The Hybrid Bin is coming to Interpoma, Bolzano – The capital of Apples in Europe

Next week I will be exhibiting the Hybrid Bin from MacroPlastics at the Interpoma trade show in Bolzano, Italy.

Where better to exhibit and demonstrate this market leading packaging solution than in Europe’s largest apple growing region.

The Hybrid Bin is a perfect fit for Interpoma, a revolutionary product improving the efficiency of the transportation of apples. The aim of the show is to act as a forum for the latest trends and products; the Hybrid Bin is where the fresh produce is going.

The Hybrid Bin is the first of its kind, merging plastic and wood for the first time to bring the logistics of fresh produce into the 21^st century.

The freshness and taste are the two fundamentals when consumers are purchasing fresh produce. Therefore, handling and packaging are integral to maintaining the quality of apples.

I will be exhibiting the Hybrid Bin at the Interpoma trade show in Bologna from the 20^th -22nd November. This is a perfect opportunity for the apple growers in the region to see the Hybrid Bin first hand, giving you a clear idea of how this product can perform for your business.

Had enough of the old wooden bins and cardboard? Are they no     longer suitable for your needs?

The perforations on all sides of the bin reduce the cooling time considerably quicker than those that are in wooden and cardboard bins. The reason behind this is to maintain consistent air flow through the apples during the storage process; this aids the quality and shelf life of the apples. With increased attention being paid to hygiene standards, using plastic makes it easier to clean and maintain therefore reducing contamination compared to cardboard which absorbs moisture.

Removing cardboard or wood from your packaging process allows you to reduce your costs through a longer life cycle and reduced waste of a plastic alternative. The Hybrid Bin has an increased pack out which is another financial gain in terms of transport costs. The Hybrid Bin can be safely nested into stacks and removed from the wooden frames, reducing space and costs on the return journey back to the grower.

The Hybrid Bin is the first of its kind on the packaging market and has been designed with the fresh produce growers’ needs at the forefront of the process. 

I look forward to attending Interpoma this week and meeting the fresh produce growers in Bolzano and being able to showcase a product that can transform their packaging and logistics of their goods.

What are you looking for from Fruit Attraction this year?

As a fresh produce grower you will no doubt be looking for solutions to the issues that you have had for a long time. You may have come across solutions that have ticked some of your boxes but not all of them, so you have decided against looking into it further.

Now, this has changed in the shape of the HybridBin. A product that caters for all a fruit and vegetable grower could want from their returnable packaging solution.

The detail that has gone into the design of the HybridBin has allowed Macro Plastics to produce a revolutionary packaging solution.

I will be exhibiting the HybridBin at the Fruit Attraction trade show in Madrid from the 15^th -17^th October. This is a perfect opportunity for fresh produce growers to see the HybridBin first hand, giving you a clear idea of how this product can perform for your business.

Have you been meaning to look for a new returnable solution for your produce but not got round to it?

Had enough of the old wooden bins? Are they no longer suitable for your needs?

Well, the Fruit Attraction show is a fantastic opportunity for you to invest some of your time in getting to know what the HybridBin can do compared to your existing bulk bin solution. The HybridBin is the first product of its kind to merge wood with plastic with the fundamental aims concentrating on a return on investment and improve the quality of produce delivered to the buyers.

The HybridBin is set to transform the way the fresh produce industry transports their goods and the results they can produce in this increasingly competitive market.

Feel free to visit the Macro Plastics’ stand in Hall 3 Stand 3F05C. I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and talk you through the product.

Keep Up With the Fresh Produce Industry

An industry as competitive as the fresh produce market requires innovative solutions to feed the requirements that growth demands.

I will be exhibiting the HybridBin, the latest product to come out of Macro Plastics, at the Fruit Attraction trade show from 15^th -17^th October in Madrid. Macro Plastics have delivered the most innovative packaging solution to be seen on the fresh produce market, with combination of plastic moulded bins and wooden frames.

The Fruit Attraction trade show is the perfect venue to showcase the HybridBin. The fruit and vegetable market in Europe is the ideal location for the HybridBin to be put to use and experience the results it can provide for growers that wooden crates can’t.

With demand continuously increasing the need to move large quantities and reduce timescales are two of the important requirements of fresh produce buyers. Two requirements that are beyond wood. Two requirements that the HybridBin can deliver on.

The Macro Plastics stand will be in Hall 3 on Stand 3F05C, I will be at the trade show for the duration from 15^th – 17^th October. If you would like more information on the HybridBin come along to the stand I can explain to you exactly what the bin can do for your supply chain.

Having visited Eurasia Packaging in Istanbul, Macfruit in Italy and the London fresh produce shows the HYBRID is unique in its design and concept and there is nothing to touch it for value and innovation. Probably the only really new Returnable packing product you will see at Fruit Attraction.

What are Fresh Produce Growers looking for from their Supply Chain?

The supply chain and logistics are an essential element of the process for fresh produce growers.

But what do fruit and vegetable producers really want from their supply chain?

·         Value for money?

·         Reduced transportation costs?

·         Less damages?

·         Increased quantities and a faster process?

·         Meet increased health and safety standards from buyers?

These are just a few of the main areas growers would ideally like to improve in their supply chain through their packaging. Like most things in business there will always be at least one criterion that cannot be catered for. This is made even harder when supermarkets and fresh produce buyers are continuously increasing their requirements and standards.

Have you been in search of one solution that ticks all of those boxes?

Macro Plastics Hybrid Bin is the answer to all of those areas. The Hybrid Bin will be on display in Istanbul at the Eurasia PackagingFair from the 18^th – 21^st September. At this international packaging fair you can see firsthand this revolutionary returnable packaging solution and how it can benefit fresh produce.

Merging plastic with wood has never been seen in the returnable packaging market before. Coupling these two materials together is a far more viable returnable solution than wooden crates that are currently the default choice. This needs to change in order for the fresh produce industry to improve.

The Hybrid Bin delivers on all of the 5 points that I have highlighted above. That is something that no other returnable packaging solution can do currently.

I will be with KayaPlas who will be exhibiting the Hybrid Bin at the Eurasia Packaging Fair in Istanbul from 18^th to 21^st September. You can find me in Hall 3 Stand 318 B, come and see how the Hybrid Bin can transform your fresh produce supply chain. 

The Hybrid Bin is coming to Eurasia Packaging Fair 2014

This week I will be attending the 2014 Eurasia Packaging Fair in Istanbul, the international packaging industry fair.

From the 18^th – 21st September I will be alongside KayaPalstik exhibiting the Macro Plastic Hybrid Bin in Hall 3 Stand 318 B.

The Hybrid Bin is a revolutionary returnable packaging solution for the fresh produce industry combining plastic and wood for the first time.

The bulk bin is designed to take fresh produce growers to the next level in terms of reducing costs, driving efficiencies of their logistics and supply chain.

Quality and hygiene standards are on the increase in the fresh produce industry and so are the costs. The Hybrid Bin is the one solution that caters for all of these requirements.

In comparison to wooden crates that have been used religiously over a long period of time, the use of plastic transforms the performance of the supply chain outperforming the wooden crates on every requirement of the buyers of fresh produce.

With increased storage in comparison to wooden bins, fresh produce growers are able to transport larger quantities and increase value for money. This covers the requirement of supermarkets whose demands on speed and quantity are constantly increasing. The Hybrid Bin delivers financial benefits that have not been experienced before by the fresh produce industry. The quality and performance efficiencies that the Hybrid Bin provides are also market leading.

I will be at the Eurasia Packaging Fair showing everyone firsthand what the Hybrid Bin can do for the fruit and vegetable growers in an increasingly competitive industry.

Visit the stand over the 3 days, come and see for yourself what the Hybrid Bin can do for the transportation of fruit and vegetables. 

Transportation & Storage of the Hybrid Bin

In our previous blogs on the Hybrid Bin we have looked at the benefits to the quality of the fresh produce.

The benefits that the Hybrid Bin delivers to the logistics and transportation of fresh produce as well as the storage are revolutionary to the market. The design process not only focused on the fresh produce but also the handling and usage of the returnable packaging solution.

Shipping and transportation costs are on the increase and there is a great need to reduce costs where possible and drive value for money.

The Hybrid Bin is the first product in the world to combine wood and plastic bins that can be safely nested on the return journey therefore reducing the space required. This method reduces the delivery costs, providing the cheapest plastic returnable compared to what is currently available on the market.

The interlocking design has improved the safety element when stacking with fresh produce in. The bins can be securely stacked ten bins high, ensuring the contents is safe with a bruise buffer and reducing the risk of toppling over and causing injury. With health and safety being a hot topic it has to be a fundamental area of the product.

The secure stack and nesting improvements in comparison to products already on the market are also focused on when the Hybrid Bin is not in use. Secure stacking allows growers to have higher stacks therefore reducing space required for storage. They are less susceptible to be damaged by the wintery conditions or blown over.  

The Cost Down Alternative to Wood in the Fresh Produce Industry

Driving down costs at any point during the supply chain will draw attention. This is where the Hybrid Bin enters the frame in the fresh produce industry.

Wood has been the main material used in the transportation of fresh produce for decades and because it has been used for so long there has been little thought about alternative materials.

The nature of market pressures and evolution is now forcing the fresh produce industry to look into alternatives. The main market pressures are cost and achieving value for money, in order to comply with these areas new materials are the only way forward. Plastic is the only sensible option in choosing a new material.

Using the Hybrid Bin as returnable packaging for your fresh produce is the most economical way of replacing wooden bins. The Hybrid Bin is more environmentally friendly, hygienic and easier to wash than wooden bins. This is coupled with the Hybrid Bin being more durable and having a longer lifespan than current wooden bins which automatically reduces the overall cost for growers.

The pack out of the Hybrid Bin compared to the current wooden bins is a marked improvement, increasing value for money in comparison to wood and then, in the long run, reduced costs as you will require less bins. The reduction on cost is considerable and the availability to nest in transport.

All aspects of the Hybrid Bin point to financial improvements over the existing wooden bins.

Don’t take all of this as gospel, come and experience the financial efficiencies for yourself. I can arrange the opportunity of a FREE trial of the bins to see first-hand and compare to your existing bulk packaging. 

The Hybrid Bin taking Hygiene and Product Quality Standards to the Next Level

Supermarkets and fresh produce retailers are striving for fresher produce and higher quality standards. Alongside this is food hygiene and protecting the goods.

Macro Plastics’ Hybrid Bin are made from virgin polypropylene, FDA approved plastic certified for safe use with food products. So not only are they safe, the Hybrid Bins are environmentally friendly which is another key element of the fresh produce market today. Also this provides a residual value to the product at the end of its life cycle as they can then be recycled.

Safety, hygiene and quality are three key components that we at Macro Plastics have concentrated on in the design of the Hybrid Bin. Ventilation and the ease of cleaning and maintaining were high on the agenda.

The Hybrid Bin comes with ventilated surfaces and solid surfaces. The ventilated bin is available to the fresh produce and citrus markets and the solid hybrid is ideal for the juicing and meat industries as well as other markets. 

The ventilated version of the bin allows the products to cool as quickly as possible ensuring there is a constant air flow throughout the product therefore increasing product life.  The ventilation slots are coupled with nonporous surfaces to reduce liquid absorption leading to fresher produce resulting in better quality and longer shelf life, exactly what fresh produce retailers crave.

The surfaces and rounded corners of the Hybrid bin are designed to reduce the risk of damage from bruising and improve the quality of the product when it is delivered to the processor or packer/ retailer. Also, the Hybrid Bin is easy to clean and sanitize, this improves hygiene standards reducing the risk of contamination from different products.

The Hybrid Bin delivers on all of these areas to levels that wood has never been able to achieve, this is the perfect way for the fresh produce to move forward in terms of bulk packaging in the supply chain.

Macro Plastics is able to offer the opportunity of a free trial period to use the Hybrid Bin as a trial without yet making a decision from wooden bins. You can then see how the bin works and improve your efficiencies. 

Why are Fresh Produce Growers still using Wooden Bins?

Macro Plastics’ Hybrid Bin is the perfect packaging solution for the fresh produce industry at every stage from harvesting, storage to shipping. Plastic has to be the material of choice for the produce industry as it ensures the quality of its contents from field to supermarket.

Wood is no longer a viable option for the fresh produce industry due to increased risk of contamination and required hygiene standards. Therefore, plastic is the only solution with the Hybrid Bin being the first on the market.

The Hybrid Bin uses both plastic and wood together to create the most cost effective and efficient returnable bulk bin of its kind. The plastic bins sit inside wooden frames that the growers are able to make from their existing wooden bins. This reduces waste as the old materials are not just thrown away, reducing the cost of moving to the new plastic alternative.

The reluctance to use plastic has always been down to the increased costs over using wood. Now with the blend of both, the Hybrid Bin is able to offer fresh produce growers all the benefits of plastic at an affordable cost. The Hybrid Bin answers all of the issues that wood and cardboard have never been able to do.

Reducing damage is one of the pertinent issues for growers, driving down the cost of damages to their produce has a direct effect on their bottom line. Wood has been one of the main materials used to ship fresh produce but is susceptible to splinters and contamination. Macro Plastics’ Hybrid Bin offers a strong alternative.

The Hybrid Bin with its smooth edges is able to increase the pack out reducing the risk of bruising and damage compared to using wooden bins. The Hybrid Bin is perforated therefore keeping the contents fresh and is able to cool the produce effectively.

When being returned the bins are nested inside each other and the wooden frames can be placed inside ready for the grower to use again in the field.  These features are considerable financial improvements over the basic wooden bins.

When not in use over the Winter months, the growers can nest them in straight stacks. This reduces both the storage space required and damages from being blown over in wintery conditions, something that cannot be said for the current wooden bins.

The Hybrid Bin is now being used in the US as a direct replacement to wooden bins which are no longer viable. They have been designed in response to fresh produce grower’s demand for a cost-effective solution.

This is the answer to European growers packaging problems.

And it is available on a FREE trial.

We invite you to trial the Hybrid Bin in your own environment and experience all of the benefits for yourself. 

Take a Closer Look at Returnable Packaging

So how robust do you believe your supply chain is and how are you looking to manage and increase your capacity in the growing global market?

I will be taking part in a panel discussion on the capacity and robustness of supply chains at the Automotive Supply Chain Congress in Liverpool.

Over the next two days the executives from the leading automotive manufacturers will be attending the annual conference to discuss where their supply chain is heading and how they can keep up the growing market, returnablepackaging being one key area of interest.

On the panel there will be Jonathan DiMambo from Bentley Motors, Richard Horswill from Stena Freight, Cengiz Kabatepe of Ford Otosan, Timothy Nickel of Surgere, Mike Silvio from Cooper Standard Automotive and Stewart Robertson from DHL.

With today’s demand and capacity restraints due to fast and accelerated movements through the supply chain no one has time to waste with waste.

The procurement of one trip packaging and disposal is completely unnecessary when the offer of hiring/ renting quality returnable solutions on a one trip basis is available regionally and globally.

The automotive industry is surprisingly unaware of the opportunities that returnable packaging presents to their supply chain. The amount of options that are now available to OEM’s and tier suppliers are endless.

Development of the returnable packaging market and the emergence of new companies now provide OEM’s and tier suppliers with solutions that they could only dream of previously.

Returnable packaging solutions can help solve your issues around capacity and robustness in order to improve the performance of your supply chain. This one simple change can transform your whole supply chain.

Intercontinental supply chains have grown significantly and will grow even further in the future, the need for more components required in more locations and more often is rocketing. Bringing costs down and improving capacity utilisation is integral, returnable packaging using plastic improves cubed utilisation allowing you to ship larger quantities for lower costs.

With the speed of supply chains growing and quality standards going in the same direction there is little room for error, plastic returnable solutions are built to ensure quality and reduce damages.

Reducing damages and ensuring the quality of components is high on the agenda, using returnable packaging solutions can reduce these risks associated with the expendable packaging such as cardboard. By reducing the risk of damaged goods this in turn reduces the costs and aids the speed of the supply chain.

With the progress that has been made by the returnable packaging industry it is now easier than ever to justify the shift to using these new methods as opposed to using old and inefficient packaging solutions.

Now, the automotive industry has all of their needs catered for in terms of packaging. All they need to do is try returnable packaging for themselves to experience the benefits first hand.

London Produce Show – Where is the fresh produce market going?

Everyone from the growers, the retailers, and the catering industry through to the consumer all want one thing when it comes to produce – freshness. The importance of freshness and the quality of fruit and vegetables is at its highest level and looks set to grow, this is the challenge for the fresh produce market.

In order to deliver the freshest produce supermarkets and fresh produce retailers are looking to reduce the contact points of their goods from the grower to the shelf to one touch. This is where shelf ready packaging is now in high demand and to maintain the freshness and increase the shelf life it is imperative to reduce the supply chain timings. The handling of fresh produce only once before the end consumer buys it is vital. The responsibility of the grower to also be the processor and packer into shelf ready bins / totes is a must. With the correct packaging at the correct prices this is now manageable and available.

Using plastic as opposed to cardboard cools the produce 60% quicker and protects the contents throughout the supply chain which reduces damage. Handling is also reduced as the 2^nd handling process in the country of destination is cut out.

Improving the freshness and quality through speeding up the supply chain adds to the shelf life of the produce and this in turn dramatically reduces the retailer’s waste costs.

When it comes to looking at alternatives in anything to do with business often there tends to be areas that are left behind.  There are now returnable packaging options available that meet all of those above requirements to the highest possible standards leaving no stone unturned, and at the competitive pricing as a result of one trip.

The plastic 5-FV tote and 330 Shuttle Bin are designed for ease of use for the grower to place their produce in and to ship them effectively, hygienically and reducing damage that can then be placed straight onto supermarket shop floors.

 Both of these products are available as one trip options which is the beauty of plastic. The fresh produce industry has commonly used expendable packaging, the collapsible tote and bin are a returnable alternative that reduces packaging costs and improves return on investment.

The tote then complies with the usual requirements of a packaging solution. The reinforced corner edge allows them to be stacked confidently 10 high per pallet, this is opposed to cardboard that is commonly used and is susceptible to collapse due to moisture.

I look forward to visiting the London Produce Show to understand what the market is after and to show them how I can help them improve the performance of their supply chain by delivering top quality produce. 

The Importance of the EU to the Supply Chain

Which side of the EU debate is the automotive and supply chain industry?

How could the EU debate affect these industries?

It is important to look at where the automotive industry is currently and where it is heading in the future, then add the European Union to the question.

The UK is the second largest manufacturer in Europe this year behind Germany; this is a six year high and an interesting sign towards the future. This performance is down to number of great performances by a group of manufacturers.

 Jaguar Land Rover has been the main contributor with the new Range Rover and Jaguar range this is a manufacturer that is going to be 40k cars short of sales this year. The majority of JLR’s vehicles are exported, mainly to the emerging Asian markets which are an indication why they are building plants around the globe.

Nissan are another car manufacturer that has been a huge contributing factor in the UK success in the automotive sector with the new Micra and Qashqai being built in Sunderland. The factory is the most productive in Europe.

General Motors have ramped up production in the UK and closed down their plant in Germany. Toyata and BMW are also contributing with the large number of vehicles they are exporting from the UK. If that isn’t a big enough indicator of where the UK are going in the European pecking order then what is.

The majority of the vehicles coming off the production lines of manufacturers in the UK are being exported; therefore the industry needs a helping hand moving them off the island and onto mainland Europe or through European waters. If there is an exit then this task becomes harder and more expensive as the taxes and fees will be increased as the UK will no longer be part of the club.

Before we get to the exporting stage, the manufacturers need their parts delivered in order to make the car and then to sell it. Importing parts and logistics is a factor that involves European Union membership.

Whichever direction the UK automotive industry looks the European Union is going to involved in some shape or form and for the good and the bad.

With the future picking up for the manufacturers and supply chain they are going to need as much help as possible but on the flip side they need to safe guard against competition and sustainability. 

Why can’t you make returnable’s work in a Global market?

There really is no reason why returnable packaging shouldn’t work for your supply chain. Returnable packaging delivers on all areas of the supply chain, most importantly on cost downs and efficiency.

Michael Scholl of Opel states that returnable packaging is a key part of the strategy yet questions the use of them due to cost. The cost of returnable options is reduced through the pooling companies offering one trip solutions. If you explore the market of returnable packaging you will be able to find viable alternatives that match the company’s needs and help to drive down costs.

Earlier this year at the Automotive Logistics Conference Andreas Ginkel highlighted the importance of returnable packaging to the supply chain and aiding automotive manufacturers in growing globally.

Scholl points out in the Automotive Logistics magazine that due to the rise in the number of parts there is “a critical focus on replacing extra handling in plants and warehouses, such as repacking or sequencing with the most advanced delivery concepts”. If Opel are aware of the needs to look at repacking and packaging, why are they unaware of what returnable packaging can do to help them address this issue?

Using returnable packaging removes the need for repacking; returnable options are able to go line side requiring no extra handling and aids in streamlining in-plant logistics. Using plastic returnable packaging reduces the risk of dust contamination during the manufacturing of vehicles as opposed to using cardboard is another benefit.

When asked about standardised packaging Scholl states the returnable packaging is “historically high and a key strategy”.

But then goes on to say - “However, for certain parts and supplier locations, returnable packaging cannot be justified from a cost perspective, as the length of the loop would require too high an investment and freight costs of empty returns.”

Returnable packaging is designed with global manufacturing at the forefront of thinking, so why can’t it be justified in terms of supplier locations? And then when it comes to the cost of empty returns, as mentioned above, explore the one trip solutions offered by pooling companies which removes the cost of returning and the added hassle.

The point that is missed by many when one trip solutions are mentioned is the fact it is not solely used for the automotive industry. They can be used to ship a variety of goods from clothing to pharmaceuticals.  

If Opel are so clued up on returnable packaging and the fact that they are a key strategy why aren't they equipped with knowledge to understand how returnable packaging can benefit them?

They have identified the need for them and also some of the associated problems that they could encounter, this is when a free trial is needed to understand the process and address the problems that they are outlining.   

How far are we away from standardised packaging?

The myth that the automotive industry can’t standardise packaging on a global scale is an issue that is quite irritating.

We as an industry, in terms of automotive manufacturers and in supply chain and logistics, are increasingly talking about the shift towards global manufacturing. So how can some people still not entertain the idea of a returnable packaging solution that is standardised?

A manufacturing process that spans continents taking place in numerous countries which is growing is going to require more parts more often covering thousands of miles in various forms of transportation. So why not have packaging that complies with all guidelines, is suitable for all forms of transport and delivers on cost, efficiency and quality.

But then here is my point – so many of you are unaware of the opportunity in returnable packaging being charged on a one trip only basis across continents. Has the automotive industry turned a blind eye to the ISOBin solution and how this can be the FIRST EVER standardised packaging solution?

ISO Bin is tailored to the ISO Sea Container to optimise capacity for goods to be shipped globally. The ISO Bin cubes out to 97.2% of the containers – so this is a packaging solution for the only globally standardised shipping containers that are the market leaders in terms of optimisation.

With this in mind – are we really that far away from a standardised returnable packaging solution? Are we that far away from the automotive industry realising that with production growing and the shift to global manufacturing models, that not only require returnable packaging and not expendables but also a standard solution that can be used across their supply chain?

At Macro Plastics with the ISO Bin we could have the first ever recognised standard packaging that delivers on all requirements of a modern day returnable packaging solution.

All of this has stemmed through a detailed design process ensuring that all manner of requirements from cost efficiencies to environmental issues and it has led to a quality returnable solution. If you are shipping in cardboard then the content have to unpacked and then transported to the line, these are unnecessary handling processes when the ISO is able to go straight to the assembly line.

The ISO Bin is one quick fix that can be shipped globally, is the best on the market in terms of space utilisation helping you to ship more and reduce costs. This is an environmentally friendly solution that can be leased to help reduce shipping costs and is available as a one-way rental, further reducing costs and driving up efficiency and quality standards.

So with all of these factors, why is the automotive industry yet to have a standardised returnable packaging solution that produces results for them? 

Automotive Logistics Europe Conference, Bonn

Overall, the conference was filled with some very exciting developments for the automotive industry and the supply chain.

With growth both in Europe and globally, the supply chains are increasing in complexity and standards of performance. With an increase in volume and need for new systems and expertise it can only spell good news for logistics and packaging supplies.

It was interesting to hear that VW are looking to reduce their carbon emissions by 25% by 2018. The environmental impact of transportation has been a burning issue for a while and is a bold move in the right direction. In terms of returnable packaging reducing emissions is high on the agenda. With manufacturing globally on the rise ensuring the utilisation of the capacity in packaging is essential, if this is done properly a reduction in the environmental footprint will follow.

Also, just the principle of returnable packaging aids this. Expendables are disposed of and require a recycling process. Just by using a packaging solution more than once will go towards improving the footprint.

Marzell Bandur, Director of Supply Chain Planning at Opel, spoke about looking at packaging design, supply flows and consideration for costs.

“For example, we are transporting more parts, larger part, over larger distances. With carbon dioxide emissions taxes, as well as road toll prices, it means that the costs involved along the supply chain are much higher”. – Marzell Bandur.

All of the points made above look directly towards the potential of returnable packaging. A returnable packaging solution cannot only cover those areas but deliver on them with one simple solution which can provide a clear breakdown of costs and savings.

Lastly, it was refreshing to see that the importance of logistics to the whole business model was brought up. Having a representative from supply chain and logistics on the board of management is something that other industries have embraced; this was pointed out by delegates from Starbucks and Amazon. A lesson to be learnt by the automotive industry in my opinion.

Levent Yuksel, from Jaguar Land Rover, made some great points on the issue.

“Logistics needs to be thought of as cross-functional, it’s as much about trying to keep customers, manufacturers and suppliers all happy. We should be putting a logistics person on each company’s executive board. This would give a competitive advantage. We shouldn’t be thinking ‘logistics is a cost and a waste’”.

Logistics and supply chain have an impact/influence on all areas of the executive board so it makes sense to place someone there. And if done correctly and effectively logistics can be a cost that works and reduces waste to the overall manufacturing process that both aid the bottom line. 

The Importance of Globalisation

Last week I chaired the Returnable Packaging session at the Automotive Logistics Europe Conference in Boon, Germany.

It was an extremely insightful and productive discussion with one of the main topics was the importance of globalisation.

Previously, automotive manufacturers would operate on a regional basis, selling models especially into continental and national markets. There was a requirement for global supply chains but for the standardised parts that were used in all models.

Now more than ever models are being manufactured and sold internationally. Tier suppliers are now required to ship globally as opposed to regionally. With this trend set to continue and grow there is a heightened need for an agile global supply chain.

Returnable packaging plays an integral part of building a global supply chain. It is no longer a matter of packaging components that will be transported within the same country or continent. Components are required in larger quantities in numerous locations around the globe and are travelling longer distances.

To create a sustainable supply chain that is able to keep up with trends and developments in the automotive industry only points in one direction – returnable packaging.

The industry now requires packaging that ticks the large as well as the small boxes. The large boxes are durability and size. If components are passing through numerous countries on their trip across the world using more than one form of transport, a solution needs to ensure quality upon delivery and comply with transporting requirements in terms of size in the various jurisdictions.

These were the areas that I am pleased to say came up during the session. It provides an indication to me that the OEM’s, tier suppliers and manufacturers know that they have to move and modify their supply chains in order to produce results.  

One trip returnables – why don’t you just have a go?

The one thing that strikes me about the automotive supplychain is the reluctance to try something new for the first time.

There is a lot of talk around where logistics and the supply chain will move with technology and how savings are made. This was a topic of discussion at the Automotive Logistics Conference in Bonn last week, looking to what lies ahead and how they can improve.

It is all well and good talking about it but it is actions that will help the industry realise how they need to move forward in an expanding market.

This is where I encourage the automotive tier suppliers and OEMs to look at where they would like to go with returnable packaging and commit to doing a free trial.

A lot of people are put off when looking to make the shift from expendable to returnable solutions. There is the impression that you have to make your decision and stick to it. Stop using expendable one day and begin using returnable’s the next. This is far from the truth as you trial new returnable methods alongside the existing ones to give you a real flavour of the benefits of using returnable packaging.

One trip solutions are a great benefit of using returnable packaging. Irrespective of where you require your products all you have to do is rent the packaging, it is delivered to your desired destination and you don’t have to worry about the return journey. Then pooling companies arrange for the containers to be picked up after you have finished with them helping to reduce packaging costs. How easy it that?

All that is asked of the automotive industry who are looking to make the switch from expendable to returnable is to look into a free trial now so that you can experience the benefits first hand.

I encourage anyone who is looking into this or have any questions in how I can help to improve your supply chain to talk to me.

Communication is key, if I am where of your problems at the outset I can help you resolve them quicker, saving you time and money.

Boxing Clever – Packaging workshop at the Automotive Logistics Conference, Bonn

In what ways can innovation and new packaging techniques add value in the automotive logistics industry?

This will be the topic of the Packaging workshop that I will be chairing later this week at the Automotive Logistics European Conference in Bonn, Germany. How can we all raise to the ever evolving challenges and demands being set by the OEMs?

People want a lot of components and parts supplied on a global scale and at larger quantities than ever before. Everyone wants to receive their goods straight to line side, taking out unnecessary handling processes and saving time, and most importantly a one touch supply chain.

So how do we in the packing industry tackle these rising demands head on?

The session will be concentrating on delivering a viable system for returnable packaging on a global scale that not only meets but exceeds the automotive industry’s objectives for a modern day supply chain.

I invite all who are interested to come along to this informative, proactive workshop that we ensure will be controversial, interesting and will demonstrate methods never seen before  but will shape the supply chain in years to come.

The session will be on Thursday 11:00 – 12:15

So come along if you want to be part of the way we change the world of returnable packaging!

What will come out of the Automotive Logistics Bonn March 2014?

The purpose of the Automotive Logistics conference this year is to gauge where the automotive logistics industry has improved over the last year and to discuss where the industry is going in the next few years and beyond.

This will be the 12^th annual European conference held by Automotive Logistics Magazine and, like I mentioned above, it will be the same thing in terms of discussing the past, present and future. The obvious differentiation will be the content of the discussions.

After a difficult few years through the economic downturn the conference next week should be packed with exciting news and developments as the signs of growth appear to be flourishing.

During the downturn there have many cost down opportunities that have missed by tier suppliers and OEM’s , this appears to be down to being afraid to decisions. When it comes to returnable packaging solutions, a quick decision sanctioning a trial can prove to be effective in addressing issues you may have with your supply chain.

I would like to encourage better communication from tier suppliers and OEMs, if you have a problem then it is better to solve it now rather than later. This coming week at the conference there will be 350 people from the industry that all have problems and issues. It is a confidential event, so I would encourage people to communicate and then we can get on helping you.

“Exploration of Value” – logistics and the creation of a supply chain have always had value as a top priority. But now the issue has increased in importance due to other elements.

During economic difficulties when car sales plummeted the need to reduce costs was paramount to keep everything ticking over. Now there have been signs that an economic recovery could be in the pipeline, the need to keep those logistical costs down remains high. This looks set to continue as the automotive manufacturers will aim to recoup revenue to plug holes from poor economic performances over the last few years.

On the flipside, there has been an upturn in sales and production with manufacturers aiming to increase their margins, to capitalise on increased revenues and to prepare for what the future may bring.

Then there is the expansion of the global market. Investment in more models, investment in increased production and investment in new plants globally.

This all equates to large quantities of components and parts being required more often and in more locations. All of this heightens the competition and need to invest in logistics and supply chain solutions that provide maximum value for money.

All of these areas are then compounded by the increased expectations of quality by the customer.

Automotive Manufacturers – how are you looking to improve the performance of your supply chain and fulfil all expectations?

These are issues that need addressing at the present time but they will continue for the foreseeable future.

With all of these factors taken into consideration – Now there is No Reason to say No to Returnable Packaging.

All of the various elements of the issues facing the automotive industry and the supply chain can be catered for by using ReturnablePackaging.

I look forward to the discussions that the conference will bring up and delving into why all automotive manufacturers should shift to returnable packaging in order to enhance their business.  

Is Expendable Packaging too expensive?

In a recent article that I was quoted in Duncan Murcott, IPS Lando, claimed that expendable packaging is more than being a cheap solution which is a widely circulated point within the industry.

Duncan states in the article that the benefits include maximising cubic utilisation, minimising damage, minimising re-packing, choosing the right material then reducing production and handling costs.

There are other products on the market that do this, if not better. Ensuring that you are aware of all the information is key.

All of these benefits and efficiency improvements are delivered by the range of Macro Plastics’ products. They deliver on all of those mentioned above to their fullest potential making them a sensible returnable packaging solution.

In the article it states that Macro Plastics provide one-waytrip solutions. We supply the pooling and logistics companies who then offer one-way journeys. This is an additional reduction to the overall cost as the returnable packaging doesn’t require a returned cost.

Expendable packaging is not in line with the industry’s vision towards lean and low-cost. Cardboard does not only add handling procedures inbound as it cannot go straight to the assembly line. It incurs an additional cost & procedure as it is an extra outbound component when it is disposed.

Cardboard cannot go to line side as it creates dust and an unclean environment with the cars powertrain and electronics. So if you ship in expendable you have to ship via a transition warehouse who will unpack the parts from cardboard and into plastic before they go to the assembly line........so no 1TA (one touch assemble) as the parts are being handled twice and risk of damage. One touch assembly helps to reduce the risk associated with safety standards which is an important area. 

Yes, it is all in the design. Designing a product that reduces the carbon footprint, improves quality and efficiency, and reduces costs and the product can be used again. This comes in the form of ReturnablePackaging.

Automotive Logistics Conference, Bonn 2014 – How are you Exploring Value?

The theme of this year’s Automotive Logistics conference in Bonn is the Exploration of Value. As the supply chain industry evolves value is becoming the main focal point.

How do we transport automotive components globally as cheap and effectively as possible? This is the burning question on the manufacturers’ minds.

The global automotive market is growing at a pace; this requires more components being required in more locations more often. Quality, time and cost are the three core objectives. With competition growing all three have to be delivered to a high standard. And these standards will only grow as time goes on.

So my question is – if you are not using returnable packaging how are you exploring value in your supply chain and logistics solutions?

Where are you currently making efficiency and financial savings as well as improving quality at the same time?

Macro Plastics’ ISO Bin is the perfect example of how to explore the value of your supply chain in the automotive industry.

Do you know of an expendable packaging solution that optimises the space in an ISO container to 97.2%? Macro’s ISO bin can be stacked 3 high in a container when full and 8 high when empty. Ensuring that you are able to transport as much as possible for your money is a fine example of ensuring value.

This is only 1 example of exploring value.

It is all in the Design

“Packaging is about so much more than designing a box or a crate” – Sam Ogle

There is a lot more than the design process of packaging but that is where the real benefits are realised whether that is in the form of cost, environmental or efficiency. It all begins at the outset.

A key element of the design process is gauging the amount of materials required, this can then have a considerable impact on the benefits when the packaging is in use. The less plastic used leads to lower costs; this is a quick fix to making savings before the customer experiences the other financial benefits of using containers in their supply chain.

As well as reducing production costs by using less plastic, it also means using less resin which reduces the weight and has environmental effects. Ensuring that a design looks at the maximisation of weight is essential as it is now important to ship as much as possible in a short space of time. Using fewer raw materials is environmentally friendly in the production of the packaging and also being able to transport more per container will help to reduce transportation costs which are directly linked to the effects on the environment.

Looking towards bespoke returnable packaging is the movement away from off-the shelf options. Returnable packaging is now offering innovative methods of transporting goods. There is a perception that off-the-shelf returnable packaging is has stagnated and seeing a drop in quality.

So now there is no reason to say no to returnable packaging.

Do away with your Cardboard Boxes

Where is the fresh produce market going in terms of packaging?

The two key questions that contribute to this are along the lines of – what do they require to grow and how you do you deliver on these requirements and make savings?

As a grower of fresh produce, how would you feel if you could transport your goods with using cardboard?

Cardboard is an age old packaging material that has been used to transport a whole manner of goods in all shapes and sizes.  Have you looked at alternative solutions that you could move to for the same costs but improve all round efficiency and quality?

Fresh produce are a delicate yet heave good to pack and transport. The durability of cardboard is an issue when weight is concerned.

The other concern with cardboard and its durability is when it is stacked or becomes damp. This then has a direct impact on the products it contains. These disadvantages can become quite costly both financially and to a company’s reputation.

An additional issue is freshness and quality that is essential for the customer. If the packaging is susceptible to collapsing or deforming when in transportation there is going to be a negative impact on the quality of the product as a result of damage which incurs costs. As cardboard boxes wither have solid surfaces or slight perforation at best and then an open top, therefore there is a restriction to the air flow which has a knock on effect in reducing the freshness.

At Macro Plastics we have an affordable one trip plastic merchandising box which goes straight onto the shelves of supermarkets. This is a direct alternative to the cardboard packaging, which is exactly what the supermarkets are looking for.

With the solution that we provide also fits in with the supermarkets desires of limited contact in the supply chain process. The application ensures that the produce is only touched once in the supply chain which is the grower before being purchased by the consumer. This removes the whole process of handling, which saves costs and reduces the chances of damage. A perfect alternative to cardboard.

Macro Plastics are continuously looking at how efficiency and quality can be improved, looking towards new plastic alternatives is continuously on the agenda.

Plastic is the packaging material of choice for the coming period of logistics. How would you like a packaging solution that provides the following elements?

·         Ensuring your produce is fresh for up to three days

·         Cooling produce 60% quicker than cardboard

·         Stop the crushing of products on the bottom layers

·         Zero contamination

·         Option for 100% recycle of reuse

·         Direct merchandising solution

Fruit Logistica – What exactly is it?

Fruit Logistica isn’t too far away now, so that means that the launch of the Macro Plastics Hybridbin is nearly upon us.

Fruit Logistica is running from the 5^th – 7^th February in Berlin and is the largest exhibition in the fresh produce industry. It is not just about the fruit and vegetables, the event brings together anything connected to the industry into one hub.

There will be in the region of 2,500 companies being represented in Berlin, me being one of them as the front for Macro Plastics. The large number of companies attending will range from producers to packaging, press to internet solutions. Any function that is involved with fresh produce from growing all the way through to the end of the process in arriving to the consumer will be present.

That is why this is the ideal location to launch the Hybridbin to the fresh produce market. In this day and age in business as well as in life there are two main aims. Firstly, to save as much money as possible and reduce costs. Secondly, get as much for your money as possible. The Hybridbin delivers both of these to the fresh produce industry.

People attending Fruit Logistica are looking for the new additions to the market and getting value for money. For producers looking to get value for money Fruit Logistica is the best shop window in the world, with everything on offer. If a product or service associated with the fresh produce industry isn’t at the exhibition, it is not worth considering. This goes back to why I am launching the Hybridbin in Berlin.

I will be in the US Pavilion in Hall 23 Stand A03, come and see how the Hybridbin can improve your fresh produce supply chain, saving you money and improving quality of your product. 

Fruit Logistica – Hybridbin

Why is Plastic the material of choice? Why do we all love plastic bins for handling fruit?

The New Hybridbin by Macro Plastics caters for all the packaging requirements in order to help the agricultural industry deliver quality, fresh produce to their customer. I will be launching the new Hybridbin at the Fruit Logistica Exhibition in Berlin from the 5^th - 7^th February.

As Fruit Logistica is the world’s largest trade show for the fresh produce industry, there is no better venue to launch Macro Plastics’ latest product that is aimed at helping fruit and vegetable producers improving their storage and supply chain solutions.

Using plastic as the material of choice to store fresh fruit has far ranging benefits which contribute to the quality of the product when they are bought by the customer.

When it comes to packaging solutions we all know they have to fulfil all of the following areas of criteria –

·         Weight restrictions

·         Durability

·         Easy usage

·         Value for money

The Hybridbin is a light alternative to using cardboard which absorbs moisture adding to the weight. The weight of the Hybridbin also helps when it comes to weight restrictions in the transportation process, increasing capacity which in turn helps to reduce costs.

The Hybridbin allows you to make huge savings on transportation costs when they are being returned. The new bins are nested inside each other with the wooden frames folded down; this is opposed to rigid containers that are stacked which takes up a lot of space which all comes to a cost.

When the bins aren’t being used throughout the year, you are able to make great savings on space as they sit inside each other. This provides a strong stack ensuring they are safe and won’t topple over, which also adds a reduction in damages.

Plastic is a durable material to use in a supply chain which results in little maintenance and repair costs required. Plastic is therefore an option to increase productivity and reduce running costs.

The Hybridbin is easy to use and maintain in terms of sanitation and ventilation. Plastic is easy to clean and does not absorb liquid; both of these elements reduce the risk of carrying diseases especially as the fresh produce is a global industry.

The quality of fruit is dependent on the freshness when it arrives to the customer; the ventilation in the Hybridbin allows the produce to cool quickly keeping the fruit as fresh as possible. This is in comparison to cardboard that has solid surfaces where the only way of ventilation is the open top.

The Hybridbin by Macro is recyclable, this not only helps in terms of the environment and going green. This is beneficial to the fruit industry as there is a high residual value at the end of the products life. So not only is there a decrease in waste compared to using cardboard as a packaging material, by using a Macro Hybridbin there is added value in the form of income from recycling.

I will be introducing the Hybridbin at the Fruit Logistica exhibition in Berlin from 5^th -7^th February. This is a brand new product on the market that helps producers save money and improve the effectiveness of their returnable packaging solutions in the industry.

The Marco Plastics stand will be in the US Pavilion in Hall 23 Stand A03.

How can your supply chain be improved with the Hybridbin?

A packaging solution like the Hybridbin provides an edge over competitors as it moves the fruit supply chain into the 21^st century.

Cost savings are the obvious benefit, by purchasing the Hybridbin removes the continuous purchase of cardboard and wood. Other benefits include savings on storage costs, increased capacity, freshness of products as a result of the improved ventilation, bruise buffer to reduce damages and reduction in transport costs.

The Hybridbin brings together plastic and wood in an effective product that aims to transform the supply chain for fruit producers. The wood provides a structural frame adding support and the plastic is made from FDA-approved materials and has smooth surfaces and rounded corners helping to reduce damage to the products.

The Hybridbin also significantly reduces shipping costs both the frame and bins can be effectively stored on return. The plastic bins can be nested and the frames can be collapsed and shipped separately. This is in comparison to containers already on the market that are stacked as opposed to sitting inside each other.

The storage benefits are also in relation to storing the bins when they are not being used. As they can be nested it saves on the space as you are able to have more in a stack. The Hybridbin is also safer than other containers as the stacks are more rigid and the risk of them toppling over is considerably lower.

It is known within the industry that wood is a cheaper alternative but has its downfalls; this is the reason why Marco Plastics have merged together plastic and wood. This provides our customers with the best of both worlds. This is a cost-effective packaging solution that delivers quality products.

The Hybridbin is the most economical agriculture plastic bulk bin on the market ensuring efficiency improvements and high food safety standards. 

The Hybridbin will be launched at the Fruit Logistica exhibition in Berlin from the 5^th – 7^th February in the US Pavilion, Hall 23, Stand A03.