"Innovation is the real engine of progress" Bill Gates
The above quotation emphasises the legitimacy of making changes. Without the analysis of products and the possibility of their application in a specific situation, there would be no progress in civilisation. It is clearly visible in the field of logistics packaging, for example wooden pallets.
Brief history of changes made to wooden pallets
Modern pallets begin their history at the beginning of the 20th century with a skid, which was a simple wooden surface on which goods could be transported. Then, in 1915, a forklift was made, and the pallets as we know them were fitted. While pallets and forklifts significantly improved efficiency, optimising the loading of ship holds and other confined spaces with solid bi-directional pallets was a real challenge.
While it was evident from the beginning that pallets improved the efficiency of goods transport, it was not until World War II that pallets underwent a major metamorphosis due to their demand for military transport. The new direction of change resulted in the design of a four-way block pallet. It allowed forks access on all four sides, not just on two sides. This new pallet design has resulted in greater flexibility in placing pallets with forklifts, making the process of loading consumables much easier and faster.
These are just a few examples of the modernisation of packaging, including wooden pallets for the best work efficiency in transport and storage. Today also many industries see the tangible benefits of having custom packaging involved in aspects of their logistics. Today, many metal and wooden packaging is delivered to plants with the appropriate options to adapt them to specific tasks.
Wooden pallets on special order
Currently, most pallets in international circulation are standardized pallets, i.e. 1200x800 mm or 1200x1000 mm pallets. However, despite their popularity, companies from various industries face the problem of transporting large-size, heavy products, or with a specific place for Therefore, they are looking for flexible and custom solutions by opting for custom made pallets These custom made wooden pallets focus on introducing new features that solve some of the common problems found in the supply chain.
What to consider when considering the need to design pallets?
When designing a pallet for your needs, consider the following factors:
What product will you be transporting?
Will you be moving product casings or machine parts? Answering this question will help you determine all other design factors.
What will the packaging be used for?
Will this pallet be used primarily for warehousing, for transportation between warehouses or plants, for external shipments or something else entirely? The answer to this question determines which design features you will care most about.
What will the packaging design, e.g. a pallet, look like?
This is where the size of the goods, the load capacity and the characteristics a pallet might need to keep the goods in place are taken into account.
How much will a custom pallet cost?
Custom-designed pallets do not have to cost more than standard pallets, even when they require specialised design and commitment. The advantage of specially designed packaging is that it will better protect your product. Moreover, in the long run it will save you stress and money caused by damage components, unnecessary transport costs, or goods that take up a lot of space.
What do you gain by choosing wooden boxes according to an individual project?
- strong and stable structure
- great load capacity parameters and optimal stability
- certainty that the product meets all export standards required on the market
Metal packaging for individual logistic needs
Many packages, ranging from atypical mesh containers or individual roll containers or metal containers, are individually designed. This brings savings in the supply chain. It also makes your products safe during transport and storage, and allows them to be reused.
The design department in R&D has extensive experience in designing metal packaging. We offer solid and durable solutions for the storage and transport of heavy products.
So far, we have made a lot of metal packaging for various industries, including metal racks for aircraft tyres, metal transporters or specially designed metal containers for many European companies. In addition to the design, initial prototype and technical support, we care about the quality of products by offering their regular maintenance. This way you can be sure that your investment in custom metal products will last you for many years.
What do you gain by choosing non-standard packaging?
1. Safety of your products and people using them.
Packaging designed specifically for your products ensures a perfect fit and the best protection, reducing transport costs. You will also save money on additional materials such as cardboard or foil, because you will no longer have to use them to secure the goods during transport. What's more, you care about the environment because you can use such packaging on your own circuit many times.
2. Reduced transportation costs
Compact, carefully designed packaging takes up less space in delivery vehicles, maximizing the amount of goods you can transport. This way you will save on transport and fuel costs and reduce CO2 emissions by showing your customers that you care about the environment.
3. Better productivity
When designing custom-made packaging, you adapt it to your production line. This way you avoid costly downtime or accidents resulting from inadequate packaging. The improvements made will help you get ready for transport faster and fit into your industry-specific supply chain.
4. Support throughout the process
We are there for you throughout the entire packaging production process. We conduct product tests and modifications during the implementation process. We are also ready to take care of the condition of your packaging by carrying out repairs and maintenance. If you need to integrate your custom packaging with the supply chain, we offer the possibility of implementing pooling, i.e. packaging circulation. This gives significant savings and the certainty of high quality of transported products.
Designing pallets, containers, crates, racks and many other wooden or metal products is a process worth the effort. Its advantages far outweigh the costs or the time spent on it. Today, many companies cannot imagine the lack of innovation or ergonomics of equipment in the workplace. If you are interested in the possibility of designing and implementing packaging, please contact us. Our specialists will choose optimal solutions for your business free of charge.
