 KNUTSFORD, UK - Bulk Distributor Newspaper - March/April 2011 - pg. 33
Drader Manufacturing of Canada reports a very positive response to its new product, BagPaliT (see September/October 2010 BulkDistributor p18). Increasingly companies shipping and handling bulk materials with forklifts want to minimise use of wooden pallets, and they are turning their attention to this greener alternative. Unlike wood, this new pallet replacement system does not promote the growth of moulds and mildew. Being plastic, the product meets the requirements of ISPM 15, and is not affected by insect infestation. |
| BagPaliT has a significant weight advantage over wooden pallets. With rising fuel costs companies are striving to adapt their operational practices in an effort to save money. Each wooden pallet weighs about 20 to 25Kg whilst BagPaliT weighs less than 4Kg. Drader points out that if companies save 20Kg on packaging weight, they can ship 20Kg more product without extra cost. Companies shipping a 26 bulk bag truck load can move about 520Kg more product because BagPaliT saves weight. If companies own their own trucks and keep their product weight the same, then the fuel savings add up, because 500Kg of wood is a lot of dead weight to drag around. |
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| Stacking stability can also be a problem with bags sitting on wooden pallets. It is easy for a bag to shift when it is transported on a flat surface such as a wooden pallet. With this latest Drader invention, stability issues decrease because the body of the filled bags nestles into BagPaliT. Drader’s sales manager Bruce Lecky draws the analogy that just as a cowboy fits in his saddle, an FIBC fits into BagPaliT. Since the device acts as a saddle, it offers enhanced safety when filled FIBCs need to be relocated around the warehouse. |
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BagPaliT inventor Gerry Baker researched and carefully thought out each of the component parts which combine to form the integrated unit. The system comes with two BagPal forklift channels, a pad of hygienic material, and a polypropylene skin. The manner in which they interact results in the overall success of the concept. The pad keeps the filled FIBC off the ground and lessens concerns about bag bottom contamination. The polypropylene skin contains both pad and forklift channels. Baker says “The biopad keeps the bag from contacting the floor, and offers protection from moisture, mould and bugs. Since some BagPaliT models are made with 100% virgin, FDA-approved materials, then there is no issue with storing food or pharmaceutical products on them. BagPaliT models are made with recycled bulk bag material, and for FDA-approved materials 100% virgin is used, then there is no issue with use in the food or pharmaceutical industry.” |
| Drader’s engineering team researched resin mixes and tested various additives to make a strong, lightweight forklift channel. The company tested bio-fibre based plastic, resin from recycled FIBCs, and various in-house industrial blends. BagPaliT models are available in these resin styles as well as in 100% virgin, food-safe polypropylene. Drader has just introduced a four-way forklift access BagPaliT as well. |
| Because some BagPaliT models are made from recycled bulk bags and others have multi-reuse channels, this novel FIBC accessory is considered a sustainable product. It offers other savings as well. Most warehouses today have limited availability of space. BagPaliT saves space, because the units occupy less volume than wooden pallets. After bags are filled, and properly placed on BagPaliTs they can be safely stacked on top of each other, or put into storage on certified warehouse racks. |
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