GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the name behind Ribena, has enlisted the
expertise of Arca Systems. The company has invested in 6000 of Arca's
Big Box Pallet Containers, for the shipment of blackcurrants, used in
the popular fruity drink.
With blackcurrant one of the
hardest stains to remove, 'washability' of the boxes was a major
requirement. The Arca boxes were specially designed with a smooth based
skid. Easier to clean than standard skids with ribbing, they also
reduce the amount of dirt transferred from the picking fields to the
central processing plant, for a more hygienic and efficient system.
Unlike with previous boxes made in single moulding, the smooth skids
are replaceable, resulting in a longer operational life.
Michael
Dunsire, Sourcing Director for GSK explains: "Arca's boxes have
eliminated the need for liners, and the ready-made area in which to
place a bung has made cleaning the boxes an easier task. What's more,
the boxes have saved 14 tonnes of plastic waste per year and transport
costs have been significantly reduced."
He continued,
"Arca has a reputation as a very professional company with experience
of dealing with blue chip companies. The realistic pricing of the
boxes, which could be held over a two-year period, and a promise of
delivery on time, made Arca stand out from its competitors. The boxes
have a 10% larger capacity than others with the same footprint, and we
now have more control over supply and health and safety issues."
GSK
has an agreement with its contracted growers for specific tonnage
requirements. However, as there can be an overflow of blackcurrants,
many of them have to be stored until required at a temperature of -20oC.
Prior to the contract with Arca, GSK had rented boxes for shipment
purposes, which made ordering extra boxes for storage a time-consuming
and expensive task.
Trials were carried out to ensure that
the Arca boxes were able to withstand a variety of temperatures,
including freezing. Blackcurrants picked from a variety of regions can
now be stored and sold - so in Ireland, Ribena 'made with Irish
blackcurrants' can be bought. It was Arca's flexible approach to
problems and its ability to meet specific requirements that encouraged
GSK to invest in the Big Box Pallet Containers. Another 6000 are
planned for the coming harvest.
