The wrapped tray in palletized form is secure and proven, and provides some bill boarding effect. But again, in this day of sustainability, it might just be ’too much’ product packaging.

An important factor in comparing PakTech handles as a replacement in the palletized form is security. In fact, the 6Paks are designed with ridges at the tops so that they allow the cans to stack on one another quite securely. At the halfway point, a sheet of cardboard was placed between layers to ensure security, but the plastic 6Pak handles were not even close to becoming weaker with the weight of the layers.

This is a problem with the shrink package, which becomes ’cut’ by the weight of the layer above, causing quality problems. Upon completion, cardboard corners were placed on the pallet, which was then shrink wrapped in its entirety for security in shipping. PakTech is currently performing ship tests, but because of positive pallet movement within their plant, they believe they will ’pass’ the ship test. So it seems the handles work logistically to replace the paperboard and shrink wrap.

In looking at sheer material, the result was significant. Using just over one full box of handles, PakTech was able to outfit an entire pallet with 6Paks. Again, just over one single box of handles (23” x 20”) compared to the mound of waste material (some of which is not readily recyclable) covering an area of about 10’ x 10’! The real estate it takes to dispose of such a pile is great, especially in the back of retail stores! The bulk of the waste was significant, as was the actual weight: a whopping 60 lbs lighter with PakTech’s handles compared to the wrapped paperboard packaging.

In short, this case study showed the team at PakTech that their handles are an efficient and substantial packing option for canned beverages. While they have always believed their handles provide a simple, low-waste, 100% recyclable packing option for many products, this test confirmed all that and more. With a material savings averaging 60lbs per pallet, the "green" savings is more than just environmental.

With the case study continuing in shipping and handling details, PakTech can stand behind their claim that "less is more" especially when it comes to secondary bulk packing material. PakTech supports current and future customers in their efforts to reduce waste materials and provide consumers with safe, effective, environmentally-friendly merchandise packing.

Learn more, and check out a short video demonstrating the canned pallets on-line at www.paktech-opi.com or call Richard Shumate, Sales Director at (541) 461-5000.

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