A
30 x 32 AIAG Footprint
30" x 32" footprint, as specified by the Automotive Industry Action Group. Used as the standard pallet or bulk container footprint in the automotive industry. Containers are sized to maximize pallet efficiency.
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial protection seeks to inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold that can cause stains, odors, and product deterioration.
Automated guided vehicle (AGV)
Provide robotic transport of goods throughout a variety of manufacturing and specialty environments.
40 x 48 GMA Footprint
48" x 40" footprint, as specified by the Grocery Manufacturers of America. Used as the standard pallet or bulk container footprint in the food industry. Containers are sized to maximize pallet efficiency. This pallet footprint was devised to maximize space in 48' and 53' trailers and some ocean containers.
45 x 48 AIAG Footprint
45" x 48" footprint, as specified by the Automotive Industry Action Group. Used as the standard pallet or bulk container footprint in the automotive industry. Containers are sized to maximize pallet efficiency. This pallet footprint was devised to maximize 48' and 53' trailers space.
AIAG
Automotive Industry Action Group was started in 1982. Its mission is to improve its members’ competitiveness through a cooperative effort of North American vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers.
B
Blow Molding
Blow molding is a manufacturing process by which hollow plastic parts are formed. In general, there are three main types of blow molding: extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, and stretch blow molding. The blow molding process begins with melting down the plastic and forming it into a parison or preform. The parison is a tube-like piece of plastic with a hole in one end in which compressed air can pass through. The parison is then clamped into a mold and air is pumped into it. The air pressure then pushes the plastic out to match the mold. Once the plastic has cooled and hardened the mold opens up and the part is ejected.
Bulk Container
Bulk containers are used for transporting large volumes of materials, heavy parts, or large "bulky" parts in the assembly, work-in-process, storage applications. They accommodate various products, ranging from textiles to heavy automotive parts. Bulk containers are available in collapsible, straight-wall, and nestable styles. Custom interior dunnage can be designed to further protect the product being shipped.
C
Cardholder
Identification holder used on hand-held, bulk containers or racking systems. These cardholders accommodate removable cards with barcodes and other identification documents.
Collapsible Container
Collapsible bulk containers stack securely, protect what's carried inside, and when not in use, can be collapsed to a fraction of their height. Collapsible bulk containers are recyclable, made for the circular economy, and have a very low carbon footprint due to their reusability.
Creep
The dimensional change with time of a material under load, following the initial instantaneous elastic deformation.
Cross-Docking Facility
A cross-docking facility is when a shared center/warehouse is used to consolidate shipments from various suppliers. Based on their production levels, the product can be sorted and staged before going to the appropriate manufacturer. Cross-docking facilities are highly integrated with inventory needs to deliver products only when needed. This eliminates idle inventory and unnecessary storage at the manufacturer.
Custom Dunnage
Custom dunnage is designed and fabricated protective packaging that is used inside a bulk container, in a rack, or on a pallet to further protect the product being shipped. Dunnage can be made of foam, fabric, or plastic. Sometimes referred to as "dunnage" or "inserts." Dunnage can be returnable, reusable, or expendable.
For custom dunnage visit our parent company RPP Containers website for custom dunnage options.
Cycle Time
The amount of time needed to finish one cycle of an operation. Please note: cycle time is not the same as takt time. Takt time is the time allowed to produce one of a product at the rate the customer demands. When cycle time equals takt time, products are made in Single-Piece Flow.
Compression-Molding
Compression molding consists of a two-piece mold that provides a cavity having the shape of the desired molded part. Depending on the material used, either molten thermoplastic material is placed in a cooled mold or thermoset material is placed in a heated mold. Once the appropriate amount of molding material is loaded into the lower half of the mold, the two mold parts are brought together under pressure. The compound is compressed into a continuous mass held until it can be removed without distortion when the mold is opened.
Cost Justification
Cost/benefit analysis is used by companies when implementing reusable packaging to compare costs and demonstrate savings over the life of the packaging.
Cellular Manufacturing
Cellular manufacturing is a process of manufacturing that is part of just-in-time manufacturing and lean manufacturing. The goal of cellular manufacturing is to make a wide variety of similar products as quickly as possible while making as little waste as possible.
Class A
Used primarily in the automotive industry, any product designated as visible to the occupant of a vehicle.
Closed-Loop
A well-defined circuit of shipping and delivery points. This indicates that the supply chain loops are closed, allowing reusable packaging to travel back and forth. This closed circuit is critical, so the containers and pallets that flow through the supply chain do not get misdirected or lost.
CPG
Consumer packaged goods (CPGs) is an industry term for merchandise that customers use up and replace frequently. Examples of consumer packaged goods include food, beverages, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
D
Distribution
Distribution is the movement of products within a supply chain, from supplier to manufacturer, manufacturer to distribution center (DC), distribution center to retail outlet or retail directly to the consumer.
Distribution Realm
Distribution realms are health and beauty, bakery, and drug store items were all industries that really used the first returnable container for distribution and return.
Divider Sheet
Divider sheets are plastic sheets used between layers of product being shipped on a pallet. Available in multiple footprints to match the pallet and top frame being used. Divider sheets protect product and stabilize the pallet load.
Dunnage
Dunnage is a term that describes packaging components that fit inside a bulk container. Examples of interior packaging components are blocks, boards, planks, and plastic or metal bracing used to secure, protect, and support parts and products for and during transport.
For custom dunnage visit our parent company RPP Containers website for custom dunnage options.
E
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is applied science concerned with the characteristics of people that need to be considered in designing and arranging things that they use so that people and things will interact most effectively and safely.
ESD-Protective
Containers manufactured in ESD-protective materials protect its contents from static electricity and electrostatic damage. These materials are designed to absorb the charge and pass it to the ground, bypassing the contents of the containers and reducing costly product damage.
Extrusion
Extrusion is defined as the act of shaping a material by forcing it through a die by using a screw extruder. Extrusion is employed in producing film, pipe, sheet, profiles, and coatings on wire, paper, and other substrates.
Expendable Packaging
Expendable packaging is one-time use packaging. Requires disposal after one trip.
Exterior Dimensions
The longest, widest and highest OUTSIDE dimensions to define the total space occupied by the packaging.
F
FDA-Approved Material
The material ingredients, used in the manufacture of finished goods, are approved as safe for direct contact applications with food. These materials have been tested and verified by the FDA and are listed in 21 Code of Federal Regulations.
Flexible Manufacturing System
A manufacturing system that enables the production of various items, in small quantities, at a low cost per unit. Characteristics of a flexible manufacturing system are often quick changeover and rapid response time.
G
Gaylord
Bulk boxes are often made of corrugated fiberboard, either double wall or triple wall. Many corrugated bulk boxes have covers. The main body of some is similar to a half slotted container with flaps on the bottom; others have a separate base (similar to the cover) and a sleeve for side walls. Additional corrugated liners and box reinforcement are sometimes used to control bulging.
H
Hand Held Container
Hand held containers are containers that an operator can pick up and carry to a workstation or assembly line. Both the weight of the container and its contents are manageable for one person to safely and comfortably handle, carry and use.
Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HAACP)
The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) regulation is used to eliminate hazards in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, food and beverage, seafood, and dairy processing facilities. HACCP is used to secure the safety of food products during production, processing, packaging, storage, and transport. Selected reusable plastic packaging and pallets are designed to comply with HACCP requirements and offer optimum hygiene due to controlled raw materials, controlled production, and easy cleaning.
Hot Stamp
Heat stamping is a heat-transferred permanent identification stamp for plastic containers and pallets. Heat stamps can be customized according to the user's specifications. Heat stamps allow for easy visual inventory management and facilitate delivery to the appropriate destination and return to the appropriate source.
I
Injection Molding
Injection molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting material into a mold. Injection molding can be performed with a host of materials, including metals, glasses, elastomers, confections, and most commonly thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Material for the part is fed into a heated barrel, mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity. After a product is designed, usually by an industrial designer or an engineer, molds are made by a mold maker (or toolmaker) from metal, usually either steel or aluminum, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired part.
Inside Dimensions
Inside dimensions are the inside length, width, and height dimensions of a given package.
J
J.I.T. Manufacturing
Just-In-Time production system operates on the premise that product will be delivered "just in time" for assembly or finishing. The frequent deliveries of small quantities on time. It seeks to consolidate the number of suppliers and reduce the distance between supplier and final destination.
K
Knockdown Collapsible Containers
Knockdown collapsible containers are used for transporting large volumes of materials, heavy parts, or large "bulky" parts in the assembly, work-in-process, storage applications. They accommodate various products, ranging from textiles to heavy automotive parts. Bulk containers are available in collapsible, straight-wall, and nestable styles.
L
Lean Manufacturing
An English term coined to describe the Japanese manufacturing philosophy of continually reducing waste throughout the workflow to increase productivity and profitability. Emphasizes total system efficiency, continuous improvement, value-added activity, and respect for people.
Lean Packaging
Lean packaging is the role of reusable packaging in a lean environment. It is a strong catalyst towards practicing lean principles in an operation.
Life Cycle
The sequence of stages spanning the lifetime of a product, process, service, facility, or enterprise, from inception to final use and disposition. Could include extraction, acquisition, manufacturing, reuse and disposal.
Load Capacity: Static
Static load capacity is the number of pounds a pallet will efficiently and safely hold in a static application.
M
Material Handling
Material handling the process of developing and implementing manual, mechanized and automated systems to move product and materials throughout a facility or supply chain.
Material Management
Material management is the collaborative management functions that support the complete cycle of material flow. Begins with the design and purchase of the product/material and continues with the work-in-process, warehousing, shipping and distribution activities required to output it in is finished state.
N
O
P
Pallet
A pallet is a flat, durable, portable platform used to support, transport, and store all types of different containers and products. Reusable plastic pallets are lightweight, reusable, recyclable, and available in various footprints. Nestable pallets are generally used in distribution applications because of their favorable nest ratio for reduced return transportation costs and better storage. Rackable pallets are used in static rack storage and work-in-process applications because of their high load capacity and rackability. Stackable pallets are used in general work-in-process and static storage. Allows pallet loads to be stacked atop another pallet load.
Pallet Pack Container
Pallet pack containers, also known as sleeve pack containers, provide exceptional versatility, allowing them to be used in a variety of applications. With the ability to hold thousands of pounds per load, these containers’ strength-to-weight ratio is tough to beat. Engineered with lightweight material and a 7:1 nesting ratio, it makes it easier to handle and store. Pallet packs are available in a triple-corrugated, military-grade cardboard and a weather-resistant reinforced plastic. Each three-piece pallet pack container system consists of a plastic pallet base, lid and sleeve. The base and lid interlock with the chosen sleeve, promoting stability and unmatched vertical load capacity.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is in the same family as polyethylene (PE). This plastic materials offers excellent chemical resistance and ease of manufacturability that remain similar to PE. PP's advantages over PE includes its great stiffness and elevated use temperature. Depending on the application, PP materials can retain strength at temperatures up to 150 degrees F.
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used plastic materials and offers excellent chemical resistance, easy manufacturability, strength, toughness, and durability. PE is suited for typical manufacturing environments as the material remains stable at temperatures encountered in cold winters (below 0 degrees) and hot summers (just over 120 degrees F). At temperatures exceeding 120 degrees F, the material becomes rubbery, thereby reducing the strength properties.
Pull System
A production system in which items are manufactured based on actual real-time needs from downstream operations (final assembly or equivalent).
R
Rackable Pallet
Rackable pallets are designed for static storage in racking systems. They can offer unsupported rack capacities up to 3,000 lbs.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Systems that read or write data to RF tags that are present in a radio frequency field projected from RF reading/writing equipment. Data may be contained in one (1 ) or more bits for the purpose of providing identification and other information relevant to the object to which the tag is attached.
Resin
Plastic resins are not any one material, but a family of related materials with various properties that can be formed to meet the requirements for the bottles, containers, closures, and caps used for your drugs, vitamins, and other pharmaceutical and medical products.
ROI
Return on investment. Reusable packaging has an ROI of 6 - 18 months, depending on application.
Rotation-Molding
Powdered plastic resin is placed into a mold. The product is formed as the resin fuses from the centrifugal force on the heated mold while spinning at a very high rate of speed.
S
Seat Belt System
Used for efficient, stable stacking and transport of full pallet loads. The seat belt retractor is placed on the pallet and the buckle is placed on the top cap. Can be placed on 2 or 4 sides and eliminates the need for stretch wrapping or banding.
Straight-Wall Container
Straight-wall containers that can be placed on top of each other. The bottom of the first container rests on the top, outer rim of the second container. Containers fits securely with another without damaging or distorting the containers or contents.
Structural Foam-Molding
Plastic and nitrogen gas are injected into a closed cavity mold. The part is cooled to create the exact shape of the mold. The combined use of these materials create a cellular core that forms a solid skin.
Security Holes
Openings located on both the container and the lid for plastic ties, which secure the internal contents of the container from theft and damage.
Slip Sheet
A flat plastic sheet, available in varying thicknesses, placed beneath a load of product to easily move loads in a warehousing or distribution application. Used primarily in systems that utilize forkifts equipped with a push/pull device. Slip Sheets have one to four tabs that run the length of the sheet. These tabs bend to create easy-to-grasp edges that are "pulled" by the push/pull device. Can be used with or without a pallet, and performance characteristics will vary by application.
Stack-N-Nest
Containers that stack when full or with a cover, and nest when empty. Or, when rotated 180 degrees to each other, these containers can be stack on top of another. When not rotated, they nest inside each other.
Supply Chain
A supply chain is a well-defined network of shipping and delivery points within a certain industry, from raw material manufacturers to the consumer. A supply chain consists of various loops between different points on the chain. The supply chain typically comprises multiple collaborating companies that design, produce, deliver and service the goods.
T
Thermoforming:
Single Sheet
A sheet of plastic is heated, then drawn by vacuum over a mold. The vacuum is used to create definition to the final part.
Tote
A handheld tote is a container that can be picked up and moved by hand. Another type of tote is a container used to transport or store a large volume of liquid, semi-solid, or solids. Other names for a tote include plastic agricultural cases and bulk bins. Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) are the most common solution utilized in the supply chain management industry.
Thermoforming:
Twin Sheet
Two sheets of plastic are heated, then drawn by vacuum over a separate mold, then fused together through pressure to form a structural double-walled part.
Third-Party Logistics provider (3PL)
A third-party logistics provider is an outsourced service provider of a business's production, transportation, and warehousing functions. Companies that outsource these competencies enter alliances with core service providers. These services range in usage, including inbound transportation, container management, or inventory management. This provider negotiates pricing and service based on guaranteed volume.
Top Cap
Top Caps are placed on top of a palletized container load to permit stacking of one pallet load of containers on top of another. It allows loads to be securely stacked and offers a uniform distribution of weight to prevent contamination and product damage.
V
Vacuum Forming
Vacuum forming is a simplified version of thermoforming, whereby a sheet of plastic is heated to a forming temperature, stretched onto or into a single-surface mold, and held against the mold by applying a vacuum between the mold surface and the sheet. The vacuum forming process can be used to make most product packaging and speaker casings. It is also used to fabricate car dashboards.
