging pools around the world that utilize specific colors to promote better control of their inventories.
Pallet pools use a variety of basic pallet colors, as is outlined later in this article. While a variety of automatic identification strategies have emerged that can provide more information about a specific pallet or load, pallet and container color remains an effective measure for control and quality assurance. In addition to assisting in control, pallet color can be an important component of other marketing or quality assurance initiatives. More on these items below.
Let’s start with the basics. When it comes to pallets and the use of color, our go-to expert is Hartson Poland of Nelson Company. “From a purely pragmatic point of view, certain companies use color to designate specific ingredients, products, even processes,” Hartson explains. “A yellow pallet, bin or box can be identified from the vantage point of the production office in the mezzanine. Try doing that with a barcode. And just from a branding and aesthetic point of view, color is as versatile as is fertile the imagination of the user.”
“Most companies will offer maybe one to three standard colors, some charging differently for different colors. For example, black is an inexpensive pigment, and many companies use that color for their base model. Black also covers a multitude of sins, black making it easy to add colored regrind or to add recycled content. Let’s say there might be an upcharge for blue or red from this same company, added charges not only reflecting the possible additional cost of the pigment but accounting for down machine time and lost product that is inevitable when making a color change. We have seen ‘blue’ often used to designate FDA accepted pallets, but this is not an industry standard, more of a convenient designation.”
“As for FDA designation, we know that there are certain pigments that are FDA certified, and if we know the pallet is to be used in food or pharma where the possibility of product contact exists, we steer companies to those colors that are appropriate.”
So why choose a specific color for your pallets?
The use of a specific pallet color can provide specific benefits, as well as hurdles. We start with the benefits:
Benefits
Pallets can be spotted at a considerable distance by asset managers when they are a specific color.
Likewise, color coding helps facilitate warehouse pallet audits, even in high rack location.
Color marking of pallets enables material handlers to easily sort different types of pallets and helps ensure that employees use the correct pallet for the correct shipment.
Pallet color coding can be indispensable in helping plant employees segregate one type of material from another, where certain materials or processes are associated with a specific color.
Color coding can be used to also reduce the risk of cross-contamination where some pallets or totes may be used for unhygienic applications.
And of course, pallet color selection can help in retail marketing and store esthetics initiatives.
Disadvantages
Color coding may add extra cost to the pallet or container in some cases.
When color coded assets are assigned for certain applications only, this may limit the utility of the asset to use for other applications, which may evolve over time. Flexibility may be lost.
There may be confusion if the same color is used by different pool pallets.
Which Color to Choose?
A number of considerations go into selecting a pallet color, including UV resistance, scuff resistance, differentiation from other competing products, marketing and esthetic values, and last but not least, relative cost. Here are some of the pallet colors that one often sees in the field, depending upon the part of the world being considered. CHEP – blue PECO (North America) – red U.S. Postal Service – orange stripe Loscam (Australasia) – red, yellow and grey IPP (Europe) – brick LPR (Europe) – red Svenska Retursystem (Sweden) – grey The Beer Store (Ontario) – green Euro Pool System – green
The future of color markings is unclear as Auto-ID technologies such as RFID continue to find acceptance. It seems likely that to the extent that Auto-ID technologies are fully integrated into a reusable pallet application, pallet color will be less important in the future than today, but for now, the choice of color for pallet pools remains an important tool for pool managers and pallet users alike.
Plastic pallets valued for export: no ISPM-15 worries, lightweight, and more.
Based on a pallet designed and utilized for air mail, the Shuert Ex-Air weighs just 10 pounds.
Are you considering plastic export pallets? One important benefit of plastic pallets for export is that they do not require special treatments as would solid wood pallets.
Taking a step back, in the course of global trade flows, pests can quickly reach every continent and harm the local agriculture and forests. With this in mind, ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures) guidelines have been created to regulate wood packaging material in international trade to prevent the spread of pests. These guidelines require measures such as heat treatment or fumigation prior to eliminate pests and to protect the wood against new infections.
Non-solid timber pallets such as those constructed from presswood, paper, metal or plastic are exempt from treatment requirements. Plastic pallets have been in the marketplace since the 1960s, however, it has only been in recent years that their popularity for export usage has really escalated.
It should be cautioned, however, that there is more to pallet selection than the price tag. The cheapest pallets available might not be the best fit for your application.
“Plastic pallets are available in a dizzying array of high tech designs and materials, each of which has a definite place in what is a very diverse marketplace,” noted Hartson Poland of Nelson Company, (https://www.nelsoncompany.com), a plastic pallet supplier.
Increasingly, his role has moved towards reviewing the requirements of the customer’s unit load application from the time the empty pallets are unloaded from the supplier, through to palletization, shipment and then handling and recycling abroad. The goal is to match the best value pallet that will guarantee a successful shipment. Getting the cheapest plastic pallet might be a costly mistake if it results in damaged products or problematic business relationships, he cautioned.
One important aspect of pallet selection is conforming to the standard pallet footprint size of the country of destination. For example, while the standard size in North America is 48×40”, we see 1165x1165mm in Australia, 1200x800mm in Europe and 1100x1100mm as well as 1200x1000mm in Asia as common sizes.
“For sure there was a shift to plastic,” one plastic pallet sales person commented when asked about how the introduction of ISPM 15 has impacted the export pallet market. “If now a company can provide a plastic pallet that can compete against the price of wood, why should a customer not decide for the plastic pallet? He does not require anymore the bureaucratic and labeling expenses for export wood pallets. And he can benefit from the lower weight, important for air freight, and better handling of plastic pallets.”
What’s to like about plastic export pallets?
ISPM 15 exempt
Lightweight (air freight and manual handling benefits)
Competitive pricing
Consistent sizing and weight (of a given model)
Nestability to reduce freight costs and empty storage space in the facility
Made from recycled plastic and totally recyclable
Many styles and sizes available
Can be stored outdoors
Cleanliness (no debris or splinters)
Today, plastic pallets are used for a great many applications in addition to export. With technological improvements, plastic pallets are designed to give great performance at a lighter weight and with better durability.
WOMAN-OWNED WAREHOUSING, LOGISTICS AND E-COMMERCE FULFILLMENT COMPANY REPORTS EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
Denver – Symbia Logistics, a Colorado-based warehousing, logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment company, has closed on three acquisitions in recent months – Mountain States Logistics, Innovative Fulfillment Solutions and Nevada Distribution Services – and is preparing for the January 2019 grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art e-commerce fulfillment operation in Aurora, Colo. (According to its website, Symbia is the largest WBE-certified international contractor for CHEP Americas, a division of Brambles. At present, Symbia is responsible for managing 18 dedicated service centers for CHEP Americas with a workforce of more than 1,400 associates.)
Symbia CEO Megan Smith, along with a team of seasoned logistics and fulfillment executives, says the company is on an aggressive growth path. “We are very excited to announce that three quality companies have recently become members of our Symbia Logistics family. The broad range of services our combined operations can now provide gives us a unique edge over our competition. That means manufacturers and retailers coast to coast can rely on our extensive capabilities, whether they are a business-to-business (B2B) entity or a business-to-consumer (B2C) operation.”
Symbia’s first acquisition in April was Mountain States Logistics (MSL) in Denver. With its location on a rail line, MSL customers have access to mass distribution and economical rail-to-truck services. MSL offers customized solutions and personalized service to manufacturers of more industrial types of goods. MSL’s founding partner, Rusty Walker, now serves as Symbia’s director of rail service operations.
According to Walker, “This merger is a huge win for all parties and most importantly, for our customers. Together we are working to make their dollar go further – like all the way across the country.”
Shortly after acquiring Mountain States Logistics, Symbia acquired Innovative Fulfillment Solutions (IFS), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo. Founded in 1998, IFS pioneered third-party fulfillment services to e-commerce companies, serving customers worldwide.
IFS founder Keith Milburn said, “Since launching IFS, we’ve seen exponential growth in online shopping and e-commerce services. We are thrilled to know that the Symbia team will continue to treat our employees, our clients and their customers with the same care and exceptional customer service that we have committed to over the years.”
Symbia’s third successful acquisition was of Nevada Distribution Services (NDS). NDS provides supply chain, warehousing and logistics management solutions to both B2B and B2C marketers. Based in Reno, Nev., NDS meets the needs of customers across the country and around the globe. For some international clients, it serves as a forwarding agent, routing cargo efficiently, safely and swiftly through a maze of regulations and the U.S. and foreign customs.
NDS president John McKinney said, “Joining forces with Symbia was an excellent move for us and for our clients. With Symbia’s growth plans and commitment to customer satisfaction, everyone comes out ahead.”
Symbia CEO Megan Smith commented on the company’s aggressive growth plans. “When you consider our expanded capabilities as a result of these three transactions, add in the high-tech solutions in our Aurora facility, and combine that with our plans to continue growing through strategic acquisitions, the future for Symbia is extremely exciting. We have become a major 3PL player for companies looking for the broad capabilities of Amazon but with the high-touch customer service that only a family-owned business can provide.”
Symbia Logistics is a privately held family business with warehouse facilities in the United States and Canada. The company has been developing customized solutions and processes for logistics clients since 1989. The Symbia Logistics team provides facility-based supply chain support to a variety of industries including sporting goods, apparel, dry grocery, health and beauty, aerospace, chemical, industrial goods, kitting, and direct-to-consumer fulfillment services. Company executives believe in establishing long-term partnerships with their clients and are committed to exceeding customer expectations. Symbia maintains its corporate headquarters in Edwards, Colo., and operates an executive office at its new facility in Aurora, Colo. For more information visit symbia.com.
South Carolina pallet supplier is investing more than $6 million in its continued growth
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Central Packaging and Crating, Inc., a South Carolina manufacturer of wooden, heat-treated pallets, is expanding its operations in Greenwood County. The company’s $6 million investment is projected to create 37 new jobs.
Launched in 1998, Central Packaging and Crating is one of the largest wooden pallet manufacturers in South Carolina by volume. Located at 101 Joe Bernat Drive in Greenwood, S.C., the company will be upgrading an adjacent vacant facility, installing a new cut-up line for pine wood and expanding production of pine pallets.
Hiring for the new positions is expected to begin in the spring of 2019, and interested applicants can apply in person at that time. For more information on the Central Packaging and Crating, Inc., contact Kevin Neuman at central@gogenesis.com.
FIVE FAST FACTS
Central Packaging and Crating, Inc. is expanding its Greenwood County operations.
$6 million investment to create 37 new jobs.
Central Packaging and Crating is one of the largest wooden pallet manufacturers in South Carolina by volume.
The facility is located at 101 Joe Bernat Drive in Greenwood, S.C.
The company will be upgrading an adjacent vacant facility, installing a new cut-up line for pine wood and expanding production of pine pallets.
“I would like to thank the community of Greenwood for supporting us now for the past 20 years,” stated Kevin Neuman, President of Central Packaging and Crating, Inc. “We are proud of our continued growth, and look forward to being a partner for success in both Greenwood County and the state of South Carolina.”
“We’re proud of our existing industries in South Carolina, and Central Packaging and Crating is a perfect example of Team South Carolina’s strength,” added Gov. Henry McMaster. “Congratulations to Greenwood County on this wonderful announcement, and we look forward to what the future has in store for this great company.”
“Central Packaging and Crating has been a longtime member of Team South Carolina, and I’m proud to see them continue to thrive,” echoed Secretary of Commerce Bobb Hitt. “This expansion is a big win for Greenwood County, and I’m excited to see the difference these 37 new jobs will make there.”
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, and Volvo. It also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State ranked No. 1 in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis in 2018 – extending its streak of top-three finishes since 2011. Additionally, in five of seven years, the state has won the Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine; and, in 2017, the state was recognized as Business Facilities’ State of the Year. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
Dr. Wang Hong, Executive Vice President of China Merchants Group (“CMG”) and the Chairman of Sinotrans Ltd. (“Sinotrans”) have announced that the restructuring of state-owned enterprises mixed ownership reform for China Merchant Loscam has successfully been completed with the introduction of two new strategic shareholders, CITIC Capital Holdings Ltd. (“CITIC Capital”) and FountainVest Partners (“FountainVest”).
CMG fully acquired Loscam in 2010 and has since seen Loscam successfully grow to become Asia-Pacific’s largest pallet pooling company. This latest announcement is another major strategic decision to further strengthen the ownership structure of Loscam and drive the business to further success. The new investors bring new sector expertise which will further support the company’s long-term expansion plans. After the introduction of the two new investors, Sinotrans continues to remain as the major shareholder of Loscam.
At the officiating ceremony, all three shareholders expressed their confidence in the growth potential of Loscam and their trust in the management team. The company’s daily operations will remain unchanged and will be supported by the new board of directors. The management of Loscam are excited with the new ownership structure and the experience, diversity and extensive financial management knowledge they bring to Loscam. These along with the extensive resources in both domestic and global regions will be key to allowing Loscam to further capitalize and expand on its footprint and services.
Mr. Yichen ZHANG, Chairman and CEO of CITIC Capital Holdings Ltd., Mr. Frank TANG, Chairman and CEO of FountainVest Partners, Mr. Sirin LIMPAITOON, President of China Merchants Loscam, and other leaders attended the ceremony.
About Sinotrans Limited
Sinotrans was incorporated on 20 November 2002 and listed in Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003 (H00598). As the second-tier subsidiary and single logistics platform for CMG. Sinotrans’ network covers all parts of China and five continents of the world. Sinotrans is the largest integrated logistics integrator in China, and is a national 5A comprehensive logistics enterprise. Sinotrans has formed its three main business segments including agency and related business, supply chain logistics and e-business, which can provide end-to-end supply chain solutions and one-stop services.
Founded in 2002, CITIC Capital is an alternative investment management and advisory company. The firm manages over USD25 billion of capital across 100 funds and investment products through its multi-asset class platform covering private equity, real estate, structured investment & finance, and asset management. CITIC Capital has over 160 portfolio companies that span 11 sectors and employ over 830,000 people around the world.
FountainVest is a leading private equity firm investing in companies that benefit from China’s growth, now managing total assets over US$4.5 billion. Their generalist fund that invests across sectors in areas of healthcare, consumer retail, media & entertainment and lifestyle. Their deal types are both control and growth capital oriented, with a high operational focus and a dedicated portfolio management team.
Sequans Communications S.A. leading LTE for IoT chipmaker, and Polymer Logistics, a global leading provider of “One-Touch / Retail Ready” Packaging (RRP) and pooling services solutions to retailers worldwide, announced the availability of the Polymer Logistics Smart IoT Tracker. According to a release, it is now approved for use on the LTE-M network of Verizon Wireless, and pending approval by other operators. The Smart IoT Tracker is tailored for use on Polymer’s CleanPal pallets and can also be used as a standalone tracking device for other IoT applications. The new device will be on display at CES 2019 in Las Vegas.
“The Polymer Logistics Smart IoT Tracker is indeed a very smart device,” said Danny Kedar, VP of Sequans’ IoT business unit. “It is designed with careful attention to the needs of pallet-tracking applications, such as temperature and location monitoring. According to industry analysts, the addressable market for the mobile tracking of pallets numbers in the billions of units, representing a very real opportunity, and we are pleased to work with Polymer Logistics in getting this excellent pallet tracker to market.”
The Polymer Logistics Smart IoT Tracker is designed for the tracking and monitoring of logistical assets and is tailored specifically to fit onto Polymer Logistics’ CleanPal pallets. In addition to the LTE-M connectivity provided by Sequans’ Monarch platform, the device includes a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, and network-based geolocation. The Smart IoT Tracker fits securely between the standard slats of a pallet without any overhang so that forklifts cannot damage it. It uses standard AA batteries, eliminating the fire risk of lithium-ion batteries. The Smart IoT Tracker is in an IP66 enclosure, making it safe from extreme weather conditions, powerful seas, or jets of water. It does not have to be removed from pallets prior to washing.
“We chose Sequans’ Monarch Platform for the LTE connectivity for our new Smart IoT Tracker, because Monarch is one of the most mature, reliable, and power-efficient LTE-M connectivity solutions in the industry,” said Ohad Perry, CTO, Polymer Logistics. “Sequans also made it easy for us to bring this product to market because their total solution approach to IoT includes not just the hardware, but also the necessary software to reduce the complexity of IoT device development.”
Polymer Logistics Smart IoT Tracker is powered by Sequans Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT Platform. Monarch provides full support for power saving mode (PSM) and extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) to enable the long battery life needed by many IoT use cases, and it provides enhanced coverage modes, including a +23dB power amplifier, that extends coverage for deep-indoor and remote deployments. For LTE positioning, Monarch incorporates the positioning technology of Polte for accurate, low power, indoor and outdoor positioning capability using only the LTE radio. Monarch delivers programmable RF filtering for global band support in a Single-SKU, and proprietary dynamic power management technology enabling rock bottom low power consumption of 1 microamp. Monarch is certified by operators worldwide. www.sequans.com.
The Polymer Logistics Smart IoT Tracker will be on display at Sequans’ meeting room at CES 2019, January 8-11, at the Venetian Sands Convention Center.
Reducing the total cost of every product load wrapped
Troy Qualischefski
Qualipac is a leading, Australian owned farming business specialising in growing, packing and supplying quality produce throughout Australia and overseas. Started in 1906 by Albert Qualischefski, the business initially had a diverse operation including dairy, growing onions and with a butcher store. Today, the business is run by Russell Qualischefski and his two sons, fourth generation farmers Troy and Bradley. Their product range has been refined over the years and now focus on growing onions, broccoli, and pumpkins.
Qualipac’s facility includes grading and packing equipment, cold storage, ice making and a state of the art 640 tonnes onion drying system. With these facilities, they provide a complete solution, with produce delivered chilled, graded, packed and stored safely every time.
Troy Qualischefski, Director / Owner at Qualipac, said, “Our business is driven by a passionate team of 120 staff in our farming and packing operations. As a team, we pride ourselves on delighting our customers with consistent supply, quality, and service. We are focused on utilising the best, most efficient and sustainable farming methods and practices.”
The Opportunity
Qualipac has over 1,000 hectares of fertile land growing vegetables in South East Queensland, specifically in the Lockyer Valley and Eastern Darling Downs. The company’s operations include harvesting crops by hand and their supply chain is vital to delivering the highest quality fresh produce to family plates across Australia and overseas.
Troy Qualischefski at left with Nantes Robberts
The business utilises a mix of CHEP platforms, including reusable plastic containers (RPCs), bins and wooden pallets to maximise the efficiencies in moving produce between farms, pack houses, and supermarkets.
Focusing on continuous improvement in their operations and unlocking further efficiencies, Qualipac with the support of CHEP identified an opportunity to move from a hand wrapping operation to a machine pallet wrapping solution. This solution helped improve load stability, reduce damage, unlock cost savings and improve safety performance.
The Solution
To progress this opportunity in their supply chain, Qualipac and CHEP worked together, going through the following phases involved in the development of a tailored load containment and pallet wrapping solution:
+ Learn – Working together, CHEP evaluated Qualipac’s current load containment system to understand their needs and desired outcomes.
+ Analyse – The CHEP team provided comparisons of Qualipac’s current equipment and processes with recommendations.
+ Implement – CHEP supported the planning and deployment of Qualipac’s preferred solution.
+ Maintain – Once the system was up and running, CHEP managed all of Qualipac’s maintenance and wrap inventory needs.
As part of the load containment and pallet wrapping solution, the CHEP team supported Qualipac with equipment selection, procurement, installation, maintenance, and the machine pallet wrap film. Based on consultations and tests including a cut and weigh procedure, the CHEP Lantech Q300 Semi Auto Tall Mast was implemented with specially selected machine film.
Mr Qualischefski said, “CHEP’s platforms help us achieve efficient, profitable and sustainable product movements. We have also been able to unlock even greater efficiencies with high-quality stretch wrapping. The platforms and solutions from CHEP supports our fast turnaround times, reduces the total cost of every product load we wrap, plus complements our sustainable farming practices and focus on superior produce quality across the supply chain.”
The Results
Speaking about partnering with CHEP, utilising reusable platforms and load containment solutions for produce flows, Mr Qualischefski said, “CHEP is a key partner within our supply chain that supports us with quality platforms and solutions that we use to efficiently and sustainably store and move our fresh produce.
“By using CHEP’s load containment and pallet wrapping solution we have saved over 33%* in costs compared to our previous process of hand wrapping. We have also experienced direct labour savings, film savings, waste reduction and productivity improvements. The solution is also really flexible and simple, as CHEP provides the machine and we only pay for what we use, which frees up capital for us to invest in our core business.”
Qualipac also benefits from CHEP’s platform management solution. Led by Nantes Robberts, Business Relationship Manager, Fresh at CHEP Australia and supported by Shawn Maloney, Business Manager, Load Containment and Safety, the team provides ongoing advice and guidance to help ensure tight controls are maintained on platforms and supply chain performance is optimised. This support involves regular site visits, performance reviews, sharing of best practices and assistance in reporting on cycle times and flow through ratio.
Mr Qualischefski said, “The support we receive from CHEP is 10 out of 10 – they are always there to support us. With this support, we are optimising supply chain performance, improving the environment and reducing costs.”
ATLANTA – Dec. 4, 2018 – As more companies commit to an innovative circular economy and sustainability strategies and investments, there is an increased need to learn the best practices for successfully communicating these decisions externally.
ATLANTA – Nov. 12, 2018 – CHEP, the global leader in pallet pooling and supply chain management solutions, has appointed Jake Gilene to the role of senior vice president, sales and customer service, CHEP USA. This position was previously held by Dan Martin, recently named president, IFCO North America.
The Dutch multinational Pooling Partners – IPP has placed Roberto Aguado at the head of its Iberian commercial team, a well-known professional of the sector with great experience in the field of logistics and equipment pool solutions. Its objective is to position the company as the option capable of adding value to the supply chain of the different business sectors. 
Foxwood Renews Kontrol Asset Management SaaS with DHL
Christian Kühnhold most recently spent 13 years as CEO of PAKi Logistics GmbH and member of the board of Faber Halbertsma Groep B.V. There, he was involved in starting IPP six years ago and has since then helped to develop it. Now he is focusing on new challenges.
Smurfit Kappa’s Vitop® company, leading producer of Bag-in-Box® taps and connectors, has launched an innovative new tap for rigid tins and cans with high density products such as detergent, chemicals and oils. The Delta tap, which holds a worldwide patent, has been designed to permit air to enter without requiring an extra air fitting and can be screwed on to rigid plastic packaging. 
The Board and the representatives of the National Committees of the European Pallet Association met on 28th and 29th June 2018 in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. The Ordinary Board Meeting took place on 28th June, and the General Assembly was held a day later. The meeting of EPAL members takes place annually in one of the member countries of the world’s largest quality assurance association for EPAL pallets.
TORRANCE, CA – July 2, 2018 – Pelican Products, Inc., the global leader in the design and manufacture of high performance protective cases, temperature controlled packaging and advanced portable lighting systems, has appointed Stacey McGuire as General Counsel to lead the legal function at Pelican
Dan Gibson, Corrloc co-founder, says, “Corrloc will be widely adopted in the market place due to its cost to strength ratio. Our customers will no longer have to choose one or the other, it will be based off what best fits their needs.
June 18, 2018. 
The timing of the new model’s launch is opportune, according to Pooling Partners. The FMCG market is increasingly encouraging the use of pool pallets – the reason being superior quality and efficiency enhancement throughout the supply chain. In essence, pallet pooling results in an all-encompassing, easy service provision for the customer. One only needs to inform on needed pallet quantities, the timing and place. Moreover, no further (upfront) investment is required. The product is leased as it were; a concept that dovetails seamlessly with the prevailing ‘to rent, not own’ trend. As such, pallet pooling is Circular Economy-aligned, for it provides easy repair of breakages, free of additional charge.
Svenska Retursystem continues to reinforce its sustainability work through the hiring of Pontus Björkdahl as new sustainability manager.
May 15, 2018 – Pallet Machinery Group will be featuring three products from its diverse line at 
The squAIR-timber system offered by Trilatec is up to 80 percent lighter compared with conventional pallets. Moreover, disposal of the new material can be carrier out in an environmentally friendly way, using a paper recycling facility. Costs for special wood disposal are saved because squAIR-timber is manufactured of 100 percent recycled material.
Eck en Wiel, March 16th 2018 – Pooling Partners has appointed Duncan Moser as CEO Production Companies. Starting April 2, he will be committed to strengthening the international position of the production companies of Pooling Partners in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France.
For the third year running, the European pallet-pooling specialist 
DENVER – TrackX Holdings Inc., an enterprise Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) software platform provider, has announced that a leading, household appliance manufacturer has selected TrackX to implement yard distribution and supply chain logistics solutions. The initial implementation will be at one of the customer’s principal U.S. manufacturing and distribution facilities with 3 additional U.S. locations identified for deployment in 2018. The solution includes hardware and recurring SaaS (Software as a Service) fees as well as professional services to integrate with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
European pallet-pooling specialist LPR is actively supporting this charitable project for the replanting of trees in France – in full compliance with the standards of sustainable management for certified forests. Planting makes it possible to introduce species capable of withstanding climate change and meeting the economic needs of the future. Planting, cropping and processing are essential activities for the survival of French forests. LPR’s decision in 2016 to work with Plantons pour I’avenir had two objectives: to contribute to the preservation of the French forest ecosystem, while also contributing to the absorption of part of the greenhouse gas emissions generated as part of its business activities.
Denver – Symbia Logistics, a Colorado-based warehousing, logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment company, has closed on three acquisitions in recent months – Mountain States Logistics, Innovative Fulfillment Solutions and Nevada Distribution Services – and is preparing for the January 2019 grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art e-commerce fulfillment operation in Aurora, Colo. (According to its website, Symbia is the largest WBE-certified international contractor for 
