Electronic Parts/Guidelines - infoHouse

8.0 Pallet Reutilization
8.1 Abstrad
A significant portion of IBM's solid waste stream is represented by wooden shipping pallets (refer to
Table E on page 26). Finding alternatives which reduce the quantity of pallet waste material is the
focus of this chapter.
8.2 Purpose
This chapter provides suggestions which are designed to enhance shipping pallet reuse. As reuse
increases, dkposai is avoided or prolonged. Pallet revitalization and means of pallet disposal other
than landfiiiing are also discussed.
8.3 Scope
Reutilization consists of reuse, refurbishment, and/or finding secondary, non-waste disposal applica-
tions for materials which have completed their intended purpose. Pallet reutilization will impact IBM,
it's suppliers. it's customers, and some third-patty service organizations. IBM's pallet reutilization phi-
losophy is based upon the exclusive use of standard sizes and construction methodoioOies for its ship-
ping paiiets.
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8.4 Pallet Standardization
Whenever materials are transported, they are normally palietized on a wooden shipping pallet to form
r single handling unit for convenience in shipping and stowage. The shipping pallet functions as the
interface between materials and automated handling systems in use by materials manufacturers,
including IBM. Because of the time and/or expense involved in tailoring handling equipment to a
variety of pallet sizes or designs, a standardized shipping pallet is of great importance. As pallet size
and construction become standardized, the likelihood of pallet reuse increases significantly- A pallet
which is completely compatible with existing materials handling configurations is highly desirable,
while those which differ from an established standard are frequently discarded as waste.
One of the simpiast means of reducing the number shipping pallets and thus, potential waste material,
is to adopt a standard pallet. A standard pallet should be of a predefined size and construction, but
also rugged and compatible with IBM. supplier, customer, and carrier handling equipment.
A pallet standardization program begins with the supplier. As suppliers ship materials to IBM. they
are required to utilize IBM standard pallets. Their use of IBM standard pallets will help to ensure a
high quality shipment which will aid manufacturing efficiencies as incoming unit loads:
Need not be double-handled for repalietizing to correct for:
- damaged or inferior quality shipping pallets
- odd size or manner of construction which hinders subsequent processing,
are palietized on the same pallet that is used for outbound shipments reducing demand for the
purchase of new standard pallets.
setve to increase demand (volume) for the IBM standard pallets thereby reducing the unit price.