Creating cost efficiencies in a closed loop
June 1st 2007 In a closed loop, plastic pallets improve a company's financial health as well as contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. The UK's fastest-growing plastic pallet company, goplasticpallets.com, is increasing its range of highly durable pallets to satisfy demand for products that offer a serious return on investment
The economic argument is
undoubtedly persuasive. Advanced
new plastics are increasingly light in
weight but have the added strength of
being cast in a single mould, giving plastic
a life span of ten to fifteen years in a tough
closed loop environment. Meanwhile,
wooden pallets weakened through
everyday use, weathering and overloading,
last just eighteen months on average. Jim
Hardisty, managing director of
goplasticpallets.com, says: "The idea that
the cost of plastic pallets is prohibitive is a
common misconception."
In fact, his confidence in the benefits of
plastic has led him to form an important
alliance with top Belgian manufacturer
Innova Packaging Systems to increase the
company's 50-strong product range of
lightweight nestables for lighter loads and
export; non perimeter for heavier loads and
racking; full perimeter base suitable for bidirectional
racking and automated systems;
super hygienic pallets for ultra-clean
environments, one trip pallets made from
recycled pallets for shipping; the list goes
on.
The deal struck at the end of last year
resulted in goplasticpallets.com becoming
the Innova's sole agent in the UK. Now,
Hardisty and his team are working closely
with the business based in Ieper. "They
really understand the market and can
respond rapidly to fulfil our customers'
needs."
In fact, the new venture has already
resulted in the launch of several key
products. The first of these is the superbly
strong 800 x 600 mm half-euro pallet
designed to withstand prolonged and
repeated heavy use and has been
welcomed by the retail food sector
A new 1200 x 1000 mm heavy-duty pool
pallet has been developed in a one-piece
design and will be available with an open
or closed top deck. The pallet is available in
a range of colours and, as with any product
from goplasticpallets.com, pallets can be
personalised with a company logo.
The eagerly awaited euro-sized pallet for
medium-weight applications is also
available. Following in the wake of the
highly successful APB1210 M5R and the
new APB1208 M3R, the euro pallet will be
produced in two materials – one highly
durable for long-term use and the other
suitable for a single, one-way trip. Both
pallets weigh-in at around 12kg.
"Hygiene fears have played a large part in
the move to plastic products," says Hardisty,
"many businesses operating closed loop
operations are in the food sector, including
caterers and primary producers and many
have switched to plastic pallets to reduce
the risk of contamination."
A rise in demand for easy-to-clean plastic
products and the company's award-winning
customer service, has also led to
goplasticpallets.com expanding its
warehousing to ensure that 99% of orders
can be delivered immediately from stock.
Managing Director Jim Hardisty says:
"Growth has been phenomenal because
businesses are really starting to see the
benefits of plastic. Customers who
tentatively decide to order a few pallets 'as
a trial' are quick to return. The introduction
of innovative new designs and greater
warehouse facilities means we can provide
an even better service."
"Many customers are surprised at the
diversity of our range and the competitive
price," adds Hardisty. "And, once they've
seen the benefits for themselves, they don't
go back." More articles from Go Plastic Pallets: | 
