Page 37 - Packaging News Magazine July-August 2018

July-August 2018
www.packagingnews.com.au BULK & INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING
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nise available polymer feedstock for the recycling process to substitute against virgin polymer. Polymer feedstock can be analysed in our full commercial laboratory and any vola- tile contaminants are removed in this process to ensure that our prod- ucts are suitable for all industries.
“In the circular route of the poly- mer, we look at the structure of com- ponents to be used to ensure they are compatible for reusing and to maxi- mise the yield on the return cycle.
“Our advanced machinery can manufacture products to the same standard as those produced from virgin polymer source material, which in turn gives independence of pricing to offer customers.”
PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS
The Corex manufacturing facility employs advanced technology and lean techniques that have resulted in major productivity improvements and benefits for the bottom line.
Whitely explains that the capacity of machinery has been upgraded, more efficient factory layouts have been in- troduced, and Rapid Improvement Processes, with significant input from employees, have been implemented.
“Corex has a focus on continuing strong growth. The tonnage of our sheet and fabricated products sold has increased by around 50 per cent in the past five years and export mar- kets have been developed in eight different countries, particularly in
South East Asia, and also in China, Vietnam and New Zealand,” he said. “There is a strong focus on devel-
oping innovative products in our de- sign and fabrication centre for a wide range of industry sectors, including aquaculture and seafood.
“For example, a recent develop- ment is a CoolSeal Box interlocking packaging system for the aquacul- ture industry that is constructed from polypropylene and designed for efficient palletising and logistics.
“We have also produced a Live Tank Box that is specially designed for the safe delivery of live produce such as abalone, mollusc, crabs and lobster. This product features high volume water flow through the box to ensure the seafood is kept in peak condition. It fits snugly into outer boxes for export and eliminates the need to repack.
“A box that doesn’t require a plas- tic liner can also be produced, par- ticularly for the seafood and meat in- dustries because it has a gusseted design that eliminates seepage.”
MAIN: MD Simon Whiteley with returned vessels from customers before processing.
LEFT: Marc Aliotti, national sales & marketing manager, shows off a range of Corex products produced from reused resin.
ABOVE: A Corex operator at the recycling machine controls.
BELOW LEFT: Plastic trim from Corex customers for recycling.
BELOW RIGHT: Recycled polymer before bagging for reuse.
BULK HANDLING
For bulk fish handling, Corex has designed the S-Bin which com- pletely breaks down for easy stor- age and transportation after it has been emptied.
Whitely points out that the S-Bin weighs only 22kg and a normal articu- lated trailer can carry upwards of 400 collapsed bins. “Another advantage is that this product can be customised for individual client needs and the walls are brandable to take a company logo and other information,” he said.
“Plastic has significant benefits over other materials such as card- board, including the ability to meet standards for cleanliness and hy- giene, and in providing durability and value for money, particularly in dealing with multi-trip requirements.
“We have recently produced a new innovative plastic box for packaging asparagus at the farm. Asparagus stems absorb moisture and continue to grow after harvesting, so a box is required with the ability to reduce temperature and minimise spoilage – a cardboard box used for this purpose would simply fall apart,” he said.
Corex is a member of the Victorian Manufacturers’ Hall of Fame which recognises those enterprises and in- dividuals that are leaders in their manufacturing field, both locally and internationally.
The company continues to enjoy impressive growth. However, White- ly says there are some significant challenges for the future relating to operating in a global supply chain, including the high cost of energy and high labour rates compared with competitors overseas. ■
In the circular route of the polymer, we look at the structure of components to be used to ensure they are compatible for reusing and to maximise the yield on the return cycle.”