The problem of poor pallet stability in the beverage industry – and how to solve it

Pallet stability is a critical issue for industries that rely on safe and efficient transport of goods. In the beverage sector, where the movement of liquid, heavy and often fragile products is common, poor pallet stability can result in significant financial losses, damaged goods, and potential safety hazards. From the brewery to the distribution warehouse, ensuring that pallets are stable and secure during transport is not just a matter of convenience – it’s a key component of operational efficiency and product safety.

 

The struggle is real – poor pallet stability can mess up everything

Pallet stability refers to the secure stacking of products on a pallet, ensuring that the load does not shift, topple or collapse during transport. In the beverage industry, poor pallet stability is often the result of several factors, including improper pallet design, poor stacking methods and inadequate packaging.

One of the most common issues seen in beverage logistics is the instability of palletised products. Beverages, particularly bottled or canned drinks, are often heavy, slippery and relatively easy to knock over. If not properly secured, they can shift during transit, causing:

• Product damage: When bottles or cans fall or tip over it can lead to breakage, spillage or even contamination. For high-value or fragile items like glass bottles, this can result in costly product losses.

 

• Increased risk of accidents: Unstable pallets are more likely to cause accidents in warehouses or during transport. Shifting pallets can easily knock over workers, equipment or other pallets, leading to workplace injuries.

 

• Inefficiency and delays: When pallets are unstable, they may need to be repacked, adding unnecessary time and labour costs to the operation. Unstable pallets can also cause delays in the supply chain as the risk of product damage increases and shipments may be delayed.

 

• Negative impact on your brand: When a consumer purchases a product that has been damaged or is poorly packaged their confidence in the brand can be eroded. In the beverage industry, where presentation and quality control are essential, damaged goods or leaks can result in long-lasting customer dissatisfaction.

 

• Unnecessary waste: Wasted kilometres driven, with the environment losing out, and products that can no longer be used are all unnecessary waste.

 

 

The troublemakers affecting pallet stability when handling liquids

There are some critical factors that can affect the stability of pallets in the beverage industry, and potentially lead to collapsed loads, damaged products and unnecessary waste:

1. Inadequate pallet design: Not all pallets are created equal. Some may not be designed to handle the weight or size of beverage products.
2. Improper stacking methods: Improper stacking can lead to top-heavy loads, causing instability. It’s essential to ensure that beverage products are stacked evenly and in a way that distributes weight uniformly.
3. Inappropriate wrapping material: Stretch film or shrink wrap plays a significant role in palletising beverage products. Without proper wrapping, even well-stacked pallets may shift during transport, especially when handled roughly or subjected to uneven surfaces. Effective wrapping ensures that products stay in place, providing additional support.
4. Environmental factors: Temperature fluctuations or rough handling during transport can impact the stability of beverage pallets. Additionally, humidity and moisture can impact the integrity of both packaging and the pallet itself.

 

How to improve pallet stability

Thankfully, there are several ways to improve pallet stability in the beverage industry. Implementing the right solutions can lead to safer transport, better product quality and improved efficiency in your logistics operations. Pay attention to the following and say goodbye to collapsed loads, damaged products and unnecessary waste.

Regarding the pallet

It is crucial to choose the right pallet design – one that is designed specifically for the weight and shape of your beverage products. Also, pay attention to your stacking techniques. Beverage products should be stacked evenly, with uniform weight distribution.

Regarding packaging

One of the most effective ways to improve pallet stability is by securely wrapping the entire load with stretch film or shrink wrap. This provides additional security and prevents products from shifting during transport.

In addition, it can make all the difference for your shipment to invest in advanced packaging. Packaging innovation is key to improving pallet stability. Cardboard interlayer sheets, for example, can keep individual products separated and prevent damage. We recommend Liquim® by Palcut, which is the optimal solution for everyone working with palletising and transport in the beverage sector.

Liquim® is an innovative liquid-proof anti-slip paper, designed specifically to meet the unique challenges faced by the beverage industry, providing superior protection and efficiency across the logistics chain.

Learn more about Liquim here

 

A real-life example: Aqua d'Or's success with pallet optimisation

An 8% increase in productivity, reduced product damage and carbon footprint, stabilised transport, and cost savings. These are the results of Aqua d’Or’s pallet optimisation after using a solution from Palcut.

Aqua d’Or faced challenges with product handling and pallet stability during their production process. Their old palletisation methods did not ensure the stability required for their heavy liquid products, which led to inefficiencies and product damage.

The Solution:

After partnering with Palcut, Aqua d’Or implemented customised palletising solutions designed specifically for their product types. With the right pallet design, efficient stacking techniques, and high-quality wrapping materials and anti-slip paper, they were able to improve the stability of their pallets and reduce handling issues.

This success story is a great example of how investing in the right palletising solution can make a significant difference in the beverage industry, improving both operational efficiency and product quality.

Read the full case here