While high-quality cardboard boxes aren’t necessarily described as single-use products, they degrade quickly – especially when opened, closed and moved frequently. In contrast, reusable small plastic boxes are designed for repeated use over many years, surviving thousands of cycles and trips. Despite the higher upfront cost, plastic will therefore deliver a better long-term ROI. They are also a better choice from a sustainability perspective as unlike cardboard, they don’t contribute to deforestation. Plastic boxes can be used for up to and beyond 10 years, and at the end of their working life, they can be recycled into new products, according to goplasticpallets.com.
This article was first published in the May 15th 2026 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
Optimising stretch wrapping is increasingly about process and performance rather than simply reducing film usage. Across the sector, attention is moving towards using the most appropriate film, applied correctly and supported by suitable equipment, in order to achieve consistent and measurable results. Structured audits, such as Antalis Packaging’s stretchCONSULT programme, are being used to highlight inefficiencies, test long-held assumptions and identify improvements across entire wrapping operations. As margins continue to tighten, this more analytical, data-driven approach is becoming a practical necessity, helping businesses look beyond unit price and address hidden operational inefficiencies.
Kite Packaging has broadened its packroom equipment offering with the addition of pallet stacking frames and magnetic pockets and pouches, targeting common space and organisation challenges in warehouse environments. The pallet stacking frames are intended to improve storage density while providing greater protection for palletised goods in transit and storage. Meanwhile, the magnetic pockets and pouches are designed to improve visibility and consistency in labelling and signage, as operators look to address issues around inefficient stacking, limited floor space and unclear information on the warehouse floor.
Elsewhere, bespoke equipment continues to play a role where standard solutions fall short. A custom-built pallet wrapper with an extended mast has recently been supplied to a long-established coffee producer, following collaboration between distributor Yorkshire Packaging Systems, manufacturer Robopac and the UK arm of the international coffee business. Based on Robopac’s Masterwrap rotary arm machine, the wrapper was adapted with a non-standard 2.4m mast to accommodate the producer’s specific pallet and load requirements.
At Interpack in Düsseldorf, load-securing specialists are using the event to highlight growing links between automation, data integration and sustainability. At Mosca GmbH’s stand, the emphasis is on so-called “connected efficiency”, with integrated systems designed to support more joined-up, Industry 4.0-ready operations. Among the solutions on show is a combined pallet strapping and stretch wrapping set-up, pairing the KZV-111 strapping machine with the Luna A3 rotary arm wrapper. The configuration is intended to illustrate how smoother transitions between load-securing processes can help improve throughput times while supporting more efficient use of materials.
Plastic packaging delivers a better long-term ROI compared to cardboard and is more sustainable.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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