Pallet wraps are essential for securing and protecting goods during transport and storage. Typically made of multiple layers of materials, including plastic stretch wrap, pallet wraps play a critical role in the global supply chain. However, the environmental impact of these wraps is significant. Australia alone sends over 100,000 tonnes of stretch wrap to landfill annually, encompassing cling film, catering film, silage film, and pallet wrap.
The widespread use of petroleum-based pallet wrap is a challenge for sustainability efforts, as it is rarely recycled, with more than 90 per cent ending up in a landfill. The consequences are far-reaching, contributing to plastic pollution and increasing the carbon footprint of industries relying heavily on this packaging method.
Minimising Plastic Footprint
Recognising the need for change, mining giant and long-term Tradesales customer Rio Tinto is minimising its plastic footprint. One innovative solution they have adopted is swapping traditional pallet wrap for heavy-duty site boxes designed for small freight transport.
“Odd-shaped small parts are often sent on wood pallets and then wrapped in multiple layers of pallet wrap to prevent damage during transport,” says Tradesales Key Account Manager Jason Painter.
“Rio Tinto asked us to design and manufacture heavy-duty site boxes for each of their 14 iron ore mines in WA. To make life easier for people working at the central distribution hub, we painted each mine’s boxes differently.”
The Heavy-Duty Site Box: A Sustainable Alternative
The heavy-duty site box (item code: HDSB003) is a robust steel job site storage solution designed to withstand the harsh conditions of mining, construction, and other industrial environments. Made in Western Australia, the box is durable and stackable, with four-way forklift access for easy transport and handling. The rubber-sealed swing door offers protection from the elements, ensuring that stored items remain secure, even in extreme weather.
“As standard, the HDSB003 has a container-style locking mechanism,” says Jason.
“However, the client requested a flush key lock so the boxes could sit side-by-side on a truck bed, increasing efficiency for the logistics partner. They’re stackable three high, so you can save real estate in the laydown yard. The boxes also feature a positive locking mechanism, making them suitable for pallet racking.”
With dimensions of 1200 mm in height, 1100 mm in width, and 1100 mm in depth, the HDSB003 offers nearly 1,500 litres of storage capacity and a certified working load limit of 1,000 kilograms. These features make it an ideal solution for transporting odd-shaped and smaller parts, reducing the need for traditional pallet wrap and contributing to more sustainable logistics practices. By embracing the heavy-duty site box, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Reducing plastic footprint with heavy-duty siteboxes
Embracing Sustainability in Industrial Operations
This initiative by Rio Tinto and Tradesales exemplifies how large-scale industrial operations can embrace sustainability without compromising efficiency or safety. By replacing traditional pallet wraps with reusable, heavy-duty site boxes, Rio Tinto is reducing its reliance on single-use plastics and setting a standard for environmentally responsible practices in the mining industry.
At Tradesales, we are committed to supporting our clients in their sustainability journeys. We believe that by offering innovative solutions that meet the demands of modern industrial operations, we can all play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. Our technical sales consultants are available to answer any questions about site boxes and other products, empowering you to make sustainable choices in your operations.
For more information or to discuss your specific requirements, please get in touch with us at 1800 999 521 or email us at info@tradesales.com.au.
