Corrugated Cardboard pallets have existed for several decades now and are significantly changing the way goods are transported around Australia and across the globe. Cardboard Pallets were initially developed in response to the to the challenges associated with wood and metal pallets when moving goods within Australia and especially overseas. These challenges were numerous and include issues such as high cost, considerable weight, cube efficiency, safety, adaptability and disposal, and they negatively impacted all manufacturers and distributors who required goods to be shipped domestically and internationally.
Let’s look at what a Corrugated Cardboard Pallet actually is and why they can be revolutionary within to the way you do business and send goods and products.
What are corrugated cardboard pallets?
Corrugated cardboard pallets, sometimes also known as paper pallets, are pallets made from paper cardboard sheets, corrugated material and other reinforced paper goods, rather than traditional pallet materials such as wood.
Historically, corrugated pallets have been made in a variety of ways, using different combinations of corrugated top decks and bottom decks, honeycomb support blocks, internal support cells, corrugated runners with vertical flutes, support blocks made from compressed corrugated material, built up runners with support rails made from compressed corrugated material and more. They have also gone through many variations of manual and machine assembly depending on the size and scale of the work required. Constant innovation and refining of the designs and engineering have evolved over time to improve shortcomings that were previously inherent with such as moisture and handling sensitive material.
As the process around manufacturing cardboard pallets has evolved and improved, packaging companies have had to overcome challenges like high moisture environments, multiple-touch transportation, increasingly heavier loads, changing machinery and the cost to develop, test and distribute better pallets.
Today’s corrugated pallet users benefit from the well-evolved modern packaging solutions. Now, paper pallets are a strong, environmentally friendly, adaptable and cost-effective shipping solution.
The Benefits of Corrugated Cardboard Pallets
Corrugated Cardboard Pallets are Lightweight
Some cardboard pallets weigh only a third of the weight of a wood pallet! Lighter-weight shipping materials deliver freight and fuel savings and can result in more product per shipment, making them ideal for export. PLUS – for companies pursuing greener and more sustainable initiatives, all of these factors contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Corrugated Cardboard Pallets are Strong
Just because corrugated pallets are lightweight, this doesn’t mean they are weak. Paper pallets built with runners, cores and top sheets made from corrugated materials act like a bridge. The parts themselves may not initially seem like much, but with some engineering genius they come together to make a strong, reliable mechanism. For many applications, cardboard pallets are better options for weight, strength, durability and cost for exporting.
Corrugated Cardboard Pallets are Perfect for Exporting
As exporting continues to grow in Australia, many countries that Australia businesses export to have now introduced stricter import regulations on the use of wooden pallets. One such requirement is the need for fumigation, which is a process that can be very costly and time restrictive which limits when these pallets would be ready for shipping.
Corrugated Cardboard Pallets are Hygienic
Paper pallets can be made using engineered corrugated cardboard products that are suited for clean room environments in medical, pharmaceutical and non-wet food applications. They don’t need to be heat treated or fumigated like wood does during the manufacturing process to prevent mould, fungi and the transfer of insects that could contaminate your products.
It is now possible to purchase cardboard pallets that boast a strong resistance to moisture and humidity to help prevent mould and other hygienic issues. Water-resistant adhesives, heavy-duty support cores and heat resistant paper ensure your people and products are kept away from contaminants.
Corrugated Cardboard Pallets are Highly Customizable
Because of the many and varied materials that are used to make cardboard pallets, they can be custom designed to fit specific application requirements and consistently ensure dimensional accuracy. This provides extremely consistent pallet tare weights which is beneficial for companies who sell their product by the kilo or ton.
Reputable cardboard pallet manufacturers like Express Packaging offer custom design support with highly-experienced engineers. Consider top sheet die cut options or customizing your top sheet as trays or boxes to eliminate the need for additional slip sheets. The materials used for cardboard pallets also offer a clean, smooth design for printing and RFID identification for enhanced branding and tracking of your products.
Corrugated Cardboard Pallets are Environmentally Friendly
Cardboard pallets can be made largely from recycled fiber content making them 100% recyclable in most cases. Because cardboard pallets don’t require nails or staples, they can be bailed and recycled along with other corrugated cardboard products like cardboard boxes. Express Packaging manufactures pallets that use non-hazardous, biodegradable and water-resistant adhesives from certified suppliers.
Corrugated Pallets are Safe
Corrugated pallets are considered very safe because they weigh significantly less than wood and even plastic pallets. Cardboard pallets don’t use nails and staples and as they are not made from timber they do not splinter or break off into sharp edges. All of these factors help protect your staff and your product. Switching to cardboard pallets can help mitigate against workers’ compensation injuries, particularly hand and back injuries. Also, these factors help prevent damaging your products and product packaging.
Corrugated pallets require attention to proper handling which can translate to reduced damage to your product. One manufacturer reported reducing product damage by 60% after converting to cardboard pallets and upgrading handling procedures.
If you have any questions about Express Packaging’s corrugated cardboard pallet products or cardboard pallets in general, get in touch with us at Contact Us and we’d love to help!