advertorial industry


Industry know-how is a series of articles that provide essential background to the industry, terminology and practices.


In some cases there is a high level of assumed knowledge, in other cases terms of reference lack clarity – Industry know-how aims to provide clear explanation and where appropriate thought leadership to support our industry.


Raw material packaging formats explained


There is some confusion as to which materials are supplied in what packaging formats, why this is done and - if required - how it can be changed.


As shown in the table below, the default packaging format is 25kg bags with the exception of PVC Resin and PET Resin (APET).


Material PVC Resin PET Resin Polyolefi ns Styrenics Masterbatch


Engineering Polymers


Compounds


20kg bags


N N N N Y N S


25kg bags


N N Y Y Y Y Y


Pallet Size kg


N/A N/A 1,250 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000


Pallet Size kg Gaylords Octabins Big Bags Bulk


N/A N/A 1,500 1,375 1,000 1,250 1,375 N N N N N S Y Y = Available. N = Not Available. S = Sometimes Available Pallet Size


Originally pallets were 1,000kg, although in order to achieve better pallet utilization and transport effi ciency, pallets are now typically 1,375 kg (55 x 25kg bags).


Pallet Dimensions These are typically determined to enable a fi ve-bag-per-layer confi guration that provides maximum stability.


N N S S S S Y Y Y N N N N Y Y Y S S S S S


Stretch Hoods


Shrink Hoods


Power Stretch Wrap


Hand Stretch Wrap


Stability Weather Resistance


Excellent Good Good Good Good Poor Risk of


Adhesion to bags*


None High None Pallet Wrapping:


One of the following forms of wrapping is typically used:


1. Stretch Hoods A large plastic bag is physically stretched and then placed over the bags on the pallet.


2. Shrink hoods


As above with the additional application of heat so that the wrapping shrinks to adopt the shape of the bags on the pallet.


3. Machine Stretch Wrap A tacky, pre-tensioned plastic fi lm is wound around the bags on the pallet.


4. Hand Stretch Wrap A tacky plastic fi lm is wound around the bags on the pallet.


Poor


Poor


None


*The process of heating results in the Shrink Hood becoming welded to the material bag. Not applicable to paper bags


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