Known for durability, crating is the preferred method for shipping overseas or for any journey that requires extra protection. To ensure the contents arrive in the same shape they departed in, there are plenty of materials that can be used. Since these materials only have the job of protection, and aesthetics are irrelevant, this is a great place to use eco-friendly materials. Check out these tips for making your crating a little greener.
Crates. Crates themselves are very eco-friendly in that they can be re-used and re-purposed and are made of renewable materials. However, wood adds a significant amount of weight which has impacts along the entire chain, like increased fuel usage of loading and unloading equipment as well as for the transportation vehicle. The alternative to wood is heavy duty corrugated crates that are starting to gain popularity in the industry. Not only are they lighter in weight, but they also can be produced using recycled materials. Regardless of what they’re made of, using quality materials like SCRAIL® STEELTHREAD® that can last, and thus be reused, is always a good way to respect the environment.
New SCRAIL® STEELTHREAD® fasteners are the latest innovation from BECK Group, designed to help crate manufacturers save labor costs while improving quality and construction life. Like our other SCRAIL® products that are known for their holding power and speed of installation, SCRAIL® STEELTHREAD® fasteners are a combination of a nail and a screw - threaded collated fasteners for installation with a pneumatic nail gun tool. SCRAIL® STEELTHREAD® is the best choice for crating because the coarse threads ensure easier removal when dismantling crates and the plastic rope collation is safer than using wire.
Packaging Materials. Within the crate is where you can really get next level with earth friendly materials. Many companies have stopped using petroleum-based foam packing peanuts as cushioning for contents. Foam materials are difficult to recycle and potentially toxic to the environment once thrown into landfills. Instead, there are biodegradable, 100% recyclable paper to protect contents, as well as air pads that are made of 98% air and 2% recyclable plastic.
Pallets. The wood waste generated by the use of pallets has become a concerning issue. While there is recycling and re-purposing, landfills are having a hard time keeping up with the waste. Of all the trees harvested in the US, 40% are used to make pallets that are largely disposable, making them the eighth most common object filling up landfills. To counteract that, there are new styles being produced that are made with extremely durable bio-composite material protecting their ends. They are sturdy enough to last far longer than regular pallets, slashing wood use, and using less money to buy new ones.
Transportation. One of the harder ecological impacts to measure is the mode of transportation the crates may take. If using trucks, you can take steps like inflating tires, cutting down on idle time, and buying more efficient trucks.
We may not be able to eliminate the impact our shipping and packaging has on the planet, but using the right materials and practices, we can make a difference.