California Firm Develops Lightweight Paper Pallet

Paper, Pulp & Film Inc., Fresno, Calif., USA, has developed a paper pallet that is lighter than wood and plastic pallets, is priced competitively, and will cut retailers' freight and labor costs, according to a report this week by The Packer. The SunBurst-labeled, 40-in. by 48-in. pallet weighs only 14 lb., but can carry more than 2,000 lb. Its light weight figures to offer a shipping advantage over wood and plastic pallets.

The new pallet features a laminated double hexacomb layer that provides strength and offers a flat, smooth surface atop the entire pallet. Designed solely for one time use from the supplier to a distribution center to a retailer, the pallet is also sealed against moisture. When food items are offloaded at a store, there is no need for a retailer to find storage space for the SunBurst pallet. It can just be tossed into the (corrugated paper) baler. At today's rate of $200 per ton for recycled corrugated paper, retailers will receive about $1.50 for each SunBurst pallet that goes into the baler.

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