02.03.2010
Craemer ECOmax – the first plastic half pallet for sustainable logistics
Craemer is reacting to the demands made by trade and industry for the development of a load carrier which offers higher levels of sustainability, functionality and longevity than the ‘Dusseldorfer’ and, at the same time, enables universal usage across the entire supply chain, with an innovative half pallet concept. Produced under the name of ECOmax, Craemer presents, at LogiMAT 2010, the first plastic half pallet which stands for sustainability and added value in pallet logistics.
ECOmax - the alternative to the ‘Dusseldorfer’
With ECOmax, Craemer provides an alternative to wooden ‘Dusseldorfer’ half-pallets which do not always meet the high professional standards in the pallet exchange pools of trade and industry and can create additional costs. Inferior load carriers are often fed into open exchange pools. Even after initial usage, these show the first signs of damage and then need to be repaired or disposed of straight away. In the opinion of Ekart Kuhn, adviser to Ekupac in Cologne, which has just investigated the pallet market and the use of the ‘Dusseldorfer’ range on behalf of the European Pallet Association (EPAL), the use high-quality pallets is worthwhile if the total costs over a long period of pallet use are considered. As Kuhn stated at this year’s DVZ pallet symposium, “Anyone who buys cheap, ultimately ends up paying more”.
As Frank Bücker, sales manager at Craemer, comments based on his experience with customers. “There are not only economic reasons that cause trade and industry to increasingly look for alternatives to the ‘Dusseldorfer’ pallet. In an age of diminishing raw materials and the demand to reduce CO2 output in Europe by 30 percent, the need has grown for an alternative that offers greater durability and functionality than the wooden half pallet that has been used up until now. More sustainability and added value in the supply chain are the central themes”.
Describing the ECOmax concept, Bücker goes on to state, "We have accepted the challenge and with the new ECOmax plastic pallets, we have developed a new generation of load carriers which can do more than just replace the conventional ‘Dusseldorfer’. In so doing, Craemer is breaking new ground in production, e.g. through the careful use of resources and the controlled use of recyclable materials that can be fed back into the cycle. We are also investing in the research and development of new materials and production techniques, and are collaborating with clients and business associates to find new solutions”.
High levels of longevity, functionality and process reliability
across the entire supply chain
As the ‘Dusseldorfer’ often reaches its limits in modern conveyor systems, the Craemer ECOmax is the first series of half pallets that not only guarantees a high turnover rate and as a result, a longer useful life, but also enables universal application throughout the entire supply chain - from manufacturers and processors, right through to the retail market. The high handling capacity of the range is achieved through the additional strengthening of the runner material. The enlargement of the entry width to 573 mm provides optimal conditions for handling the pallets with industrial trucks.
Moreover, the automatic roller / chain conveyor system-usable ECOmax half pallets measuring 800 x 600 x 160 mm feature a high level of process reliability, resilience and shape retention. Non-slip stoppers which act on the top and under- side of the deck ensures transportation safety when conveyed by fork-lift truck. In addition, the patented ‘Lego structure’ facilitates the safe stacking of empty pallets.
Sustainability thanks to RFID technology
By integrating ECOmax into Craemer’s Palpool system, a self-contained and sustainable approach has been developed for clients in trade and industry.
Palpool comprises the logistical management of pallets in closed circuits as well as the renting out of pallets, including retrieval, cleaning and maintenance. This innovative paperless solution is based on RFID technology and in combination with hand-held devices, an Internet portal and RFID-tagged plastic pallets, establishes an integrated and transparent billing system. Palpool represents 100% stock security, simple handling and access to inspected and cleaned load carriers. With around 500,000 pallet movements so far, Craemer has not recorded the loss of a single pallet.
For intra-logistics processes, Palcontrol is the key instrument for optimizing the flows of goods related to half pallets logistics. The management, control and traceability of pallet movements by means of RFID technology ensure reliable data management. Palcontrol can be easily integrated into existing customer-based systems.
Phone: ++49 (0) 5245 43-216,
