High performance crates protect fragile goods

Recyclable to international standards
RAY SMUTS
THE PACKAGING and crating industry is becoming a rather complicated business with all the requirements that have to be adhered to to pass muster globally. Rob Muller, Cape manager of Aspiring Logistics, a specialist fine arts packaging and transport company, says export packaging and crating of domestic products has begun to evolve in the world market, with the ever-growing number of regulations on security and environmental impacts. By way of example, a growing number of ports of entry around the world now require fumigation certificates on all wooden crates consigned. “With these increased regulations come extra costs to the exporting companies which are also passed down the line to the end user,” says Muller. Since the launch of Aspiring Logistics two years ago, the company has been providing niche clients with advanced packaging solutions. The high performance shipping crates the company provides are made entirely of kraft paper and re-pulpable adhesives, so they are both recyclable to international standards as well as environmentally friendly. The high strength, multi-sized box, offers excellent protection for fragile goods, strength for heavy goods and an integral pallet base specially strengthened for pallet use, Muller says that handling through the distribution chain is efficient due to light weight – a one cubic metre capacity box weighing approximately 25kg. The packaging comes in a wide range, from 50 litres up to four cubic metres, made to size without jeopardising strength, impact resistance or shock absorption. As can be expected of a company handling delicate objects, Aspiring Logistics’ core clients are within the arts and crafts industry but this has increased to encompass a much larger target base including the abalone industry, motor parts, telecommunications and wine. A firm believer that being proactive helps, Muller recalls a client telling him “precaution is better than trying to fix the problem afterwards.” The product manufactured by Aspiring Logistics not only provides an alternative to standard forms of crating but offers security in transit, therefore stopping pilferage, he said.