Slip Sheets can help reduce pallet weight, storage space, and the amount of packaging material used in transport.
However, switching from a normal pallet system to Slip Sheets is not only about changing the load platform.
The handling system must also be ready.
Eltete Slip Sheets are thin sheets made from laminated kraftliner. They are designed for palletless handling and can replace traditional pallets in suitable applications. They are commonly handled with a forklift fitted with a Push-Pull attachment.
Before switching, manufacturers should check the load, forklift equipment, operator training, warehouse process, and receiving location.
Quick Answer
– A Push-Pull attachment allows a forklift to handle goods placed on a Slip Sheet.
– Instead of lifting a pallet from underneath, the attachment grips the Slip Sheet tab and pulls the load onto flat supporting plates.
The basic movement is:
Pull → Lift → Move → Push
Slip Sheets can work well when suitable equipment is available at the sending and receiving locations.
If normal forklift handling must remain unchanged, a Paper Pallet may be more practical.
Q – What Is a Slip Sheet?
A – A Slip Sheet is a thin load-support sheet placed under goods. Eltete Slip Sheets are made from multiple layers of strong kraftliner board. They are designed to support goods during handling, storage, and transport without using a normal raised pallet.
Slip Sheets may also be called:
– Push-Pull Pallets
– Flat pallet systems
– Transfer sheets
– 1 mm pallets
They can be produced in different sizes, models, thicknesses, and strengths based on the application.
Q – What Is a Push-Pull Attachment?
A – A Push-Pull attachment is fitted to a forklift to handle loads placed on Slip Sheets.
The attachment normally has:
– A gripping system
– Flat supporting plates
– A moving faceplate
– A pulling and pushing system
The grip holds the Slip Sheet tab.
The attachment then pulls the load onto the supporting plates.
After the forklift moves the load, the faceplate pushes it into the required position.
This allows goods to be moved without shipping a normal pallet with every load.
Q – How Does Slip Sheet Handling Work?
A – The general process is simple.
– Step 1: Place the Slip Sheet. The Slip Sheet is placed on a clean and suitable surface.
– Step 2: Build the Load Boxes, bags, cartons, or other goods are placed on the sheet. The weight should be spread correctly across the load.
– Step 3: Secure the Goods. The load can be secured with suitable materials such as stretch film or strapping. Any required Edgeboard or other protection can also be added.
– Step 4: Keep the Tab Accessible. The Slip Sheet tab must remain clear. The Push-Pull attachment needs this tab to grip the sheet.
– Step 5: Pull the Load. The attachment grips the tab and pulls the load onto its supporting plates.
– Step 6: Move the Load. The forklift lifts and carries the load to the required area.
– Step 7: Push the Load Into Position. The attachment pushes the load into a truck, container, storage area, or receiving point.
Q – Why Do Manufacturers Use Slip Sheets?
A – Slip Sheets can offer several benefits in suitable operations.
Eltete highlights benefits such as:
– Lower packaging weight
– Less storage space
– Reduced use of conventional pallets
– Better use of logistics space
– Easier handling of empty sheets
– Suitability for export
– Palletless transport options
However, these benefits only make sense when the full handling system is suitable.
1. Check Your Forklift Equipment
The first question should be:
Can your forklift handle Slip Sheets?
Standard forklift forks cannot handle a Slip Sheet load in exactly the same way as a raised pallet. A suitable handling system is needed.
Eltete lists several options:
– Forklift with Push-Pull attachment
– RollerForks
– Suitable conveyor systems
If your current operation only uses normal forks, equipment changes may be needed before switching. This should be checked before changing the packaging system.
2. Check the Receiving Location
This is one of the most important steps. Your factory may be able to load a Slip Sheet shipment without any problem.
Q – But what happens when the goods reach the customer?
A – The receiving location should be able to:
– Unload the goods
– Lift the load
– Move it safely
– Store it
– Transfer it if needed
The customer may need a Push-Pull attachment, RollerForks, or another suitable unloading method. If the receiving side cannot handle Slip Sheets, the operation may become difficult.
This is why both sides should be checked before switching.
3. Check the Product and Load
Not every load should automatically be moved onto a Slip Sheet. The product must be suitable for pulling, lifting, moving, and pushing.
Before making a change, check:
– Total product weight
– Product dimensions
– Load height
– Weight distribution
– Packaging strength
– Stacking pattern
– Load stability
– Contact area
– Slip Sheet strength
– Tab position
Eltete states that Slip Sheets can be used for selected heavy loads when the sheet strength, load arrangement, and handling equipment are suitable.
A technical review should be done before moving heavy or difficult loads onto a Slip Sheet.
4. Keep the Weight Well Distributed
Weight distribution is important. A load with weight spread evenly across the sheet may behave differently from a load with one heavy point. Poor weight distribution may place extra stress on the Slip Sheet or the product packaging.
Manufacturers should review:
– Where the heaviest items are placed
– Whether cartons are aligned
– Whether the load extends beyond the sheet
– Whether the base remains stable
– Whether the Slip Sheet tab stays clear
The load should remain stable during the full Push-Pull process.
5. Make Sure the Load Is Stable
A Slip Sheet load must stay together during movement.
The goods may be:
– Pulled
– Lifted
– Turned
– Transported
– Pushed
– Loaded into a container
– Unloaded at the destination
Weak cartons or poor stacking can make the load less stable.
The load may need suitable securing methods such as:
– Stretch film
– Strapping
– Edgeboard
– Other protective packaging
The correct setup depends on the product and application.
6. Train the Forklift Operators
Operator training is important. Using a Push-Pull attachment is different from lifting a normal pallet.
The operator should understand how to:
– Approach the load
– Grip the Slip Sheet tab
– Pull the load onto the plates
– Keep the load stable
– Move the goods safely
– Push the load into position
– Release the tab correctly
Eltete’s own guidance states that forklift operators should be properly trained before using Push-Pull equipment. Incorrect handling can affect the Slip Sheet, packaging, or products.
7. Review the Warehouse Layout
The handling equipment is only one part of the system. The warehouse should also support the new process.
Check:
– Floor condition
– Loading area
– Turning space
– Conveyor system
– Packing area
– Container loading method
– Storage process
– Transfer points
A Slip Sheet system should fit the full flow of goods through the warehouse. The goal is to avoid solving one problem while creating another.
8. Check the Transport Process
Manufacturers should also review what happens after the load leaves the warehouse.
Consider:
– Truck loading
– Container loading
– Load orientation
– Cargo securing
– Movement during transport
– Floor condition
– Moisture exposure
– Unloading method
Eltete identifies Slip Sheets as suitable for both domestic and international shipping in suitable applications. The final setup should still match the actual transport route and handling process.
9. Consider Moisture and Storage Conditions
Eltete Slip Sheets are made from wet-strengthened kraftliner and are designed with tear and moisture resistance. However, storage and transport conditions should still be reviewed.
Check:
– Warehouse humidity
– Wet floors
– Outdoor exposure
– Container condition
– Length of storage
– Direct contact with water
The packaging system should be selected for the real environment.
10. Check Whether the Customer Needs a Raised Pallet
Some operations need goods to stay raised above the floor.
Others may use:
– Pallet racking
– Standard pallet conveyors
– Automatic handling systems
– Fixed pallet dimensions
In these cases, a Slip Sheet may not be the best choice.
Eltete’s guidance makes the difference clear:
Paper Pallet may be more practical where normal pallet-style handling is required. Slip Sheet may be more suitable where palletless handling equipment is available and saving space or weight is important.
When Does a Slip Sheet Make Sense?
A Slip Sheet may be suitable when:
– You want to reduce pallet weight
– Warehouse space is limited
– Container space is important
– Push-Pull equipment is available
– The receiving customer can handle Slip Sheets
– The shipment is mainly one-way
– A raised pallet is not required
– The load is stable
– The product is suitable for palletless handling
When Might a Paper Pallet Be Better?
A Paper Pallet may be better when:
– Standard forklift handling is needed
– Push-Pull equipment is not available
– The load needs a raised platform
– The receiving customer expects a pallet
– Warehouse racking may be required
– The shipment passes through many normal pallet-handling points
– Changing the current handling process is not practical
Do Not Switch Based on Cost Alone
A Slip Sheet may use less material than a normal pallet.
But that does not mean every company should switch immediately.
The full cost should include:
– Slip Sheet
– Push-Pull equipment
– Forklift setup
– Training
– Packing process
– Receiving equipment
– Warehouse changes
– Transport
– Storage
– Customer handling
A cheaper load platform may not create a better system if the operation is not ready. The best decision should consider the whole logistics process.
A Simple Switching Process
Manufacturers can use this approach:
1. Review the current pallet system
– Understand the current pallet, load, equipment, and transport process.
2. Check the product
– Confirm weight, dimensions, stability, and packaging strength.
3. Check handling equipment
– Confirm whether Push-Pull, RollerForks, or another suitable system is available.
4. Check the receiving customer
– Make sure the destination can unload and move the load.
5. Select the Slip Sheet
– Choose the correct size, model, thickness, and strength for the application.
6. Train the operators
– Make sure staff understand the handling process.
7. Test the system
– Run a controlled test before changing the full operation.
8. Review the result
– Check handling, stability, loading, unloading, and product condition.
9 – Final Takeaway
– Slip Sheets can be a useful alternative to traditional pallets.
They can help reduce packaging weight, save storage space, and support palletless handling.
However, a successful switch depends on more than the Slip Sheet itself.
Manufacturers should review:
– The product
– The load
– The forklift
– The Push-Pull system
– The operators
– The warehouse
– The transport process
– The receiving customer
If all parts of the system work together, Slip Sheets can become a practical option for suitable domestic and export shipments.
Planning to Switch from Pallets to Slip Sheets ?
Eltete Malaysia can review your product, load, handling method, transport process, and destination requirements.
Prepare details such as:
– Product dimensions
– Total load weight
– Current pallet size
– Current pallet type
– Load pattern
– Forklift type
– Handling equipment
– Shipment destination
– Transport method
– Receiving-side equipment
Eltete can then recommend a suitable Slip Sheet configuration based on the application.
Learn more at www.eltete.com.my
