er Allibert, the UK’s largest manufacturer of plastic crates and pallets, will be giving visitors to Foodex 2014 a taste of the cost savings, environmental benefits and efficient performance that returnable transit packaging (RTP) can offer the industry.Visitors to stand K322 at Foodex, to be held at Birmingham’s NEC from 24-26 March, will be able to discuss their logistics challenges with Schoeller Allibert’s experts as well as viewing selected products with specific benefits for the food, beverage and fresh produce industries.
ComboLife, one of Schoeller Allibert’s reusable intermediate box containers (IBCs), was developed in partnership with global food and beverage companies to reduce handling and distribution costs. The ComboLife range features foldable bag-in-box containers for liquid goods which are easy to fill, discharge and transport. Additionally, containers that fold when empty are far more efficient on return journeys than rigid IBCs, and transport costs are further reduced due to the light weight of each unit.
Simon Knights, regional sales director – UK/Ireland for Schoeller Allibert, explains: “When transporting liquids, safety and hygiene are the two crucial concerns which cannot be compromised on for the sake of cost savings or green credentials. However, the Schoeller Allibert plastic range is naturally non-porous, ensuring hygiene and corrosion resistance as well as a long service life. Current customers are using ComboLife in the distribution of liquid egg, tomato pastes, yoghurt and emergency drinking water – proving its versatility.”
Also on display will be three product ranges – Maxinest, Geobox and XLXS – which make up Schoeller Allibert’s spring promotion. Market-leading Maxinest produce trays are available in more than 15 sizes, providing options for all types of fruit and vegetables as well as fresh and frozen pre-packaged meats, fish and prepared meals. Geobox bulk containers are particularly suited to handling meat and fish or harvesting potatoes and top fruit, while folding XLXS containers are specifically designed for fruit and vegetable distribution, with smooth edges to promote hygiene and prevent damage to produce. Schoeller Allibert’s Spring promotion applies to specialist fruit and vegetable harvesting products within these product ranges, offering cost savings on orders placed by 28 March - meaning Foodex visitors will be just in time to benefit from the discounts available.
Mr Knights adds: “Our business is devoted to helping customers optimise the performance of their supply chains and achieve efficiency targets. As specialists in the food and grocery distribution sector we are able to assist even the most challenging customers in making the switch from cardboard to RTP, resulting in cost savings without compromising on the quality and reliability of their distribution networks.
“Evidence also shows that Schoeller Allibert plastic RTP is more cost-efficient than the single-trip cardboard often used in the food supply chain, with a payback period usually of between six and 18 months – generating essential cost savings for the food and grocery industry.”
