Returnables: Delivering a range of benefits

Ethical practices in the supply chain are set to continue, with organisations needing to focus on how they can reduce their environmental impact.

Regardless of the type of company you run, the demand seen as we enter the last quarter (peak season) will not be unfamiliar. Warehousing and logistic facilities play a vital role in the overall supply chain process, with storage and space being a fundamental factor for warehouses to achieve both efficiency and effectiveness for their overall business functions.

In such a rapidly changing world many companies put innovation at the forefront, in the constant strive to meet the demand for more effective, efficient and sustainable product designs. Quality has become imperative in protecting goods during transit and storage along with an increased need to be mindful of the environmental considerations that are intrinsic to the world of packaging. 

Reusable products in supply, warehousing and storage environments are becoming increasingly popular. A packaging product that stands multiple trips leads inevitably to less environmental impact, less resources and energy being used and critically, in the long terms, can save money. Increasingly popular as a packaging, storage and transit solution, are folding pallets and space saving reusable containers. Using such products can increase volume handling during transit and storage, due to their special stack and nest designs.

Businesses are beginning to realise that ethical sourcing and sustainability is the driver of long term growth and profitability. Over time, returnable packaging can cost substantially less, the investment reduces the need to purchase single-use shipping products, as many reusable packaging has a life span of over 5 years.

Not only do businesses need to ship, receive and store products and parts quickly and efficiently, they also need them to arrive safely, securely and as cost effectively as possible. Reusable packaging offers many benefits and eliminates packaging waste.

The range sold by Kite Packaging, for example, focuses on increasing load stability, reducing packaging waste, increasing vehicle fill, reducing labour, transport and consumable costs and increasing efficiency throughout industry supply chains. 

Consisting of a range of attached lid containers, stackable / nestable containers and plastic pallet boxes, these versatile, robust and reusable products can be used by companies looking for a multi-trip, reusable solution where efficient handling and storage are key. The lid design allows the lids to secure in a vertical line, meaning there is no lid overhang. 

Available in a range of sizes, the attached lid containers can be used as a standalone product or as part of a modular system. They come in a range of strengths: Virgin material – produced from high impact polypropylene; repro/virgin – consisting of a recycled polypropylene base and virgin polypropylene lid; and repro - consisting of recycled polypropylene. Stacking safely when full and nesting when empty, they can save up to 65% space in storage.

Stack and nest containers are a full virgin material container produced from polypropylene that stack safely when full and nest when empty. The easy to use container protects products during picking assembly, processing, and storage and distribution applications. Available with or without a lid, all containers come with handgrips to ensure efficient manual handling.

The plastic pallet box has been designed as an end-to-end transit system, produced from a tough polyester powder coating; the half UK pallet size box is stackable and nestable and incorporates the special lid design that means the lids sit flat against the box when nested. It is designed to be lifted with appropriate machinery, such as forklifts and pump trucks.