Padded envelopes manufacturer creates paper-based palettes
Pregis – best known as the manufacturer of the Jiffy range of padded envelopes – has used its expertise in the paper industry to create Hexacomb HexHydro, a paper-based palette designed to perform just like wooden palettes, even in wet conditions.
Jeff Kellar, president of Hexacomb, explained: “We see this product as a great one-way trip alternative to wood or plastic palettes. Not only does it meet rigorous performance requirements, but it is also more cost-effective. Unlike wood alternatives, HexHydro also provides food and pharma manufacturers with a palette solution that doesn’t require pesticide and fungicide treatment.”
The HexHydro palettes are constructed from recycled fibreboard which is then overlaid with a thin plastic film. These fibreboard sheets are then precision-cut and fitted together in such a way as to form a water-resistant seal.
While the palettes have comparable weight-bearing characteristics to wooden palettes, they are up to five times lighter and are also much cheaper to produce. What’s more, after their working life has come to an end, they can be completely recycled using standard paper processing techniques.
While the new palettes are currently only available through Pregis’ European distribution centres, it is hoped that they will be more widely available in future.
