STAX of options
August 1st 2008

Following the launch of STAX mono, a new mono material fibreboard pallet, as an extension to its range of STAX Integrated pallet solutions, SCA Packaging's Industrial Division has now introduced the STAX solo pallet bearer and STAX mini integrated pallet case for P.O.S. and display – the latter of which is a joint development with the SCA Packaging's Speciality Division

The STAX mono utilises a newly developed pallet construction that offers lower cost, greater durability, and total flexibility providing the opportunity to tailor pallets to the exact requirements of the application. They can be easily attached to a case or supplied separately. For applications where a full pallet or "deck strength" isn't required, the STAX solo pallet bearer can provide an even lower cost, clean and environmentally sound alternative. SCA Packaging claims that this flexibility will enable it to approach a much wider market than with previous STAX products.

Success breeds success "From the success we have gained in the field of integrated pallets our recent experience has taught us that our product's greatest virtue lies in its flexibility to provide solutions for individual applications rather than a 'one size fits all' standard pallet," says Martyn Reader, market manager at SCA Packaging's Industrial Division.

"In essence we are only applying the same philosophy to pallet solutions as we have done with cases which we have successfully marketed in the UK Industrial sector for over 40 years.

"STAX mono is a pallet system with all of the flexibility of a box as it can be supplied in virtually any size, small quantities, and printed in the same way as a box. For larger quantities it could even be supplied flat and erected at the point of use."

Environmental improvement Manufactured from only heavy duty board (hence the name), STAX mono is easy to recycle as it can sit within the existing corrugated board waste stream. SCA claims this is a new environmental benefit compared to many other fibreboard pallets which utilise paper cores and so are extremely difficult to recycle – and consequently viewed as unacceptable by some countries.

The STAX Solo can go on to boast even greater environmental benefits, offering minimal levels of packaging waste. Utilising Solos, the equivalent of 30 pallets could be stored in the space of one cubic metre, minimising transport and storage costs.

As the environmental debate continues between which is best re-useable or re-cyclable pallets the escalating cost of retrieval of pool pallets (not withstanding the environmental cost of transport) is having an influence on many buyers looking to reduce all costs associated with fuel and energy.

STAX mono Designed to support loads up to one tonne, STAX mono can be connected to a 0201 case in seconds to provide a simple and strong integrated pallet case, this is achieved through a clever top and front locking device. Alternatively it can be supplied with a "cross laminated" heavy duty top for heavy/uneven loads or more difficult beam racking applications.

STAX solo The STAX solo is a simple pallet bearer that is also manufactured entirely from heavy duty board. "Solos can be made to suit customers individual needs, be it 2-way, 4- way, flexible length, flexible strength," claims Martyn Reader, but as a guideline in a typical application three bearers would be suitable for transporting a one tonne load.

Manufacture The new STAX range is now in production at SCA Packaging's Heanor plant in Derbyshire but again in terms of offering total flexibility to the customer coupled with applying our environmental responsibility, it is intended that production start up will follow quickly at the other SCA Industrial sheet plants throughout the U.K.

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