Logistics has changed a lot in recent years due to the massive use of new technologies, but also to the arrival of new physical systems that help in the preparation of goods for shipment. At present, companies face the dilemma of slip sheets vs. pallets, because they do not know which is the best solution in their case. For this reason, let’s take a closer look at this topic.
What are slip sheets?
Traditionally, goods are placed one on top of the other on supports (usually on pallets), and a system such as pallet wrapping is necessary to ensure that the packages do not move during transport and do not crush each other.
The slip sheet is an alternative to guarantee the integrity of the goods and, at the same time, reduce the waste generated during storage and distribution.
These are sheets of paper made of anti-slip material, capable of supporting a load very similar to that of a wooden pallet.
The grammage may vary depending on the chosen manufacturer, but the most common is between 600 and 900 grams, and has the particularity that it is a customizable product. This means that specific sheets can be manufactured according to the customer’s needs, taking into account the size and weight of the goods to be stored and moved.
It is precisely the non-slip quality of these paper sheets that makes movement safe, allowing a safe inclination of between 45 and 60 degrees.
Advantages of slip sheets
Companies of all kinds have made sustainability one of their most important values, and try to minimize the impact of their activities on the environment. In this regard, cardboard sheets are a good alternative.
First, they reduce the number of wooden pallets to be used to store the goods. This, in itself, saves resources, which is as positive for the environment as it is for the company, as it helps to save costs.
They also help to save space. The slip sheets that are waiting to be used occupy much less area than traditional pallets. In fact, about 1,000 units of cardboard sheets take up about 10 pallets. This means gaining a lot of usable space inside the warehouse.
Another aspect that should not be overlooked is the fact that slip sheets are fully recyclable, so they can be reconverted again and again into useful materials for human use.
Use of cardboard sheets on conventional forklift trucks
The classic pallet has decades of history, and the forklifts on the market are adapted to this element. Does this mean that you have to change machinery if you want to use slip sheets? No.
The only thing that needs to be done is a small adjustment to the trolley blades. It is a simple adaptation that is fully reversible. Although this may have a small cost, the savings the company saves on pallets by using cardboard sheets quickly recoups the investment.
Slip sheets vs. pallets: which is the better alternative?
It all depends on the conditions and needs of each company, but making the decision will be easier after comparing the characteristics of each of these elements.
Weight
The pallet is always much heavier than cardboard and, as mentioned above, it is also bulkier. On the other hand, sliding sheets are much lighter and take up very little space, making them easier to store.
Cost
A sliding cardboard sheet can cost 10 to 12 times less than a pallet, and there are no added maintenance costs, as is the case with a pallet.
Maintenance
Wood can become home to fungi and parasites, so pallets require periodic hygienic and sanitary maintenance at extra expense. On the other hand, slip sheets do not need any chemical treatment to preserve their properties over time.
Exports
Precisely because they can be a source of infection, wooden pallets must document their treatment when used for exports. This requirement is not necessary when the goods are moved with cardboard sheets.
Rejection on the production line
Removing a pallet from the production line that is defective, or has some kind of problem, can be very complicated and is always a waste of time. The sliding cardboard can be disposed of quickly, leaving it with the rest of the materials for recycling.
Danger
Pallets may contain staples, nails and splinters that pose a risk to handlers. In the case of slip sheets, this material is completely smooth and does not contain any non-cardboard elements, which reduces the risk of injury.
Production and recycling
The generation of new pallets requires the felling of trees, while cardboard sheets can be made directly from waste paper. On the other hand, the recycling of wooden pallets may involve a cost for the owner, while cardboard sheeting is fully recyclable and does not involve an extra cost for the company.
When comparing slip sheets vs. pallets, we found that they are two necessary tools for the storage and transportation of goods that, while serving the same purpose, are very different from each other. The choice between one or the other depends on the needs of the company at any given time. If your company needs quality packaging, we are at your disposal, contact us.