Bespoke Returnable Packaging Concepts

The secret to successful returnable packaging is to work on the philosophy of "Design for Manufacturability". This is a proven methodology that works for any size of company. By utilizing this method Connect Industries are able to design the right handling concept to optimize reliability, serviceability, cost, flexibility and operator acceptance. Basic principles to follow are:-

• Standardised use of materials.
• Design for easy manufacture.
• Design for part orientation & handling - minimise manual effort.
• Design for ease of use.
• Design robustness into the concept - it may have to last up to 5 years.
• Aviod tight tolerances.

Our initial concentration is to construct a basic sample which is designed around the customers required size and pack factor requirements.

Any number of modifications are then carried out until the prototype is fully functional and is ready for trials.

Volumes are agreed and production only commences once all parties are satisfied with the concept to be built.

Another area that we are able to help manufacturers is to recycle existing stillage frames and stillages that are no longer in use. We are able to remove existing dunnage from stillages and design new concepts which will fit into the basic framework.

The example shown opposite shows how we were able to convert existing redundant tower pallets into "new" bonnet infill trim pallets for the 3CX.

This system reduces storage and disposal costs of the old frames and can reduce the overall cost of manufacture of the new handling concept.

Another style of returnable packaging concept available from Conect Industries Ltd is the "soft" packaging available for easily damaged or critical assembly parts. This concept is based on a PVC manufactured cell which allows painted or damageable parts to be sat in an abrasive free environment.

Each cell can be lined with different materials including Tyvek which creates a "soft" touch finish to each cell. This style of packaging is vey popular in the Automotive industry.

You will see there are many different styles of "soft" packaging available.

We are able to design and develop standard pidgeon hole single or double entry stillages. Various styles of either towable or manual push/pull trolleys as required.

We also, can develop the "hammock" style pallet as shown, this can hold multiples of parts up to 100 per stillage in some cases.

All of these sty;es of packaging can be offered with front curtains as shown on some of the pictures which are riveted to the top crossmember and fixed by velcro strips to either side of the pallet & curtain as required. we are also able to offer a roller blind system, this retracts into the front crossmember which is constructed into a channel. Front curtains and roller blinds can be screen printed with your company name and logo if required.

Double entry manual Push/Pull trolley

Hammock style pallet

Walk-In style pallet

Prototype single size pallet bogie

Lineside multi-part picking trolley

Multiple size pallet bogie with brake system

Vertical entry PVC insert

Prototype single size pallet trailer