Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design (original) (raw)

Investigating the Impact of Pallet Design on Plastic Pail Performance, article

Palletized unit loads are fundamental to the supply chain. These distribution systems, composed of pallets, packaging, and unit load stabilizers, play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of logistics operations. While significant research has been conducted on corrugated boxes used in palletized loads, the behavior of plastic pails under similar conditions has remained largely unexplored. Plastic pails, widely used for transporting various liquid and solid materials, introduce unique challenges due to their structural characteristics and load distribution behavior. CPULD’s graduate student, Mary Paz Alvarez, conducted research focused on the interactions between plastic pails and pallet components, particularly the effects of pallet top deckboard thickness and pail location, with the aim of improving pallet design for safer and more sustainable transport of pails.