Eco-friendly load handling from Package Control
Load handling equipment specialist Package Control has highlighted a number of products in its range which it says can help fleet operators boost their environmental credentials.
“Plastic-wrap, or shrink-wrap as it is commonly known, features in highly in quick effective securing of many loads, that otherwise would have stability issues when being moved,” said the company.
“Historically, pallet straps were used and reused prior to the advent of plastic wrap. This is still a potential solution for some; however, the use of shrink-wrap is very quick and efficient, but certainly not good when it comes to disposal, especially in current times, when we are all trying to make our carbon footprint as neutral as possible, whilst still trying to use an efficient method to secure loads to move about.
“Whilst you can put measures in to control the waste generated in your environment, what you may not be able to do is control the waste once it has left your premises.”
By way of a solution, Package Control produces elasticated multi-use pallet bands, which it says can hold together items in the same manner as plastic-wrap.
“The use of one or more pallet bands are just as effective in holding uniform loads in position whilst moving otherwise unstable loads, both in the warehouse, and also for use in delivery vehicles,” said the company.
“Pallet bands can come in various tensions, and are made to length to suit the application so that there is no compromise. Once removed, they can be reused for as long as the band is in good working condition. Usually, the webbing is 50mm wide (other widths available up to 70mm), and any circumference loop can be made, using webbing with a 50 per cent or up to 90 per cent stretch.
“A good example of how tough they are is the deployment in white goods manufacturing, where they are used to secure four washing machines on one pallet to move around areas of the warehouse as required.
“Whilst they will not suit all requirements, they could go a long way to reducing the waste currently generated in once only use plastic-wrap.”
The use of recycled securing products can also reduce the impact on the environment, says Package Control.
“For instance, we are working with other industry professionals, to offer recycled webbing, that offers close to 100 per cent of its original strength properties, and the production of load rated webbing straps can be rated to offer the same strength as new non-recycled webbing.”
The company added: “Webbing straps come in all sorts of types and sizes, and can impact on budgets according to what you use.
“The current trend for increased use of reverse ratchet buckles, that tighten on the downward movement rather than the upward, offer enhanced benefits for the wellbeing of the operator when used, in comparison to the traditional ratchet buckle, whilst still providing the same effective load security strength.
“They are (due to the more complex buckle mechanism) more expensive currently than a traditional ratchet buckle.
“However, if you always carry uniform loads, and still want to take wellbeing of the operator into account, savings can be made by using a traditional ratchet buckle, that can be used in the same way as the reverse ratchet, but the long strap length would be on the fixed end, with a shorter running end, and being a uniform length, the ratchet will 
always be in easy reach to perform the operation, albeit upside down.”
Another eco-friendly product highlighted by the firm is the GACK (Gas Activated Cargo Keeper) bar.
“It can be used vertically or horizontally, and has its own rubber feet for maximum versatility for suitable vehicles. That, coupled with the constant pressure applied by the gas strut, keeps the GACK bar in place by applying 120Kg of constant force, to avoid the bar from being dislodged during the course of the vehicle journey.
“Other forms of load restraint bar get used until they become damaged, and then the whole bar is replaced. The GACK bar has a full complement of spares to keep the bar serviceable for as long as possible.
“This bar is very popular in the fresh produce market, but can be used anywhere where there is a need to use it in a vertical direction for floor to ceiling security, or used in the horizontal plane in all suitably strengthened (normally refrigerated) box vehicles or trailers.”
