Bio-plastics: is not gold all that glitters

It shouldn’t be a surprise that there is often confusion when talking about bio-plastics, In this post we will clarify some terms and also shed some light on the cons of bio-plastics.

Let’s start by listing some of the different types of plastic:

- Degradable: All plastic is degradable, even traditional plastic, however not all degrade at the same speed.

Some additives to traditional plastics make them degrade more quickly. Photodegradable plastic breaks down more readily in sunlight; oxo-degradable plastic disintegrates more quickly when exposed to heat and light.

- Biodegradable: Biodegradable plastic can be broken down completely into water, carbon dioxide and compost by microorganisms under the right conditions.

- Compostable: Compostable plastic will biodegrade in a compost site. Microorganisms break it down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass at the same rate as other organic materials in the compost pile, leaving no toxic residue.

If we turn our focus now to bio-plastics, we can identify two main types:

- PLA (polyactic acid): Typically made from the sugars in corn or potato starch, or sugarcane. It is biodegradable, carbon-neutral and edible.

PLA can look and behave like polyethylene (used in plastic films, packing and bottles), polystyrene (plastic cutlery) or polypropylene (packaging, textiles).

- PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate): Made by microorganisms that produce plastic from organic materials. The microbes are deprived of nutrients like nitrogen or oxygen, but given high levels of carbon.

They produce PHA as carbon reserves, which they store in granules until they have more of the other nutrients they need to grow and reproduce. Companies can then harvest the microbe-made plastic.

Because it is biodegradable and will not harm living tissue, PHA is often used for medical applications such as sutures, slings, bone plates and skin substitutes.

Now that we have clarified some of the different types of bio-plastic, let’s address the controversy.

While bio-plastics are generally considered to be more eco-friendly than traditional plastics this isn’t necessarily true when the materials’ life cycles were taken into consideration.

Bio-plastics production results in greater amounts of pollutants, due to the fertilisers and pesticides used in growing the crops and the chemical processing needed to turn organic material into plastic.

While the biodegradability of bio-plastics is an advantage, most need high temperature industrial composting facilities to break down and very few cities have the infrastructure needed to deal with them.; as a result, bio-plastics often end up in landfills where, deprived of oxygen, they may release methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

When bio-plastics are not discarded properly, they can contaminate batches of recycled plastic and harm recycling infrastructure. If bio-plastic contaminates recycled plastic, the entire lot could be rejected and end up in a landfill. So separate recycling streams are necessary to be able to properly discard bio-plastics.

Another point is the fact that the land required for bio-plastics competes with food production because the crops that produce bio-plastics can also be used to feed people. In addition, the water and petroleum used to run the farm has a greater carbon footprint.

Finally, at the moment bio-plastics are still relatively expensive, 20 to 50 percent more costly than fossil fuel based plastics because of the complex process used to convert corn or sugarcane into the building blocks for the final product.

In summary, right now, it’s hard to claim that bio-plastics are more environmentally friendly than traditional plastics when all aspects of their life cycle are considered: land use, pesticides and herbicides, energy consumption, water use, greenhouse gas and methane emissions, biodegradability, "recyclability" and more, but as researchers around the world work to develop greener varieties and more efficient production processes, bio-plastics do hold promise to help lessen plastic pollution and reduce our carbon footprint.

Pallets; when you thought that there was only one thing you can do we them

When you thought pallets were only meant to be used in warehouses and with the only purpose of storing merchandise, there is life for these awesome pieces of wood or plastic after they have served their time in the depot.

Don´t believe me? check the below video out and get started on recycling your old, or new, pallets! More than 200 hundred idead to take them back to life!

Bonus track: This is an awesome way to go across the city!

Pall-Ex, Hilary Devey

By an unexpected chance I get to watch for the first time Drangon´s Den: probably most of you have watched the pograme, but for all of you that haven´t, its a reallity television program that freatures entepreneurs pitching their business ideas to get the investetment they need to secure their business from a couple of self made millionaries.

After watching several episodes I was so fascinated by the figure of one of he dragons, Hilary Devey, that I decided to research and write about her, therefore, today´s post will verse about, yes, you had it right!! Hilary Devey, CEO and founder of Pall-Ex.

Pall-Ex its a palletised freight network company founded in 1996.Since its creation has grown to become the UK’s number 1 network for distribution of palletsied goods with over 7,500 trucks and 5 million square feet of warehousing facilities.

Most of you already are familiarized with the company, and some will probably have heard about Hilary´s origins but before I go thorugh her story, I will recomend you to watch the next video, which will give you an insight of Hilary´s muiltimillionaire business and on what she had to give up to start from scratch what today is one of the most successful business in the UK.

Honestly, it takes a lot of courage to sell all your properties to start a dream that yes, might work out well, but also might end up failing and letting you skint with a pile of debt to pay off and turning what was supponed to be your dream into a nightmare. But that´s exactly what Hilary did after seeing her loan request rejected, she decided to sell almost everything she had to start Pall-Ex, and by now, you know the end of the story!

The more I read about her, the more respect she earned from me. Being a woman in a tipical male business, a single mom and a trully enterpreneur with not financial support whatsoever makes her story even more inspiring.

I recomend you to read the next interview, recently publiched by The Guardian, where Hilary speaks about the difficults she faced troughout the process of setting her company and about some other personal issues she has have to overcome to get where she is at the present time. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2012/may/20/hilary-devey-dragons-den-interview)

You've written your autobiography. Your life was pretty eventful from early on, wasn't it? 

It wasn't the usual childhood. My dad was very spontaneous: it was: "Come on kids, we're going on holiday." "No, Arthur, you can't, they're at school tomorrow." "Sod it, they'll learn more with me." Or, 11 at night, "I think I'll knock that wall down." The following morning, we'd get up and the wall would be gone. It was a rather different childhood.

But you also reveal some extremely traumatic times, particularly being raped when you were a young adolescent. How did it feel to write about it?

It was emotionally stressful. Things I suppose that you suppress over many, many years, that are not even thought about for many, many years, actually came to the pen. I've never told a soul; even my family are going to get a shock when they read that.

And we get a glimpse of the embryonic dragon. You got the bug early, didn't you?

I've always loved business, since being a kid. Even from working on a stall on the market. I could take dictation in shorthand and type the letter by the age of 11. It must be inbred. I love the cut and thrust of getting the deal.

You've had a very successful career in the freight industry and brought a son up on your own. How did you manage that?

I had to go back to work two weeks after my son was born, but those two weeks I had with him were probably the happiest of my life. But I had to feed him, clothe him, house him. I'm totally independent. It was my choice to have him. The fact that his father chose to sod off isn't the state's fault, is it? I was determined I would continue with a career.

You describe some traumatic times with your son, Mevlit. How are things now?

I'm very positive about my son. Very, very proud of him. He's one in 10 million, 100 million, that comes back from the brink of death as a heroin addict and puts his life back on track, and he's now working, he's happy, he's slowly, slowly becoming an outgoing, humorous person again, with the aid of no drugs whatsoever.

Do you think women get a fair deal in the workplace? Is it getting better?

There is chauvinism or misogyny in any industry all over the world. Therefore, if a woman's got it in her, then for God's sake, fight for it, go for it, get there. I do feel that having a child, and taking a sabbatical to have a child, and taking two years out of the corporate ladder to care for that child, if you think of a woman's working life now, it's probably 30-40 years, so it's not even a tenth of her career, so why should she be penalised?

How does it work in your companies?

My middle and senior management within the businesses are a 50/50 split. I do think mixed-gender workforces have more fun and are more innovative. You can have more banter; you can have more tears as well. But, in general, I think you get more out of a mixed-gender workforce.

You were an instant hit when you arrived on Dragon´s Den. Had you ever thought about going on TV before?

No, never. They just said I was a natural. Whether I am or not, I don't know. People respond to being told the truth and I don't believe there's any other way to do it. I was always brought up that, if you've got any bad news to deliver, then you must deliver it face to face and look them in the eyes. And you take compassion out of a commercial decision and then put some compassion in subsequently. That's been my mantra all my life.

Why do you think we're so obsessed with shows such as Dragons' Den and The Apprentice?

I think everybody's got a dream, and everybody wants to realise that dream. I want to help, but make them aware of what is required from them to make that dream come to fruition.

You obviously have a lot of fun getting dressed up for Dragons' Den, don't you?

I love doing it. Putting outfits together is my passion and I don't always buy expensive clothes, contrary to popular belief. I buy skirts and a cheap top and dress it up with a really nice jacket and matching shoes and a matching bag, and it looks fabulous, and I'm probably dressed for 50 quid. I actually hate wearing make-up – or as much as they put on me on TV. If I go out shopping on Oxford Street, it would be tinted moisturiser, a touch of blusher, bit of lippy, bit of mascara.

You do complain in the book about having to wear a different outfit for each posh do.

I've found that incredibly frustrating, really. I'm not getting value for money, am I? In fact, I am going to wear the same outfits again, and if I get criticised, I'm going to say: "Why be wasteful?"

You've suffered some ill-health in the last couple of years. How are you now?

I'm OK. I had a stroke; so have millions and millions of other people. It has left its after-effects, which are quite frustrating, but I'm one of the lucky ones, aren't I? I can now move my arm, but I've no feeling in my fingertips so I can't fasten buttons. I can't fasten a bra. I can't put rollers in my hair. I've got a young girl who'll help me with my hair and whatever. I'm very fortunate that a) I can afford it and b) I've got her. I keep saying" "You're my left arm" and she says: "But I'd rather be your right one."

So do you take it a bit easier these days?

I don't think I've had a holiday in 17 years. Some days, at weekends, I don't get up out of bed, I'm that tired. I have a shower, put clean pyjamas on, go back into bed with my Kindle and that's bliss.

Can you ever imagine yourself retiring?

I think I'd die when I do. I'll carry on working for as long as I can be effective. Once I start hindering, I like to think I've got enough savvy to say: "Enough's enough."

Any other jobs you'd like to have a go at?

I'd love to be in politics; it's probably my next career move. I tell you what, I don't think they'd like me very much, whichever party I joined.

I´m very much impress by this woman, and can´t think of a better example of a self made business person. I will keep an eye on every new venture she starts as I´m convinced there is plenty to learn from her.

If you would like to know more about Hilary, you can visit her personal website: http://www.hilarydevey.com/ you can read her biography "Bold as Brass: My Story" and of course you can watch her on Dragon´s Den.

Pallet storage methods

Most companies store their products in pallets at their warehouses. Depending on the necessities and the storage limitations, there are several pallet storage methods that can be used by the warehouse staff to efficiently storage the merchandise. In today´s post we will examine some of the most common pallet storage systems.

Block Stacking: The method of block stacking involves stacking boxes or units one on top of the other, and store them on the warehouse floor in lines of blocks. This is one of the most cost effective methods since it doesn´t require to use racks.

The pallets can be stacked to a specific height based on three conditions: 


-          The weight of the items placed on the pallets.

-          The height of the warehouse.

-          The pallet conditions

The pallets will need to be retrieved from the pile in a last in, first out manner, LIFO (not to be confused with the FIFO manner, which means first in, first out), therefore when stacking the boxes it has to be taken into account which pallet will be needed first to avoid leaving unusable empty spaces (this is referred to as a honeycombing effect) that can´t be refilled until the whole rack has been emptied.

This method is more useful for small and medium size warehouses that want to keep their expenses controlled.  

Stacking Frames: Stacking frames method allows for pallets to be store very high and it´s particularly useful when pallets are not stackable. The frames are made from decks and post and can be moved easily through the warehouse when needed.

This system is most used for those warehouses that need some extra space during busy periods. With stacking frames the issue of honeycombing is similar to block stocking.

Single-Deep Pallet Rack: Single-deep pallet racking provides access to each pallet stored in the rack, this method ends the honeycombing problem as whenever a pallet is taken out, a new one can be placed where the original was. This type of racking allows various heights depending on the needs of the warehouse and the forklift’s abilities.

There are several reason that make this method more efficient than others. Honeycombing issues are not a problem anymore as we said and space is available as soon as a pallet is removed. On the other hand, this method requires more space therefore warehouses with limited space are advice to choose a different pallet storage method.

Double Deep Rack: This method is similar to the single deep pallet rack differing in the double-deep rack being able to store pallets two deep. The double deep rack incorporates two single racks that are placed together, leading to a reduction of the number of aisles required, nonetheless this type of racking is susceptible to honeycombing and it might not be as efficient as the single deep racking.

Finally, double deep racking will require the business to invest in a double forklift to remove or place the pallets.

Drive-In Rack: This method offers from five to ten pallet spaces much alike the double deep rack. This type of method is similar to the block stacking because the last in and first out principle, LIFO, is used when retrieving pallets. The biggest problem of the drive in rack method is that it provides limited space for the forklift to place and remove stock resulting in increases of the time needed to maneuver the stock.

Pallet Flow Rack: This method is maybe the most expensive but I might be worth it as in some cases it´s also the most efficient. The pallet flow rack method makes it possible for a pallet to be moved from one end of the rack to the other end on a conveyor. The pallets are removed using the first in, first out method (FIFO). Once a pallet has been removed from its place, another pallet can be placed on the spot left

Push Back Rack: This method uses a rail guided carrier to push the pallets further back into the storage area. When a pallet is placed it pushes the other pallet loads back. When a pallet load is taken off, the next pallet is moved into that load’s position. This system is a LIFO solution and might not be suitable for those warehouses requiring FIFO. 

Depending on the particular need of a warehouse, choosing the best and most efficient pallet storage method can lead to more space, more time and more money saved.

Pallets (I) materials; advantages and disadvantages

 This post will be focused on one of the most important elements on every single warehouse, the pallets. We can define a pallet as a flat transport structure that supports goods. This definition can be extended but I aim to keep it as simple as possible.

The use of pallets has spread over almost every warehouse since they were first introduced. Is has been proved that pallets make it easier to move heavy merchandise, storage the goods in different levels and optimize space whether we are transporting goods or storing them.

Even though there are many pallets sizes, a few different sizes are widely used while the others are very rare particularly in medium and large size companies.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sanctions six pallet dimensions as follow:

	Dimensions (W × L)		Region most used in
	40.00 × 48.00		North America
	39.37 × 47.24		Europe, Asia; similar to 40" × 48".
	45.87 × 45.87		Australia
	42.00 × 42.00		North America, Europe, Asia
	43.30 × 43.30		Asia
	31.50 × 47.24		Europe

While most pallets are made of wood, there are also pallets made of metal, cardboard etc. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.

Wood

The majority of pallets used are made from wood due to this material being the cheapest compared to metal or plastic. We can find softwood pallets and hardwood pallets.

Some advantages of wooden pallets are:

-          Strong and durable

-          Less expensive than other materials

-          Easy to construct, repair, splinter and recycle

-          Suitable for storing in racks and piling.

In the other hand wooden pallets have some disadvantages that don´t make them ideal for some purposes

-          These pallets are heavier than plastic or paper pallets, making them more expensive when air freight is needed.

-          Difficult to clean leading to the growth of bacteria, insects etc. Most pallets shipped across national borders must be made of materials that are incapable of being a carrier of invasive species of insects and plant diseases, in this cases, it might not be feasible to use wooden pallets to transport the goods.

Paper

Paper pallets are used for light loads, and when recycling and easy disposal is important.

 

Advantages of this type of pallets are:

-          Light weight

-          Good strength for its weight

-          Recyclable and easy disposable

However paper pallets are the best choice when looking to store or transport light loads, they have some disadvantages:

-          Damageable if stored outside

-          Difficult to store in racks and piles

-          Not suitable for very heavy loads

Plastic

Plastic pallets are getting more and more common in supply chain due to the many advantages they have:

-          Highly resistant to water,  corrosion, contamination etc
-          Easy to clean
-          Durability and resistance

-          Low weight

Even though plastic pallets are becoming more and more popular, there are still several disadvantages that might make some companies reluctant to use these type of pallets:

-          More expensive than wood and paper pallets

-        Although plastic is more durable than other materials, when it cracks or breaks repairs are more expensive and difficult.

-          Sometimes plastic pallets can´t be stacked.

Metal

Aluminum and steel are the most popular materials used on metal pallets, and are generally found in the automotive, food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

Metal pallets only makes 1% of the current pallet distribution nonetheless they are becoming more attractive to industries that deal with heavy merchandise.

-          Stronger than paper, wood and plastic

-          Very resistant and durable

-          Easy to clean, free of pest

-          Suitable for food and chemical materials

-          Lower cost associated to insurance as metal pallets are more durable and cost effective and very rarely suffer considerable damage.

From the disadvantages point of view, we can mention

-         Metal pallets are more expensive than any other material

-         Heavier than other materials, incurring in higher costs when air transporting

We can say we know what we need to chose the type of pallet that suits most our business!

The next post will verse about the different types of pallets from the size and shape point of view.