Orbis — the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, based maker of plastic racks, pallets and other materials handling supplies — has introduced a new line of plastic pallets that are both lightweight and easier to stack. The 48X48 Stack’R pallet was engineered for use in the food and beverage, consumer goods, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. “Due top its … Read more
When distributing and warehousing products today, there are many options available. While traditional wood or hard plastic pallets provide versatility and the ability to be easily moved with standard materials handling equipment such as forklifts, an increasing number of companies are turning to collapsible bulk containers. Collapsible bulk containers come in a variety of sizes … Read more
The Reusable Packaging Board — a packaging industry advisory council — announced recently that its 2014 executive committee and board of directors will be ist largest ever. The new RPB board has 15 members, including Phil Davis, senior perishables supply chain manager for The Kroger Company; Cindy Doman, senior packaging engineering executive at Herman Miller; … Read more
Goeman’s Wood Products — the Hartford, Wisconsin based manufacturer of wooden pallets, shipping crates and other wooden packaging — has been purchased by Pallets USA, of Lannon, Wisconsin, for an undisclosed price, according to news reports. Goeman’s controller, John Sonn, was named president of Pallet USA as part of the acquisition. The purchase includes Goeman’s … Read more
The way consumers are buying goods is changing due to the convenience and competitiveness of Internet shopping. Companies today need to find affordable ways to get their products to customers. But can these also be environmentally sustainable? According to a recent white paper entitled, “Packaging and the Internet” that was issued by the Industry Council … Read more
Despite their 19th Century technology, pallets remain one of the most important tools in the supply chain. Every year, billions of products are packed onto pallets and transported worldwide in trucks, trains, planes and barges. But what does the future hold for pallets? And will they continue to play such a central role in materials … Read more
A new product introduced by Videojet Technologies — a manufacturer of coding marking and printing products headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois — promises to provide an integrated conveyor solution for marking the external surfaces of shipping containers, according to a company news release. The new product is a response to an increased need for … Read more
In the 1967 film “The Graduate”, the lead character Benjamin, played by Dustin Hoffman, is given some memorable career advice by an older businessman. “I just want to say one word to you,” the man tells the confused Benjamin. “Plastics.” Perhaps the pallet industry is taking that advice to heart. Today, plastic pallets represent the … Read more
Styrofoam is commonly used as a packaging material because it’s a lightweight solution to providing added protection against damage during shipping. But a new form of Styrofoam — called Geofoam — is being used increasingly as a construction material. In Oregon, geofoam was recently used as a road foundation material in an area where the … Read more
Packaging hasn’t changed all that much in the past 50 years, with cardboard and plastic playing a central role in packaging materials. But over the course of the next few decades, at least one expert says there could be radical changes ahead. During a recent presentation at the Material Handling and Logistics Conference, in Park City, Utah, … Read more
