SubscribeIntroducing Norway Post’s bespoke reusable load securing lid system: maximum efficiency, stability, security and vehicle fill with zero packaging waste – and that’s not all.
When Loadhog introduced its reusable pallet lid system to Norway Post in 2006, eliminating the need to use stretch wrap to secure loads of letters and small parcels to a pallet or dolly, it presented a major opportunity as part of an ongoing networkwide rationalisation programme.
However, it soon became clear that Norway Post had certain specific and highly developed requirements and that a bespoke solution was needed if Loadhog's unique load-securing lid was to be introduced across Norwegian postal operations.
Among these critical demands, any lid solution needed to be robust and reusable and match the precise pallet footprint. It was required to eliminate the need for disposable packaging yet enable efficient securing of loads at remote locations without additional equipment.
The lid had to provide waterproof and tamper-proof security, be easy to carry and maximise trailer fill through secure double stacking of 800 x 600mm half euro pallet crates, plastic trays and 1200 x 800mm euro pallet configurations. Loadhog immediately teamed up with Big Bear Plastic Products in the UK. The partnership combined Loadhog's innovation, Norway Post's operational experience and Big Bear's expertise in vacuum-forming technology to address these demands for the lid system.
Through the flexibility of vacuum forming, Loadhog and Big Bear changed the position of the retractable strapping mechanism to the 800mm side of the lid and added a specific hook dedicated to Norway post pallets. One of the benefits of the vacuum-forming process is that unique features can be designed into the product with lower capital outlay and time frames, compared with other methods.
Posten Norge has introduced 10,000 reusable pallet lid systems, eliminating plastic waste
We went on to develop pallet registration features to lock double-stacked pallets in place, a rubberised anti-slip topface and tray specific indentations on the underside of the lid to secure any combination of trays and larger pallet crates. Security seals were also designed into the lid to prevent opportunistic load tampering, with capacity for RFID technology if needed in future years.
Finally, handles were integrated down the 600mm sides of the lid to enable easy carrying and provide an aid for dolly manoeuvring in manual areas of the supply chain. The new concept was presented to Norway Post within one day of the initial meeting. The final design was agreed after 10 days and, due to Big Bear's prototyping capabilities, the production units began only 10 weeks from the first meeting.
Petter Andresen of Posten Norge commented: "We have now introduced 10,000 reusable pallet lid systems throughout our letter and small parcel operations. We now have zero plastic waste from discarded securing wrap, we can secure our pallets faster, the letters themselves are more secure and we can maximise our trailer cubage through secure double stacking of euro, half euro and bulk pallet crates - quite a change!" Innovation for both Loadhog and Big Bear is standard, with Big Bear developing other bespoke packaging solutions for the postal and automotive sectors.
Loadhog's Lid System
Loadhog is following suit, with the latest development being an 800 x 600mm dolly incorporating retractable pallet bearers, capable of lifting a 500kg load from a pallet to a dolly and vice versa with no additional equipment. The concept offers a highly productive solution to bridge the gap between automated and manual handling areas of the supply chain and will be launched this year in the UK.
Loadhog Lids and Big Bear Plastic Products
Tel: +44 1142 800 800; +44 1905 792 500
Email: e.fanshawe@loadhoglids.com; RobD@big-bear.co.uk
Web: www.loadhoglids.com; www.big-bear.co.uk
quote reference number: 104