Food and beverage products may pass through production facilities, cold or dry storage areas, distribution centres, trucks, containers, ports and customer warehouses before reaching their final destination.
Protecting these products requires more than choosing a pallet.
The complete transport packaging system may need to:
– Support the total product weight
– Protect cartons, bottles, cans, bags or trays
– Prevent pallet-load movement
– Protect corners from impact and strapping pressure
– Keep products correctly positioned
– Fill unused cargo spaces
– Support forklift or palletless handling
– Perform under expected storage and humidity conditions
– Allow practical unpacking and recycling at the destination
Eltete Malaysia identifies food and beverage as one of the market segments served by its Transport Packaging Solutions concept. This concept combines products such as Edgeboard, Slip Sheets, Paper Pallets and Wrap Around profiles with appropriate wrapping or strapping to create an integrated transport packaging system.
What Is a Complete Transport Packaging Solution?
A complete transport packaging solution considers every layer required to move an already packaged food or beverage product safely through the supply chain.
It is not limited to one pallet, sheet or protective profile.
A complete system may include:
– The product’s primary packaging
– Outer cartons, trays, bags or containers
– Dividers, cushioning or weight-spreading components
– A Paper Pallet, Slip Sheet or integrated pallet base
– Edgeboard around the palletised load
– Stretch film or approved strapping
– Top protection where required
– Dunnage Bags between cargo units inside the vehicle or container
Eltete describes its approach as a complete system designed to solve packaging needs rather than treating individual materials as unrelated products. Its environmental policy also focuses on considering the entire packaging chain: maximum product protection, minimal necessary packaging material and recycling after use.
Transport Packaging Is Not Direct Food-Contact Packaging
It is important to distinguish between direct food-contact packaging and transport packaging.
Direct food-contact packaging
This packaging directly touches the product. Examples may include:
– Food wrappers
– Inner bags
– Bottles
– Trays
– Cups
– Containers
– Primary cartons
– Transport packaging
Transport packaging protects and moves food or beverage products that are already sealed within their approved primary packaging.
Examples include:
– Paper Pallets
– Slip Sheets
– Edgeboard
– Outer cartons
– Honeycomb Board dividers
– Layer pads
– Stretch film
– Strapping
– Dunnage Bags
Eltete’s food-industry guidance explains that Paper Pallets and related transport materials are generally used beneath closed cartons, bags or containers rather than in direct contact with exposed food. Companies must still confirm their own hygiene, customer and regulatory requirements before implementing a transport packaging system.
Which Food and Beverage Products May Use These Solutions?
Eltete’s official company profile identifies increased Slip Sheet demand for export shipments involving products such as:
– Frozen food
– Confectionery
– Animal food
– Dairy products
– Instant-mix powders
– Beverages
– Olive oil
– Balsamic vinegar
Eltete’s current food-industry guidance also identifies suitable transport applications involving packaged foods, dry products, canned goods, bottled beverages, cartoned beverages, snacks, ingredients and other secondary or tertiary packaged products.
The packaging must be selected according to the actual product format. A pallet of canned food will not necessarily require the same load platform, edge protection or moisture considerations as bottled beverages, frozen products or bags of powdered ingredients.
Eltete Solutions for Food and Beverage Transport Packaging
1. Paper Pallets
Paper Pallets provide a paper-based load platform for packaged food and beverage products.
Eltete offers standard and customised Paper Pallet designs. The pallet may be configured according to:
– Carton dimensions
– Product arrangement
– Total load weight
– Load distribution
– Forklift entry requirements
– Pallet height
– Shipment dimensions
– Transportation conditions
– Destination requirements
Eltete’s existing food and beverage article states that Paper Pallets can be combined with Edgeboard, strapping, stretch film, top boards and other protective paper profiles to create a complete packaging system.
Why use Paper Pallets for food and beverage products?
Paper Pallets may be considered when the operation requires:
– A lightweight load platform
– a Custom pallet dimensions
– Two-way or four-way handling
– A clean structure without wooden splinters or exposed nails
– A pallet for selected one-way distribution
– A paper-based alternative to selected wooden pallet applications
– A load platform that can be recycled where suitable facilities exist
Eltete’s company profile gives an approximate comparison of 3–6 kg for its Paper Pallets and 15–25 kg for wooden pallets. These are general examples from Eltete and should not be treated as the weight of every custom pallet design.
Heavy beverage loads
Bottled and canned beverages may create substantial load weight.
The Paper Pallet must therefore be designed according to:
– Number of bottles or cans
– Weight per carton or tray
– Number of layers
– Load distribution
– Bottom carton strength
– Forklift movement
– Storage duration
– Stacking requirements
– Racking requirements, where applicable
A general statement that a Paper Pallet is “heavy duty” is not enough. Static, dynamic and racking requirements should be assessed separately for the proposed pallet design.
2. Slip Sheets
Slip Sheets are thin load-support sheets made from multiple layers of strong kraft linerboard. They can replace conventional pallets in suitable operations where compatible material-handling equipment is available.
Eltete’s company profile specifically identifies food and beverage export applications as an area of increasing Slip Sheet demand. The company links this growth to recyclable packaging material, lower material requirements and the ability to fit more goods into trucks or containers.
Food and beverage applications for Slip Sheets
Slip Sheets may be considered for suitable loads involving:
– Cartoned beverages
– Bottled products packed in stable cases
– Canned goods
– Dry foods
– Confectionery
– Dairy products in closed packaging
– Instant powders
– Packaged ingredients
– Animal food
– Consumer food products
– Equipment requirements
Slip Sheets normally require a compatible handling system, commonly involving a forklift equipped with a push-pull attachment.
The loading and receiving locations should confirm:
– Push-pull equipment availability
– Sheet tab direction
– Forklift capacity
– Load stability
– Carton strength
– Floor or pallet transfer process
– Customer unloading capability
Slip Sheets should not be selected only because they are thinner than pallets. The entire loading, transportation and receiving process must be compatible.
Paper Pallet or Slip Sheet?
A Paper Pallet may be easier to introduce when the operation already uses conventional forklift handling.
A Slip Sheet may be more suitable where:
– Palletless handling equipment is available
– Reducing load-platform thickness is important
– More product must fit into the available container space
– Empty packaging storage must be minimised
– The shipment is part of a suitable one-way export operation
The best option depends on both the product and the handling infrastructure.
3. PallRun® Integrated Pallet Bases
PallRun® is a carton-board pallet runner used as a basic component in Eltete Paper Pallets.
It can be:
– Fixed directly underneath suitable cartons
– Combined with carton board
– Combined with Honeycomb Board
– Used to form a customised Paper Pallet
– Incorporated into a larger transport packaging structure
Eltete describes PallRun® as a viable alternative to selected wooden pallet runners and as one of the basic elements used in paper pallet construction.
For suitable food and beverage shipments, attaching the pallet runners directly to a strong outer carton or tray may create an integrated box-and-base unit.
This concept may help avoid using a separate full pallet where the product, carton strength and handling process allow an integrated structure.
4. EdgeRunner® Pallet Bases
EdgeRunner® combines Edgeboard and PallRun® to form a four-way paper-based pallet alternative.
Eltete states that EdgeRunner® may be used:
– With corrugated boxes
– With a top board
– With display structures
– Directly beneath suitable products
Its design is intended to optimise material and space while providing a pallet-style handling base.
For suitable food and beverage products, EdgeRunner® may be considered when:
– The outer carton can form part of the load structure
– Four-way handling is needed
– Strapping protection is required
– A full conventional pallet would use unnecessary material
– A customised carton-based base is preferred
The carton, base and securing arrangement must be evaluated as one system.
5. Edgeboard for Pallet Stability and Corner Protection
Food and beverage cartons may be exposed to corner crushing, strap pressure, impact and movement during handling.
Eltete Edgeboard is a laminated carton-board profile used for:
– Pallet corner protection
– Load stabilisation
– Palletisation
– Unitisation
– Strapping protection
– Internal carton reinforcement
– Additional stacking support
It can be placed vertically along pallet corners or incorporated into other parts of the packaging structure. Eltete includes Edgeboard as one of the principal products in its complete Transport Packaging Solutions concept.
Edgeboard for beverage cartons
A tall pallet of bottled or cartoned beverages may be vulnerable to:
– Leaning
– Corner compression
– Carton deformation
– Strap pressure
– Damage during forklift movement
– Loss of alignment between layers
Correctly selected Edgeboard can create a more structured vertical corner around the load before the unit is wrapped or strapped.
The required profile should be selected according to:
– Pallet-load height
– Total weight
– Carton strength
– Edgeboard length
– Profile leg dimensions
– Profile thickness
– Number of straps
– Strap tension
– Transport conditions
– Edgeboard for bagged products
Packaged ingredients, powders or animal food may be transported in outer bags or sacks.
Edgeboard may help create straighter pallet corners and a more defined surface for stretch film or strapping. It must still be combined with an appropriate stacking pattern and securing system.
6. Honeycomb Board
Eltete Honeycomb Board is a 100% recyclable paper product with a hexagonal internal cellular structure.
Eltete describes it as lightweight, rigid, compression-resistant and suitable for impact and high-load applications. It can also be cut or shaped into customised packaging elements.
Food and beverage packaging applications
Honeycomb Board may be used as:
– A product divider
– A layer pad
– A void filler
– A cushioning component
– A weight spreader
– A top board
– A pallet deck
– A supporting panel
– A customised insert
– A side wall in a larger transport package
Eltete officially lists product division, void filling, cushioning, weight spreading and Paper Pallet bases among its Honeycomb Board applications.
Dividing bottles, cans or packaged products
A customised board may help separate product groups or create defined compartments.
The insert should be designed according to:
– Product diameter
– Product height
– Number of products
– Total weight
– Required clearance
– Loading direction
– Sensitivity of the primary packaging
Honeycomb Board should not automatically replace specialised primary bottle separators or direct-contact packaging. It is part of the external transport packaging system unless specifically assessed and approved otherwise.
Weight spreading
Beverage trays, containers or machinery-related food products may create concentrated support points.
Honeycomb Board can be used as a weight-spreading component where pressure must be distributed across a wider pallet or packaging surface. The selected board thickness, cell size and supporting structure must match the application.
7. Top Boards and Layer Protection
A top board can be positioned above a palletised food or beverage load to:
– Provide a more structured strapping surface
– Protect upper cartons
– Spread top pressure
– Separate stacked loads
– Support overall unit stability
Honeycomb Board, carton board or another suitable paper-based panel may be considered according to the load and securing method.
When strapping is applied over a top board, the design should account for:
– Strap tension
– Board bending
– Carton contact
– Edge protection
– Product support underneath
A top board should not apply damaging pressure to bottles, cans, caps, trays or cartons.
8. Strapping and Stretch Film
Eltete’s Transport Packaging Solutions concept combines paper-based components with suitable stretch film, plastic strapping or steel strapping when required.
These securing materials can help:
– Hold cartons together
– Prevent outward movement
– Connect the product to its load base
– Maintain the pallet arrangement
– Keep protective profiles in position
The correct securing method depends on:
– Product weight
– Carton strength
– Pallet height
– Handling conditions
– Customer requirements
– Transport duration
Strapping should normally be applied over a suitable protective surface rather than directly onto vulnerable carton corners.
A note about recyclability
Eltete describes its paper-based transport packaging products as 100% recyclable. However, the recycling process for a complete shipment depends on every material used, including stretch film, strapping, adhesives, coatings and any other securing components. Materials may need to be separated at the destination and processed through different recycling streams.
9. Dunnage Bags for Container and Truck Loads
After food or beverage products have been packed, palletised and stabilised, the complete cargo units may still move inside a truck, container, train or ship.
Eltete Dunnage Bags are inflatable cargo-securing cushions used to fill empty spaces between cargo units. They help cushion loads, protect them against impact and reduce movement or collapse during transportation.
How Dunnage Bags complete the system
A Dunnage Bag does not replace:
– A suitable pallet or Slip Sheet
– Strong product cartons
– Edgeboard
– Stretch film
– Strapping
– Correct product stacking
It performs the final cargo-level function of controlling selected empty spaces between complete loads.
For example:
– Beverage cartons are stacked on a Paper Pallet.
– Edgeboard is applied to the corners.
– The load is wrapped or strapped.
– The pallet is loaded into the container.
– Dunnage Bags are positioned in suitable gaps between cargo units.
The correct Dunnage Bag size and strength must be selected according to the void, cargo weight, transport route and surrounding surfaces.
Benefits of a Complete Paper-Based Packaging System
1. Integrated product protection
Using only a pallet does not protect carton corners, control internal gaps or prevent movement between cargo units.
A complete system assigns a clear function to each component:
– The load platform supports the product.
– Honeycomb Board separates or supports it.
– Edgeboard protects and stabilises the corners.
– Strapping or wrapping unitises the load.
– Dunnage Bags control cargo-level gaps.
Eltete’s environmental policy emphasises protecting products throughout storage and transportation because avoiding unnecessary product damage also prevents financial and environmental loss.
2. Less unnecessary packaging material
Eltete follows a Replace, Reduce and Recycle philosophy:
– Replace suitable conventional materials with more environmentally considerate alternatives.
– Reduce unnecessary packaging material.
– Support recycling after use.
The company’s stated objective is maximum protection with minimal necessary packaging material rather than reducing material regardless of performance.
For food and beverage companies, this may involve:
– Customising pallet dimensions
– Using Slip Sheets instead of full pallets where appropriate
– Installing protection only at vulnerable points
– Cutting Honeycomb Board to the required shape
– Integrating PallRun® directly with suitable cartons
– Avoiding oversized packaging components
3. Lower non-product shipment weight
Paper-based load platforms and protective components may weigh less than selected wooden, metal or plywood alternatives.
Reducing the weight of packaging can be relevant for:
– Air freight
– Long-distance exports
– One-way distribution
– High shipment volumes
– Operations where every unit includes a pallet
The actual difference should be calculated by comparing the approved new design with the company’s current packaging.
4. Better use of container and warehouse space
Eltete states that reducing packaging material can decrease warehouse-space requirements and allow more goods to be loaded. Its food and beverage references also identify Slip Sheets as a way to maximise the amount of product fitting into trucks or containers.
Space optimisation may come from:
– Thin Slip Sheets
– Custom Paper Pallet dimensions
– Lower-profile load bases
– Flat paper components
– Product-specific inserts
– Reduced empty-pallet storage
– Avoiding oversized standard pallets
Space should only be reduced where product protection and safe handling remain sufficient.
5. Suitable for selected one-way export shipments
Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets may be practical when the load platform will not be returned to the manufacturer.
This can reduce the operational need for:
– Empty pallet return
– Pallet collection
– Repair
– Cleaning
– Reverse transportation
– Return storage
The solution must still perform throughout the complete export journey.
6. Customisation around the food or beverage product
Food and beverage shipments may use:
– Cartons
– Trays
– Bottles
– Cans
– Bags
– Sacks
– Tins
– Containers
– Mixed product arrangements
Eltete’s Paper Pallets and other packaging components can be selected according to the product, handling method and destination. Honeycomb Board can also be cut into exact elements required for the packaging application.
7. Easier material separation
A system built mainly from compatible paper-based products may make it easier for the receiver to separate the major structural components for paper recycling.
The customer should still provide clear disposal instructions where the shipment contains:
– Plastic film
– Plastic strapping
– Steel strapping
– Dunnage Bag liners
– Adhesive labels
– Coated materials
– Contaminated packaging
Local recycling acceptance and separation requirements should always be checked.
Moisture and Cold-Chain Considerations
Food and beverage shipments may experience:
– High warehouse humidity
– Refrigerated environments
– Temperature changes
– Container condensation
– Cold storage
– Sea-freight duration
– Wet loading areas
– Temporary outdoor handling
Eltete’s food-industry guidance makes clear that moisture resistance does not mean a standard paper pallet is completely waterproof. The pallet and other paper-based components should normally be protected from heavy rain, standing water, flooded floors, direct water spray and prolonged outdoor exposure.
Before approving the packaging, provide information about:
– Expected humidity
– Temperature range
– Cold-storage duration
– Condensation risk
– Road, air or sea transportation
– Loading and unloading conditions
– Wet-floor risk
– Customer warehouse environment
A packaging specification should state the conditions for which it has been designed.
Food Packaging Hygiene Considerations
Paper-based transport packaging does not remove the need for proper food-industry hygiene controls.
Businesses should ensure that:
– Transport materials are stored in clean, dry areas.
– Pallets and sheets are inspected before use.
– Damaged or contaminated materials are not used.
– Transport packaging does not contact exposed food unless approved.
– Handling equipment remains clean.
– Customer hygiene requirements are followed.
– Primary packaging remains intact.
– Materials are protected from water, pests and contamination.
Paper Pallets do not contain exposed wooden nails or splinters, but hygiene suitability still depends on the complete storage, production and handling process.
Example Packaging Configurations
Packaged snacks or confectionery
A possible system may include:
– Cartons arranged on a custom Paper Pallet
– Edgeboard on all vertical corners
– A Honeycomb or carton top board
– Stretch film or strapping
– Dunnage Bags inside the container where required
– Bottled or cartoned beverages
A possible system may include:
– A heavy-load Paper Pallet
– A pallet deck selected for the load distribution
– Edgeboard for the tall pallet corners
– Top protection beneath strapping
– Stretch wrapping
– Dunnage Bags between pallet rows
– Canned food
A possible system may include:
– A custom Paper Pallet or Slip Sheet
– Layer pads where required
– Edgeboard around the complete load
– A suitable wrapping or strapping arrangement
– Cargo securing after loading
– Bagged ingredients or powders
A possible system may include:
– Paper Pallet or compatible Slip Sheet
– A stable interlocking bag pattern
– Edgeboard to define the pallet corners
– A top board
– Wrapping or strapping
– Dunnage Bags for cargo-level gaps
– Frozen or chilled packaged products
A possible system may include paper-based load platforms or Slip Sheets where the materials and design have been evaluated for the expected humidity, temperature changes and handling conditions. The packaging should not be described as waterproof unless the selected specification supports that claim.
How to Select the Right Packaging System
Product information
Provide:
– Product type
– Primary packaging format
– Carton, bag or tray dimensions
– Unit weight
– Number of products per carton
– Number of cartons per load
– Load information
Confirm:
– Total packed weight
– Pallet dimensions
– Load height
– Weight distribution
– Concentrated load points
– Number of layers
– Stacking pattern
– Centre of gravity
– Handling information
Identify:
– Forklift type
– Fork dimensions
– Required entry direction
– Hand pallet truck use
– Conveyor use
– Push-pull attachment availability
– Automated handling requirements
– Storage information
Confirm:
– Floor or rack storage
– Storage duration
– Stacking requirements
– Humidity
– Cold-storage conditions
– Wet-floor risks
– Outdoor exposure
– Transportation information
Provide:
– Domestic or export shipment
– Road, sea, air or multimodal transport
– Container type
– Shipment duration
– Destination
– Number of handling points
– Return or one-way distribution
– Customer requirements
Confirm:
– Accepted pallet type
– Slip Sheet handling availability
– Recycling facilities
– Maximum load dimensions
– Food-industry hygiene requirements
– Packaging-material restrictions
– Labelling or identification needs
– How the Packaging Should Be Evaluated
Before changing the complete packaging system, the proposed solution may need to be evaluated through:
– Product-fit checks
– Static load assessment
– Forklift handling trials
– Pallet movement trials
– Compression testing
– Bending testing
– Strapping testing
– Stacking evaluation
– Moisture-condition review
– Trial shipments
– Post-delivery inspection
Eltete’s company profile states that compression, bending and strapping tests can be provided in-house when required.
Test results should be associated with the exact:
– Product
– Load arrangement
– Pallet or Slip Sheet design
– Protective components
– Handling method
– Environmental condition
– Frequently Asked Questions
– Does Eltete provide food and beverage transport packaging?
Yes. Eltete identifies food and beverage as one of the market segments served by its complete Transport Packaging Solutions system.
What products are included in a complete Eltete solution?
A solution may combine Paper Pallets, Slip Sheets, PallRun®, EdgeRunner®, Edgeboard, Honeycomb Board, suitable top boards, strapping, stretch film and Dunnage Bags according to the application.
Are Paper Pallets suitable for packaged food?
Yes. They may be used for appropriately packaged food products when the pallet is designed according to the load, handling method, storage conditions and destination.
Can Paper Pallets carry beverages?
They may support suitable beverage shipments when designed for the total weight, load distribution, handling and storage conditions. Heavy beverage loads require application-specific evaluation.
Can Slip Sheets be used for food exports?
Yes. Eltete’s company profile identifies Slip Sheet demand for exports involving frozen foods, confectionery, animal food, dairy products, powders, beverages and other packaged products.
What equipment is required for Slip Sheets?
Compatible palletless handling equipment is normally needed, commonly a forklift with a push-pull attachment. The receiving location must also be able to unload the load.
How does Edgeboard protect food and beverage loads?
Edgeboard protects carton corners, creates a more structured pallet perimeter, supports load stability and provides protection beneath strapping.
Can Honeycomb Board be used between food products?
Honeycomb Board can be used as a divider, layer pad, cushioning component or customised support within secondary or tertiary transport packaging. Direct food-contact use should not be assumed without specific approval.
What are Dunnage Bags used for?
Dunnage Bags fill suitable gaps between complete cargo units inside trucks, containers, trains or ships. They cushion the loads and help restrict cargo movement.
Is the complete packaging system recyclable?
Eltete describes its paper-based transport packaging products as 100% recyclable. The complete shipping system may also contain film, straps, liners or other materials that require separation into different recycling streams. Local acceptance should be confirmed.
Are Eltete Paper Pallets waterproof?
They should not automatically be described as waterproof. The selected design should be evaluated for humidity, condensation and limited moisture exposure, while heavy rain and standing water should normally be avoided.
Are paper-based solutions suitable for frozen food?
Eltete identifies frozen food among the products using Slip Sheets in export shipments. The complete packaging and load platform must still be evaluated for the expected temperature, humidity and condensation conditions.
Can the packaging dimensions be customised?
Yes. Paper Pallets and other components can be selected or customised according to product dimensions, load weight, handling requirements and destination. Honeycomb Board can also be cut into application-specific shapes.
Do paper-based pallets require fumigation?
Eltete presents its processed paper-based pallet solutions as alternatives that do not require the treatment associated with regulated solid-wood packaging. The complete shipment should still be reviewed if it contains any wooden components.
Is a Paper Pallet or Slip Sheet better?
A Paper Pallet may be more practical for conventional forklift operations. A Slip Sheet may save more load-platform space where compatible push-pull equipment is available. The correct option depends on the entire loading and receiving process.
Can Eltete test the packaging?
Eltete’s company profile states that in-house compression, bending and strapping tests can be provided when required.
Develop the Complete System Around the Product
A recyclable food and beverage transport packaging solution should not be based on one product alone.
The load platform must support the weight. Internal components must maintain positioning. Edgeboard must protect and stabilise the pallet. Wrapping or strapping must keep the unit together. Dunnage Bags may then be used to control cargo-level gaps after loading.
Eltete’s complete Transport Packaging Solutions approach allows Paper Pallets, Slip Sheets, Edgeboard, Honeycomb Board, PallRun®, EdgeRunner® and other components to be combined according to the packaged product, handling system, storage environment and destination.
Contact Eltete Malaysia to discuss a complete paper-based transport packaging system for packaged foods, bottled beverages, canned goods, confectionery, powders, dairy products or other food and beverage shipments.
