PETpla.net Insider 12 / 2018

PREFORM PRODUCTION PET planet Insider Vol. 19 No. 12/18 www.petpla.net 18 Esterform opts for Stackabox for PET preforms logistics Safe and hygienic storage British PET converter Esterform has been among the first to adopt Stackabox, initially for handling its Purity Soft drinks lines. It subsequently presented the system to customers as its standard primary packaging. The challenge Esterform was looking for a better solution for storage, dispens- ing and transportation of preforms because its incumbent system was presenting a range of problems. Capacity restrictions meant that some containers could hold only a maximum of two thousand preforms, for example. The packaging was not collapsible, so returning trucks were effectively carrying air, with no opportunity to carry alternative cargoes. In its search for a solution to these issues, Esterform sought a bigger, foldable container, with mul- tiple dispensing possibilities, which would guaran- tee safe and hygienic stor- age and prevent damage, such as neck breakage. The approach The capacity issue was over- come by utilising a large Stackabox container, which can hold around 10,000 38 g pre- forms. It is fully collapsible but can be erected, ready for filling by a single operator in just 30 s. The inte- grated lids mean that there is no requirement for an extra wooden pallet under- neath. If required, liners can be easily placed and removed. Smooth inter- nal surfaces are purpose-made for easy cleaning. The Stackabox polypro- pylene construction was chosen for its extended life, for hundreds of journeys between produc- ers and custom- ers. The dispensing container’s design prioritises recyclability, reusability and reparability; all parts are replaceable. The result Replacing the previous packaging with Stackabox and integrating it into its production lines enabled Esterform to improve efficiency. The large con- tainer is readily adaptable to the latest current robotic systems. Esterforms’ clients, which are all in food and beverage, are able to meet the sector’s higher hygienic standards with its new packaging system. The absence of wooden pallet eliminates risks of odour, wood splinters or simi- lar contamination. With no centre skid at the base, damage from fork lifting is also a thing of the past. The ease of erecting and collapsing, means fewer people are needed for handling, fur- ther reducing costs. At the customer’s site, the bottom dispensing method smoothly slides preforms into the hopper of the filling line and decreases damage to bot- tlenecks. CO 2 transport emissions are sig- nificantly reduced. A standard trailer can hold 52 full Stackaboxes, stacked two high and 182 empty, folded boxes on the return journey, stacked seven high. This is 3.5 times more efficient than the previous type of packaging, states the company. www.dssmith.com PREFORM special