Litco International Inc has published a new white paper entitled “A Comparison of Pallet Strength and Functionality.” The 12-page white paper, written by Dr Marshall White, provides detailed analysis comparing Litco’s Inca molded pallets with GMA-style, new and repaired, traditional nailed wood pallets for one-way shipping.
The study is based on published testing reports by Marshall S White, an internationally recognized authority on the design of pallets, packaging and unit loads for shipping.
The complete study is available at www.litco.com/GMACompareReport. This paper makes the case that a stronger, stiffer and more durable pallet will better protect packaged product from the rigors of supply chain handling.
Besides comparing pallet weight and moisture content among other characteristics, the study evaluated Litco’s Inca molded wood pallet and new and rebuilt GMA-style wood pallets on two measures: pallet strength and deck stiffness. Two measures of shipping pallet strength were compared:
•Dynamic strength when supporting loads on forklifts
•Static strength when supporting loads on the warehouse floor
The comparative deck stiffness was evaluated as the single most important functionality characteristic of a pallet. Stiffness is defined in the study as how much the top deck deforms under load. Simply put, “stiffer pallets are better” because they enhance all other packaging components of a unit load.
The Inca pallet performed well at twice the stiffness compared with the GMA pallet designs. The study concludes that when Inca pallets are compared with a GMA-style:
•When used as a one-way shipping platform, the Inca pallet will improve supply chain operational efficiency.
•There will be less product damage and product contamination when shipping on an Inca pallet.
•There will be fewer injuries associated with the use of the Inca pallets.
•Using the Inca pallet will significantly increase shipping and materials handling efficiency.
Additional key findings in the study:
•The Inca pallet has a much higher resistance to mold because it has 86% less moisture content than a new, heat-treated GMA-type hardwood pallet.
•At the time of manufacturing, the Inca pallet is sanitized at temperatures exceeding 350° F.
•Inca pallets with rounded corners are lighter and ergonomically easier to handle manually, and therefore reduce work-related injuries.
For a free sample, go to www.litco.com/presswood-pallets/ or contact a Litco molded pallet specialist at 1-800-236-1903.
