iGPS launches ‘fungicide-free’ plastic pallet rental service
The company promises its pallets will not absorb fluids that can lead to contamination, and never require treatment with toxic pesticides and fungicides.
This is sure to appeal to drug manufacturers in light of recent product recalls following complaints of musty smelling bottles - a problem since attributed to the presence of trace amounts of the fungicide 2,4,6-tribromoanisole.
Bob Moore, chairman and CEO of iGPS, stated, “The new service, iGPS bios, follows a year of research into the unique needs of these critical industries, and provides a level of pallet hygiene and security that cannot be achieved with pallets made of wood or other organic materials.”
Free from contamination
Each time they are rented, the pallets go through a rigorous routine of being inspected, individually washed and sanitised at an iGPS facility, then immediately enclosed in protective wrapping to prevent contamination from bacteria, pathogens, and airborne chemical contaminants or those from supply chain surfaces.
Moore claims iGPS bios’ pallets can then be delivered to clients in “new or like-new condition,” and “free of paint, toxic pesticides or fungicides.”
The four embedded RFID tags serve to enable pharma and life sciences firms to track and trace the pallets throughout the supply chain. Along with the recently introduced Spider AT battery-powered GMS/GPRS/GPS wireless tags, the pallet’s exact location can be accurately identified, allowing drug firms to get shipments back quickly in the event of a recall; something iGPS says can drastically lessen costs.
Furthermore, the company boasts its plastic pallets weigh less than 50lbs, and unlike their 75lbs wooden counterparts, can significantly lower fuel and transport costs.
“Switching from wood pallets to iGPS yields game-changing operational savings,” say iGPS bios, which claims studies conducted amongst its clients show savings of up to $2 per pallet load. This is attributed to the lower costs of transportation, reduced production downtime, larger loads per pallet, reduced product damage, and less rejected loads.
