The new P3 pallet from ORBIS delivers over 25 times the life span of regular 48×40″ wood pallets.
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — ORBIS® Corporation, an international leader in reusable packaging, has recently declared that their 40×48″ P3 reusable pallet has successfully undergone 280 cycles through the FasTrack life-cycle analysis. As compared to a standard 48×40″ whitewood stringer pallet, the P3 pallet has a life span that exceeds 25 times. The P3 pallet is a hygienic packaging solution that is lightweight, durable, and stackable. It seamlessly integrates with both manual and automatic material handling equipment.
The Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design performed the FasTrack life-cycle analysis. It is a testing procedure that involves a multistep handling sequence that simulates rough handling of palletized unit loads. The P3 plastic pallet outperformed the wood pallet, completing the sequence for 280 cycles without failure, while the wood pallet could only survive for 11 cycles on average. This result confirms that P3 pallet is an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to wood pallets that can help businesses achieve their operational goals and desired return on investment.
ORBIS offers a wide range of pallets, each designed to meet specific performance criteria in the supply chain. The 40×48″ P3 pallet is their latest addition, and it is perfect for transporting unit loads in the retail supply chain.
“Historically, we have seen companies choose one kind of pallet and make it work. As we rise to meet consumer demands, that is no longer the case,” said Alison Zitzke, senior product manager, ORBIS Corporation. “Choosing the right pallet for your application is imperative, and that is why it was so important to us to bring the P3 pallet to market to improve sustainable handling in primary packaging, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) applications. We’re extremely proud of its performance in testing and look forward to seeing operations implement this solution.”
P3 Pallet Boasts Slim Profile
The P3 pallet boasts a slim profile of 5.1 inches, making it ideal for double-stacking in racking systems and optimizing transport efficiency. It also offers optional steel reinforcements and grommets that add strength and stability, minimizing product damage and load shifting. The molded handholds ensure easy manual handling, while the plastic flow-through design minimizes contamination and simplifies cleaning. With a four-way forklift entry and stringer bottom, the P3 pallet allows access from any direction and integrates smoothly with automated handling systems. It is eco-friendly and can be produced with recycled material, and once it reaches the end of its useful life, it can be completely recycled.
“Besides just making good sense from a business perspective, incorporating reusable plastic pallets can help companies meet sustainability goals,” Zitzke concluded. “And because the P3 is fully recyclable, it’s eligible for the Recycle with ORBIS program, in which companies can receive a credit for their future packaging buys. It’s a win-win for everyone in the supply chain.”
About ORBIS Corporation
Leveraging more than 170 years of material handling expertise and over 65 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS assists world-class customers in moving their products swiftly, safely, and cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage, and racks. ORBIS employs a proven methodology, which involves analyzing customers’ systems, designing customized solutions, and implementing a reusable packaging program to deliver long-term cost savings and sustainability benefits.
Furthermore, ORBIS utilizes life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, thereby enabling its customers to reduce their overall environmental impact. ORBIS is part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States, and is committed to being a responsible steward of sustainability for future generations. Headquartered in Oconomowoc, ORBIS has more than 3,100 employees and operates in 50 locations across North America and Europe.
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