Reduce, reuse, recycle — even shipping pallets

March 11, 2013
Ever see stacks of rickety wooden pallets left to rot behind a distribution facility? Ever buy an appliance or furniture and feel bad about throwing its shipping pallet or container in the garbage? No doubt, shipping often involves significant amounts ...

Ever see stacks of rickety wooden pallets left to rot behind a distribution facility? Ever buy an appliance or furniture and feel bad about throwing its shipping pallet or container in the garbage? No doubt, shipping often involves significant amounts of disposable packaging. Costs are most significant when the items being transported are particularly large or heavy enough to necessitate skids and pallets.

Now, recycled-aluminum pallets called EcoPACTs — short for pallets, aluminum, containers, and tracking — offer quick-locking assemblies for shipping. The design lasts far longer than traditional wooden pallets, which can only be used two or three times. The 40-lb aluminum pallets are also lighter than plastic or wood or plastic varieties — 50 and 70 lb respectively. The lighter weight reduces shipping costs. The reusable and repairable design is also better for the environment.

About the Author

Elisabeth Eitel Blog

Elisabeth is Senior Editor of Machine Design magazine. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Fenn College at Cleveland State University. Over the last decade, Elisabeth has worked as a technical writer — most recently as Chief Editor of Motion System Design magazine.

Sponsored Recommendations

Flexible Power and Energy Systems for the Evolving Factory

Aug. 29, 2024
Exploring industrial drives, power supplies, and energy solutions to reduce peak power usage and installation costs, & to promote overall system efficiency

Timber Recanting with SEW-EURODRIVE!

Aug. 29, 2024
SEW-EURODRIVE's VFDs and gearmotors enhance timber resawing by delivering precise, efficient cuts while reducing equipment stress. Upgrade your sawmill to improve safety, yield...

Advancing Automation with Linear Motors and Electric Cylinders

Aug. 28, 2024
With SEW‑EURODRIVE, you get first-class linear motors for applications that require direct translational movement.

Gear Up for the Toughest Jobs!

Aug. 28, 2024
Check out SEW-EURODRIVEs heavy-duty gear units, built to power through mining, cement, and steel challenges with ease!

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!