A LOCALLY manufactured corrugated cardboard pallet and pallet box is finding growing acceptance in the freight industry where its weight-to-strength ratio makes it a particularly attractive option for airfreight. According to Jan Vreken, MD of manufacturer CX Pallets, the company’s cardboard pallet weighs 5.2kg compared to 15-25kg for a wooden equivalent with similar static load capacity. He admits that the price of his pallets is slightly higher than wood but says they work out cheaper where pallets are used in combination with boxes. “We have a kit format which constitutes 90% of our sales. It replaces the traditional ‘covpak’ – a wooden pallet with a big box nailed to it,” says Vreken. The launch of the cardboard box was particularly timely in view of the new fumigation ruling introduced in March this year for all wooden materials. “Not only does the CX box circumvent this requirement, it offers an additional advantage in its recyclability or disposal at the receiving end, particularly as European countries prohibit the use of wood in landfill.” There’s also a security advantage, says Vreken. “No-one knows what’s inside the box, thereby reducing the risk of theft in transit.” The cardboard pallets and boxes have found a ready market for the movement of dangerous goods, welding and gas equipment, automotive components, electronics and pharmaceuticals.
