TIMCON defends green credentials of timber pallets

Aug 22, 2008. /Lesprom.com/. TIMCON, the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation, has defended the green credentials of timber pallets after SCA Packaging launched two new products in its STAX range of heavy duty corrugated board pallets, packagingnews.co.uk reported. SCA's UK industrial packaging division said the STAX Mini and Solo were entirely recyclable, while earlier while earlier corrugated pallets had a paper core that was difficult for recyclers handle as a lot of glue was used in the manufacturing process. SCA Packaging market manager Martyn Reader said: "STAX can be tipped into a retailer's corrugated recycling bin." But Gil Covey, TIMCON past president, highlighted the environmental credentials of timber packaging. "Timber pallets can be repaired, recycled and, as a last resort, be turned into energy." Covey added: "Corrugated pallets may have a niche, but there is also a safety aspect and people would be concerned about how much weight they can carry." TIMCON is also concerned that focus on other issues such as biomass could lead to a shortage of material for pallets. "Subsidies to other areas will suck materials from us, and if you don't have pallets, how can you transport goods," said Covey. SCA's STAX Mini is designed for the point-of-sale and retail display sector and has been developed with the firm's specialist division, while the Solo is designed for businesses that "do not need a full 'deck strength'". Three bearers together would be able to support loads of up to one tonne. The STAX mono was launched at the Foodex Meatex show in April and Reader said interest had been boosted by the adaptability of STAX to a firm's requirements; it can be made in virtually any size, quantity and printed in the same way as a cardboard box. SCA is the second corrugated packaging firm to target the pallet market this year. In February, DS Smith launched its own Evolution pallet made from recycled material.