HPE Emphasizes the Importance of Wooden Transport Packaging

In a globally connected economy, transport packaging faces special challenges. Particularly when transporting goods across the world’s oceans, items must be securely fixed and protected from external influences. Wooden packaging has proven to be especially effective in this regard.

(Bad Honnef) The Federal Association of Wooden Packaging, Pallets, Export Packaging (HPE) e.V. explains why wood is indispensable in international maritime logistics. Whether machines, systems, or electronic components – around 85 percent of global goods are transported in or on wooden packaging. And for good reason: The material naturally offers properties that make it ideal for freight transport. It also protects sensitive cargo from impacts, can be precisely adapted to the goods, and is slip-resistant – even in rough seas.

High-tech products from Germany are still in demand worldwide. Increasingly, sensitive electronics are being installed, which are expected to be fully functional and brand new upon arrival – regardless of whether in the jungle or the desert. Transport often occurs across the seven seas by ship in containers. What cannot be stored there due to space or weight constraints is loaded into the ship’s hold as break-bulk, just like in the past.

All of this places very specific demands on wooden packaging, as HPE Managing Director Marcus Kirschner knows: “The salty air, the violent movements of the ship in high seas, and crossing different climate zones must be taken into account when packaging.” Maritime packaging – as the technical term goes – must therefore be constructed and manufactured correctly by experts, ensuring that the cargo is securely stored. Special attention is paid to preservation and corrosion protection. “Especially against the aggressive salty air, taking various protective measures, from special films to desiccants or applying protective layers, is essential depending on the application, sometimes even in combination,” explains Kirschner.

Thorough Cleaning is a Prerequisite

However, a thorough cleaning is a prerequisite. Various influences and substances can cause corrosion during the pretreatment and manufacturing of metallic materials and systems. Often, simply touching with bare hands is enough. Once all this is considered, the container can be loaded after measuring, constructing, and manufacturing the wooden export packaging. What does not fit into a container is packed into a custom-made wooden crate. “One should not imagine a sailor’s chest, but rather custom-fitted wooden coverings for large machine parts, which can sometimes be larger than tiny houses,” concludes wooden packaging expert Kirschner.

Photo: © HPE