Rise of the collapsible container
April 1st 2008

The logistics industry is steering away from traditional attach lidded totes and heading towards collapsible container systems, according to Bob Jane, business development manager, SSI Schaefer. The result is a reduction space taken by returning empty containers to be cleaned and refilled.

He cites one of the largest traders in the shoe industry as an example of a company that has switched from using cardboard boxes to plastic containers.

"The Kienast Shoe Trading Group is now using our plastic containers for redistributing shoes between individual branches of the distribution channels.

"When empty, containers can be folded flat to save space, but at the same time are robust and able to carry heavy loads even when stacked. In contrast to the costs of disposable packaging, re-usable containers are more costeffective as circulation frequency increases and costs get lower." Kienast has 14 000 foldable and collapsible containers. Their use has resulted in a third more available space and reduced the risk of damaged goods.

More articles from SSI Schaefer Ltd: