Recyclable Thermal Pallet Covers Redefine Cold-Chain Logistics
The global logistics industry has long relied on plastic-based thermal covers to safeguard temperature-sensitive goods during transit. These covers, while effective, contribute significantly to environmental damage due to their limited recyclability. The increasing volume of plastic waste—much of which ends up in landfills—has sparked global regulations and heightened consumer expectations for sustainable solutions.
Enter Solaris, a breakthrough in eco-friendly thermal insulation for palletized goods. Created by 2nd Level Global Solutions, Solaris offers a 100% paper-based, recyclable, and water-resistant alternative to conventional thermal covers. Designed to protect cargo without compromising environmental responsibility, Solaris is setting a new benchmark for sustainable innovation in logistics.
Mark Hammond, Commercial Director of 2nd Level Global Solutions, emphasizes the urgency for change: “Plastic thermal covers, commonly used in global shipping, generate significant waste. These covers are difficult to recycle due to their composite material structure. Solaris eliminates this challenge by being fully recyclable, providing a greener option while ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive cargo.”
Unpacking Solaris and its innovative approach
Solaris is more than just an alternative to plastic—it’s a leap forward in sustainable logistics. Engineered entirely from paper, Solaris incorporates advanced technologies to provide robust thermal protection. Its innovative design includes a white reflective coating to minimize heat absorption and a micro-convective air pocket system that enhances insulation. This fusion of materials allows Solaris to match, and in some cases exceed, the performance of traditional plastic thermal covers.
In rigorous testing, Solaris has consistently demonstrated its ability to maintain cargo safety across varying temperature ranges. It offers superior tear and water resistance, ensuring shipments remain intact even under challenging conditions. With its recyclable composition, Solaris directly addresses the waste problem that has plagued the logistics industry for years.
How Solaris delivers performance without compromise
One of the most compelling aspects of Solaris is its ability to combine sustainability with high-performance thermal protection. Its multi-layered construction integrates advanced paper technology, creating an innovative blend of durability, insulation, and water resistance. The outer reflective coating reduces heat absorption by deflecting sunlight, while the internal micro-convective air pockets act as an additional barrier against temperature fluctuations.
Tests have proven that Solaris matches the thermal efficiency of traditional plastic covers, ensuring goods remain protected during transit. Even in extreme conditions, Solaris minimizes temperature excursions, safeguarding sensitive shipments like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and perishable goods.
Unlike many plastic alternatives, Solaris doesn’t compromise on durability. Its tear-resistant layers withstand the rigors of shipping, protecting cargo from physical damage, moisture, and other environmental hazards. Mark Hammond notes: “With Solaris, we’ve delivered a product that not only matches the performance of plastic thermal covers but surpasses them in environmental benefits. Solaris shows that businesses no longer have to choose between protecting their goods and protecting the planet.”
The Solaris range: Solutions for every shipping need
To meet the diverse demands of cold chain logistics, Solaris is available in four tailored product variants:
- Solaris 5: A lightweight solution featuring six layers of tear-resistant and water-resistant specialty paper. Designed for shipments requiring up to 7.5 hours of temperature protection at 40°C.
- Solaris 10: With 12 layers of insulation, this variant extends thermal protection to nine hours, making it ideal for mid-length transit routes or slightly harsher conditions.
- Solaris 25: The thickest and most robust variant, featuring 20 layers of insulation. This free-standing cover provides 10 hours of thermal protection, making it suitable for long-haul shipments under extreme conditions.
- Solaris S20: A unique solution made from structural corrugated cardboard, designed to support loads of up to 500kg. Its innovative design not only doubles freight capacity but also minimizes transportation costs and carbon emissions.
Each Solaris product is designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, ensuring businesses can choose the right solution based on their specific logistics needs. The Solaris S20, in particular, exemplifies how innovative design can achieve both cost and environmental benefits by reducing the number of trips required to transport goods.
Sustainability in action
One of the most impactful features of Solaris is its Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) calculation, which assesses the environmental impact of the product from production to end-of-life. This transparent metric allows businesses to quantify their contributions to sustainability and provides an opportunity to showcase their green initiatives to stakeholders and customers.
Traditional plastic covers are often disposed of after a single use, adding to material costs and waste management expenses. In contrast, the recyclable nature of Solaris offers a more circular approach, reducing waste and disposal costs. Companies that adopt Solaris also position themselves as leaders in environmental responsibility, giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
As the logistics industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint, innovations like Solaris represent a critical step forward. Traditional practices are no longer sustainable in the face of rising global awareness of climate change and the urgent need to reduce plastic waste. Recyclable thermal pallet covers, such as Solaris, embody the innovation required to meet these challenges head-on.
2nd Level Global Solutions remains committed to driving sustainability and advancing the industry with practical, environmentally responsible solutions. With Solaris, the company offers businesses a tangible way to make a difference—protecting their goods, minimizing their carbon footprint, and taking a bold step toward a greener future.
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