Automotive components vary greatly in size, weight, shape and sensitivity.
A shipment may contain small spare parts, large assemblies, motors, metal components or products with concentrated support points. Some components need protection against impact and scratching, while others require a strong pallet base, secure positioning and structural support during long-distance transportation.
Eltete provides fibre-based transport packaging solutions for the automotive sector. Its official automotive information identifies The Box, FramePack® and PallRun® pallet feet as solutions used for automotive products and heavy-duty applications. Eltete also states that each application is analysed according to its shape, size and weight before a suitable packaging design is developed.
The correct automotive packaging system should therefore be designed around the component rather than selected only from a standard box or pallet size.
Why Automotive Components Need Product-Specific Packaging
Automotive packaging must perform several functions throughout the supply chain.
Depending on the component, the package may need to:
– Support a heavy load
– Prevent movement inside the package
– Protect finished or sensitive surfaces
– Protect exposed corners and edges
– Spread concentrated weight across the load base
– Allow forklift or pallet-truck handling
– Support stacking during storage
– Withstand strapping pressure
– Remain stable during road, air or sea transportation
– Allow safe unpacking at the destination
Eltete states that motors, spare parts and other automotive elements can be heavy and therefore require heavy-duty transport packaging. However, the packaging structure itself does not necessarily need to be heavy. Eltete develops lightweight fibre-based solutions intended to provide the necessary support while reducing unnecessary packaging material and weight.
What Is Paper-Based Automotive Transport Packaging?
Paper-based automotive transport packaging refers to a system in which the principal load-supporting, protective or structural components are manufactured from processed paper and carton-board materials.
An Eltete automotive packaging system may include:
– The Box
– FramePack®
– PallRun® pallet feet
– Paper pallets
– Honeycomb Board
– Packaging Profiles
– Edgeboard
– U-Profiles
– Flatboard
– Slip Sheets
– Dunnage Bags
– Product-specific inserts and supports
Eltete Malaysia manufactures a broad range of paper-based transport packaging materials, including Edgeboard, Packaging Profiles, Slip Sheets, Honeycomb Board, PallRun®, The Box, Paper Pallets, U-Profiles, Flatboard and Dunnage Bags.
Not every automotive shipment requires every component. The objective is to select and combine only the materials needed for the product’s actual protection, support and handling requirements.
Which Automotive Products May Require Custom Packaging?
Eltete’s official automotive page refers broadly to motors, spare parts and automotive elements. It also states that automotive components may be small or large and can require heavy-duty packaging for long-distance export shipments.
A customised packaging assessment may be considered for products such as:
– Motors
– Spare parts
– Metal automotive components
– Component assemblies
– Heavy manufactured parts
– Parts with exposed edges
– Products with delicate finished surfaces
– Components resting on concentrated support points
– Long or irregularly shaped parts
– Components shipped in returnable or export packaging systems
These are application categories rather than confirmation that one standard Eltete design is suitable for every automotive product.
The weight, dimensions, contact points, centre of gravity and transport method must be reviewed before the packaging structure is selected.
Main Challenges in Automotive Component Packaging
1. Heavy Product Weight
Many automotive components can place significant pressure on a pallet, base panel or internal support.
A heavy component may require more than a strong outer carton. The packaging design may also need:
– A suitable load base
– Correctly positioned pallet runners
– Weight-spreading panels
– Reinforced contact areas
– Structural profiles
– Secure handling clearance
Eltete describes its automotive solutions as heavy-duty systems developed for components such as motors and spare parts. Its broader product information also identifies Honeycomb Board as a material with compression strength and rigidity for high-load and heavy-duty packaging applications.
2. Concentrated Load Points
A component may not distribute its weight evenly across the entire packaging base.
For example, the product may rest on:
– Several mounting feet
– A narrow metal frame
– A small number of brackets
– One heavy section
– A product-specific support structure
In these situations, the total weight alone does not provide enough information.
The packaging base may require customised runner positions, Honeycomb Board weight spreaders or additional structural supports so that pressure is not concentrated on an unsuitable section of the paper pallet or transport box.
3. Product Movement
Even a strong package can fail to protect the component if the product is free to slide, rotate or tilt inside it.
Automotive packaging may therefore require internal components that:
– Hold the product in a defined position
– Separate it from the outer walls
– Fill selected empty spaces
– Support sensitive sections
– Prevent direct contact between multiple components
Eltete states that Honeycomb Board can be shaped or cut into exact packaging elements. It can be used for product dividers, void filling, cushioning, weight spreading and customised outer packaging.
4. Surface and Edge Damage
Metal parts, coated surfaces, panels and finished components may be damaged through:
– Scratching
– Impact
– Abrasion
– Contact with straps
– Contact with neighbouring products
– Forklift or warehouse handling
Eltete Edgeboard can be used externally on pallet corners or internally inside boxes. It provides corner protection, stabilisation, unitisation and additional stacking support. U-Profile is designed to protect three sides of a product and can act as a shock-absorbing protective element.
5. Strapping Pressure
Heavy automotive components may need to be secured using plastic or steel strapping.
Strapping can apply concentrated pressure to:
– Product corners
– Carton walls
– Pallet edges
– Honeycomb panels
– Protective covers
Eltete produces Edgeboard and Packaging Profiles that can form protected contact areas beneath or around the straps. Eltete also states that it can provide in-house strapping testing when required.
6. Long-Distance Export
Automotive components may pass through several handling points before reaching an overseas factory, assembly operation, warehouse or distributor.
Eltete’s automotive information states that automotive parts are often exported over long distances by air or sea. The company presents its paper-based solutions as lightweight alternatives that do not require the treatment associated with wooden pallet materials.
The complete shipment must still be assessed for:
– Handling frequency
– Transport duration
– Humidity
– Container conditions
– Storage environment
– Destination requirements
– Receiving equipment
7. Safe Handling
Packaging affects the employees who assemble, lift, position, move and unpack it.
Eltete states that its lightweight automotive packaging solutions can make components easier to position, move and handle during shipping and storage. The company also links reduced packaging weight with lower physical handling demands for operators.
The complete packed load may still be heavy and require mechanical handling. Lightweight packaging does not mean the automotive component itself should be lifted manually.
Eltete Packaging Solutions for Automotive Components
1. The Box
Eltete The Box is a paper-based transport packaging system that can be used as an alternative to selected heavy crates, wooden boxes and plywood boxes.
It combines components such as:
– Honeycomb Board
– Packaging Profiles
– PallRun® pallet runners
– Side walls
– Top and bottom structures
– Product-specific internal supports
Eltete describes The Box as a strong but lightweight export box. Its automotive page states that the solution is free from splinters and nails, requires no tools for construction and can be assembled in less than a minute. The company identifies it as a 100% recyclable alternative to selected heavy crates and wooden or plywood boxes.
How The Box can support automotive parts
For suitable automotive applications, The Box may provide:
– A defined pallet base
– Strong side walls
– Reinforced corners
– Internal product positioning
– Protection against external contact
– A modular packing arrangement
– Easier loading before the walls are installed
The exact structure should be developed according to the component’s weight, dimensions, support points and required protection.
2. FramePack®
FramePack® is a structural carton-board frame developed using strong Packaging Profiles.
It may include:
– A lower frame
– Vertical load-supporting profiles
– An upper frame
– A pallet or load base
– Strapping
– A carton or stretch-film outer covering
– Optional product cushions
Eltete states that FramePack® has reduced packaging material and transport volume in automotive-sector applications without compromising the required strength and security. The company presents it as a 100% recyclable alternative to selected wooden, plastic and metal frames and heavy boxes.
When automotive manufacturers may consider FramePack®
FramePack® may be relevant when a component requires:
– Structural support around the product
– Stacking strength
– Vertical compression resistance
– A frame rather than a complete heavy enclosure
– Integration with a standard pallet
– Reduced use of metal or wooden frame materials
Eltete selects the appropriate Packaging Profile after studying each application’s strength and other requirements.
3. PallRun® Pallet Feet
PallRun® is a paper-based pallet runner used as a supporting component in paper pallets and integrated load bases.
Eltete states that PallRun® can be:
– Fixed directly beneath carton boxes
– Combined with carton board
– Combined with Honeycomb Board
– Used to form a paper pallet
– Incorporated into different box solutions
Eltete’s automotive page specifically states that the automotive industry uses PallRun® pallet feet in combination with different box solutions.
Supporting heavy automotive loads
Eltete reports that an independent static compression test demonstrated that a normal-sized pallet with PallRun® components could withstand a load of 10 tonnes. The company also references this result in its automotive FAQ.
This figure must be used carefully.
It refers to:
– A static compression test
– A tested pallet configuration
– Controlled test conditions
It should not automatically be presented as:
– The dynamic capacity of every PallRun® design
– The racking capacity of every paper pallet
– The safe working load for every automotive component
– Approval for every forklift, route or storage condition
Each automotive load should be assessed according to its actual weight distribution and operating conditions.
4. Paper Pallets
Eltete paper pallets can be manufactured in standard or tailor-made configurations.
Its company profile describes paper pallets as:
– Recyclable
– Available in customised designs
– Lighter than conventional wooden pallets
– Suitable for export applications
– Constructed using paper-based pallet components
Eltete’s automotive page provides an example of a standard 1.2 × 0.8-metre heavy-duty paper pallet weighing under 5 kg and describes it as approximately one quarter of the weight of a traditional wooden pallet.
This weight relates to the example configuration referenced by Eltete. The weight of a custom automotive pallet will depend on:
– Pallet dimensions
– Runner quantity
– Deck construction
– Required strength
– Entry configuration
– Reinforcement
– Load distribution
5. Honeycomb Board
Eltete Honeycomb Board contains a hexagonal cellular paper structure.
Eltete identifies the material as:
– Lightweight
– Recyclable
– Rigid
– Compression-resistant
– Suitable for cushioning
– Suitable for heavy-duty packaging
– Easy to shape or cut into required elements
– Automotive applications for Honeycomb Board
In an automotive package, Honeycomb Board may be converted into:
– Bottom supports
– Product dividers
– Side panels
– Top panels
– Weight spreaders
– Cushioning blocks
– Product-shaped inserts
– Void-filling components
– Paper-pallet decks
The board should be specified according to the component weight, cell size, thickness, supported span and pressure direction.
6. Packaging Profiles
Packaging Profiles are laminated carton-board structural components.
They form the basis of FramePack® and can be used where the packaging requires:
– Vertical compression support
– Frame construction
– Strapping resistance
– Reinforced corners
– Structural separation from the product
Eltete states that the appropriate Packaging Profile is selected according to the required strength and conditions of each individual application. The company can perform compression, bending and strapping tests when required.
7. Edgeboard
Eltete Edgeboard is an all-round transport packaging profile used for:
– Corner protection
– Pallet stabilisation
– Unitisation
– Strapping protection
– Internal box reinforcement
– Additional stacking support
Eltete states that Edgeboard can be used externally on pallet corners or internally inside boxes and is suitable for palletisation, stabilisation and unitisation.
Automotive Edgeboard applications
It may be considered for:
– Cartons containing automotive parts
– Palletised component boxes
– Long automotive parts
– Strapped assemblies
– Product bundles
– Reinforcement around box corners
– Protecting an outer package against strap pressure
The Edgeboard size and strength must match the packed load and securing method.
8. U-Profile
Eltete U-Profile is designed to protect three sides of a product.
Its U-shaped structure may be useful for:
– Long automotive parts
– Exposed component edges
– Finished surfaces
– Rectangular components
– Uneven parts using flexible configurations
– Internal product separation
Eltete states that U-Profile can protect against heavy impact and act as a shock absorber. Flexible options are also available for uneven products.
The profile should fit the product without applying damaging pressure to a sensitive surface.
9. Flatboard
Eltete Flatboard is a strong laminated carton-board material designed as an alternative to selected hardboard, MDF and chipboard applications.
Eltete states that its strength, sizes and available qualities provide a wide range of possible uses.
In automotive transport packaging, Flatboard may be evaluated for suitable applications such as:
– Surface separation
– Layer pads
– Protective panels
– Packaging reinforcement
– Top or bottom sheets
– Product-specific internal structures
The official source does not provide one universal automotive Flatboard application, so each proposed use should be confirmed through packaging assessment.
10. Slip Sheets
Slip Sheets provide a thin paper-based load-support platform for palletless handling.
Eltete states that its Slip Sheets are manufactured from laminated solid kraftliner and can be customised according to size, model and strength. The company positions them as a solution for optimising logistics space and reducing transport, material and storage costs.
A published Eltete article also identifies automotive parts among the products that may be suitable for Slip Sheet handling, provided the load, packaging and handling system are compatible.
Slip Sheets usually require suitable handling equipment, such as a forklift fitted with a push-pull attachment.
11. Dunnage Bags
After the automotive parts have been packed and palletised, the complete loads may still move inside the truck or container.
Eltete Dunnage Bags are inflatable cargo-securing cushions that can be used inside:
– Containers
– Trucks
– Trains
– Ships
Eltete states that they cushion loads against impact and help prevent cargo movement.
Dunnage Bags do not replace correct internal packaging or pallet stabilisation. They help control the empty spaces between complete cargo units.
Eltete Automotive Packaging Case Study
Eltete’s official automotive page reports a case in which a customer changed from metal cages to a paper-based packaging system using The Box and PallRun® pallet feet.
Eltete reports the following results for that specific customer application:
Overall costs reduced by up to 31%
Reports of damaged goods reduced by 51%
Company image improved through the change to an environmentally friendly material
These figures are valuable because they relate to an actual documented Eltete automotive application.
However, they should be presented as a case-specific result, not as a guaranteed outcome for every automotive packaging project.
The result may have depended on factors such as:
– The previous metal-cage system
– Product dimensions
– Shipment volume
– Transport route
– Packaging design
– Damage-reporting method
– Labour requirements
– Return logistics
– Material costs
A new customer would need a separate cost and packaging assessment.
What Can Be Learned from the Case Study?
The case demonstrates that changing packaging materials can affect more than the purchase price of an individual box or pallet.
A complete packaging comparison may need to include:
– Packaging material cost
– Assembly time
– Empty packaging storage
– Packaging return arrangements
– Freight weight
– Product damage
– Unpacking
– Disposal or recycling
– Labour requirements
– Transport volume
Eltete states that it works closely with automotive customers by analysing each application’s shape, size and weight before designing the solution.
Why Packaging Weight Matters in Automotive Logistics
Eltete describes its paper-based automotive solutions as lightweight and states that automotive components are frequently shipped long distances by air or sea. The company associates lower packaging weight with potential transportation savings, particularly for air freight.
A proper comparison should calculate:
– Weight of the existing packaging
– Weight of the proposed paper packaging
– Number of units per shipment
– Freight charging method
– Transport mode
– Packaging material cost
– Required reinforcement
– Product-damage performance
A lightweight package is only beneficial when it still supplies the strength and protection required by the automotive component.
Reducing Packaging Volume
Packaging volume affects:
– Empty packaging storage
– Transport of unused packaging
– Warehouse space
– Container utilisation
– Number of products per shipment
Eltete states that its lightweight solutions can reduce packaging material, warehousing requirements and transport costs. Its automotive information also states that reducing packaging material can free warehouse space and allow more goods to be loaded.
Any volume-saving claim should be calculated by comparing the approved new design with the customer’s existing system.
Selecting the Right Automotive Packaging Solution
1. Identify the Component
Provide:
– Component name
– Product description
– Material
– Photographs
– Technical drawings
– Product value
– Sensitive areas
2. Confirm the Dimensions
Measure:
– Length
– Width
– Height
– Protruding sections
– Required packing clearance
– Contact points
– Lifting points
3. Confirm the Packed Weight
Provide the complete weight of:
– Main component
– Accessories
– Fasteners
– Inserts
– Other parts packed together
4. Map the Load Distribution
Identify:
– Heavy sections
– Product feet
– Mounting brackets
– Uneven base areas
– Centre of gravity
– Sections that cannot support pressure
5. Identify Product Sensitivities
The packaging designer should know whether the component is vulnerable to:
– Scratching
– Denting
– Compression
– Vibration
– Impact
– Corrosion
– Movement
– Strapping pressure
Eltete’s paper products provide physical support and protection, but specialised corrosion or barrier requirements may require separate approved materials.
6. Review the Handling Method
Confirm whether the package will be handled using:
– Forklifts
– Hand pallet trucks
– Conveyors
– Cranes
– Hoists
– Automated equipment
– Manual packing processes
7. Review the Storage Requirement
Provide information about:
– Floor storage
– Warehouse racks
– Stacking
– Storage duration
– Warehouse humidity
– Outdoor handling
– Wet-floor risk
8. Review the Transport Journey
Confirm whether the shipment will travel by:
– Road
– Air
– Sea
– Rail
-Multimodal transport
Eltete specifically highlights air and sea export as common considerations for automotive components.
9. Confirm the Destination Process
The receiving location should be able to:
– Handle the load base
– Remove securing materials safely
– Access the product
– Manage the packaging material
– Follow any required recycling procedure
10. Review Current Packaging Problems
Provide information about:
– Product damage
– Excessive packaging weight
– High freight cost
– Slow assembly
– Large storage requirements
– Difficult unpacking
– Heavy returnable cages
– Dependence on wood
– Excess packaging materials
This allows Eltete to design around a real operational problem rather than simply replacing one material with another.
Packaging Design Process for Automotive Components
A practical development process may include:
Application Review
Eltete studies the automotive component’s shape, size, weight and packaging requirements. This application-specific approach is stated on its official automotive page.
Concept Development
The initial design may combine suitable components such as:
– The Box
– FramePack®
– PallRun®
– Honeycomb Board
– Edgeboard
– Paper Pallet
– Protective profiles
– Sample or Prototype
A sample package can be prepared using the proposed dimensions and structural arrangement.
Packing Trial
The product is positioned inside or on the package to assess:
– Fit
– Support
– Clearance
– Product movement
– Loading
– Unloading
– Forklift access
– Testing
Eltete’s company profile states that it can provide in-house:
– Compression testing
– Bending testing
– Strapping testing
The required tests depend on the product and packaging arrangement.
Shipment Trial
A controlled shipment may be useful before changing the complete automotive packaging operation.
Review and Optimisation
After the trial, the design may be adjusted to improve:
– Strength
– Assembly
– Product positioning
– Material use
– Transport volume
– Handling
– Unpacking
– What Should Be Tested?
An automotive packaging evaluation may consider:
– Static compression
– Dynamic handling
– Pallet lifting
– Product movement
– Frame compression
– Bending
– Strapping pressure
– Stacking
– Forklift entry
– Package stability
– Product condition after transport
The test requirements should be linked to the actual packaging design and operating conditions.
Is Paper-Based Automotive Packaging Suitable for Every Component?
No packaging material is automatically suitable for every automotive product.
Another solution or additional material may be required where:
– The product creates sharp cutting points
– Continuous water exposure cannot be controlled
– A specialised corrosion barrier is required
– The load cannot be supported by the proposed paper structure
– The component requires a closed returnable container system
– The package must withstand conditions outside the approved design
– A customer specification requires another material
– The product cannot be secured safely within the paper-based system
Eltete’s official approach is to study each application according to its shape, size, weight and required strength before designing the packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Eltete provide packaging for automotive components?
Yes. Eltete has a dedicated automotive-sector packaging offering and states that it supplies premium vehicle producers and automotive suppliers with fibre-based transport packaging solutions.
What automotive products can use paper-based packaging?
Eltete refers to motors, spare parts and other automotive elements. Suitability depends on the component’s size, weight, shape, support points and transport requirements.
Can paper packaging support heavy automotive parts?
Eltete develops heavy-duty solutions for automotive applications. PallRun®, Honeycomb Board, Packaging Profiles, The Box and FramePack® can be combined according to the required load and strength.
Can paper packaging replace metal automotive cages?
Eltete reports a case in which metal cages were replaced with The Box and PallRun®. The customer achieved up to 31% overall cost reduction and a 51% reduction in reported damaged goods. These results apply to that specific customer application.
Can The Box replace a wooden crate?
Eltete presents The Box as an alternative to selected heavy crates and wooden or plywood boxes. The product and logistics requirements must be assessed before replacement.
What is FramePack® used for in the automotive sector?
FramePack® provides a structural carton-board frame around suitable automotive products. Eltete states that it has reduced packaging material and transport volume in automotive applications without compromising the required strength and security.
What is PallRun®?
PallRun® is a carton-board pallet foot used in paper pallets and integrated box solutions. Eltete states that the automotive industry uses PallRun® together with different box designs.
How much weight can PallRun® support?
Eltete reports that a normal-sized pallet with PallRun® components withstood 10 tonnes in an independent static compression test. This is not a universal dynamic, racking or safe working load for every design.
How much does an Eltete paper pallet weigh?
Eltete’s automotive FAQ gives an example of a heavy-duty 1.2 × 0.8-metre paper pallet weighing under 5 kg. Custom pallet weights vary according to dimensions and construction.
Do Eltete paper pallet solutions require wood treatment?
Eltete states that its carton-based pallet solutions require no treatment like wooden packaging and are ISPM 15-compliant. The complete shipment should still be checked if it contains other wooden materials.
Can Honeycomb Board protect automotive components?
Honeycomb Board can provide cushioning, product separation, weight spreading and structural panels. It can also be cut into product-specific packaging elements.
Can Eltete packaging prevent automotive parts from moving?
Custom Honeycomb Board components, supports, dividers and profiles may be used to position the product. The final design must be assessed using the actual component and transport conditions.
Can Eltete packaging be used for air freight?
Eltete states that lightweight paper solutions are suitable for automotive parts exported by air and can help reduce weight-related shipping costs. Actual savings depend on the approved packaging and freight calculation.
Can it be used for sea freight?
Yes. Eltete identifies sea freight as a common long-distance transport method for automotive components. The design should consider storage duration, humidity and container conditions.
Is automotive paper packaging recyclable?
Eltete describes The Box, FramePack® and PallRun® as 100% recyclable paper-based solutions. The recycling method for the complete package depends on any additional films, straps or other materials used.
Is paper-based automotive packaging waterproof?
Eltete’s standard automotive information does not describe every paper-based solution as waterproof. Expected moisture, rain and condensation exposure should be discussed during packaging development.
Does Eltete test automotive packaging?
Eltete’s company profile states that it can provide compression, bending and strapping tests in-house when needed.
What information should be sent to Eltete?
Provide product dimensions, packed weight, shape, support points, sensitive areas, handling equipment, storage method, transport route, destination and current packaging problems.
Develop Automotive Packaging Around the Component
Automotive components should not be forced into one standard packaging design.
A motor, spare part, assembly or heavy metal component may require a different combination of load support, cushioning, structural framing, edge protection and securing materials.
Eltete can combine The Box, FramePack®, PallRun®, Paper Pallets, Honeycomb Board, Packaging Profiles, Edgeboard and other fibre-based components according to the product’s shape, size, weight and logistics process. Its documented automotive case also demonstrates that an application-specific change from metal cages to paper packaging produced measurable cost and damage-reporting improvements for one customer.
The correct solution should be selected according to:
– Component dimensions
– Packed weight
– Load distribution
– Product sensitivity
– Support points
– Handling equipment
– Stacking requirements
– Strapping arrangement
– Storage conditions
– Transport method
– Destination process
Contact Eltete Malaysia to discuss a paper-based automotive transport packaging system designed around your component and supply chain.
