Spain: Fedemco increases pallet production by 7%

These are standardised European-type pallets, or "CP" pallets for the pharmaceutical industry, although they also manufacture pallets to meet client-specific needs in terms of size, load capacity and resistance, etc.

As member of GROW International, Fedemco promotes the recycling of packages and wood packaging materials in the market. Therefore, according to Fernando Trénor, Director of Fedemco, the commitment of the packaging and wooden pallets sector with the environment is absolute.

"The sector needs a supply of wood in the short, medium and long term and this can only be achieved by promoting the cultivation of trees of rapid growth, such as poplars, as well as a sustainable management of the forests, especially of coniferous trees (pine trees, etc.)," he explains.

"The design of our packages and packaging materials is also in line with the CEN European legislation in terms of residue control, using the minimum amount of wood necessary, which is also recyclable after the end of the products' lifespan."




Advantages of wooden pallets over plastic pallets

Pallets from other materials have been produced for some time; however, Fernando says that, "plastic pallets have a very limited use for certain niche markets, and some solutions do not become widespread because they do not provide enough competitive advantages. Wooden pallets offer a much greater versatility."

Additionally, "wooden pallets can be easily repaired, have a lower cost than plastic pallets and are more environmentally friendly, because the wood comes from cultivated forests and their manufacture requires less energy, water and resources."

Advances in the pallet industry

Mr Trénor says that improvements are constantly made in the service provided by the manufacturers. "Factory automation helps in meeting customer demands in a variety of formats, sizes, pallet resistances, treatments for international trade, etc., and always with a timely service." 

Besides, "the improvements in pallet design lead to products that are better adapted to their intended use, with better resistance and greater reusability," he adds.

Impact of the recession on the sector

It is obvious that the pallet and packaging sector, as one closely linked with the country's economic activities, is also being affected by the current situation.

"The production of new pallets has considerably fallen in recent years. The INE estimates 2011's production was 38 million wooden pallets. Nevertheless, at Fedemco we have noticed a 7% growth in pallet transactions. This is due to their better reusability," he states.

Meanwhile, the situation of the horticultural and fresh product packaging sector, due to its close links with the food and exports sector, has shown a different behaviour in recent years, presenting, in fact, considerable annual growth rates.

The keys are innovation and constant improvement

"The biggest threat comes from missing opportunities offered by the market, which are linked to constant improvement. From Fedemco, we encourage our firms to innovate and improve the technical characteristics of the materials and packages, as well as their quality management," concludes Fernando Trénor.

For more information:
Roberto García (Marketing & Communication)
FEDEMCO
Prof. Beltrán Baguena,4. Valencia (Spain)
Tel: +96 349 57 13
rgarcia@fedemco.com
www.fedemco.com