IKEA has declared that it has planned to replace the use of wooden pallets with lean alternative shipping platforms, which includes paper pallets and loading ledges, across its worldwide operations.
The decision was made by IKEA, based on the irresistible benefits related to paper platforms and plastic pallets. IKEA disclosed that it was the best choice, although the change needed a complete change of supply chain routines and operations.
Loading ledges are available commercially as the OptiLedge. IKEA gains an opportunity from OptiLedge to save other supply chains and reduce the costs related with fuel, labor, packaging and damage in product. Replacement of the plastic shipping pallet is 100% recyclable and strong, and will help to clean the air by reducing the overall emissions of fuel and decreases overall usage of wood.
Jonathan North, Inter IKEA Systems’ General Manager of the business unit, the new statements of IKEA regarding the proposed removal of wooden pallets is a huge support for the OptiLedge concept. He added that IKEA’s dramatic move has demonstrated to additional supply chain stakeholders regarding the inexpensive options to usual wooden pallets. The OptiLedge can benefit labor intensive floor loading practices.
Strong copolymer polypropylene is used to make the OptiLedge, which has more benefits over paper platforms. The OptiLedge is strong when compared to paper pallets, has low risks to moisture. This product maintains rigidity with flexible loads. The injection molding method has ensured high product consistency levels.
Source: http://www.ikea.com/