Driving the Future: Continental Teams Up with Cabka to Transform Tire Storage with Eco-Friendly Plastic Pallets
Strengthening Efficiency and Sustainability in Logistics
[City, Date] - Continental, a global leader in tire manufacturing, has partnered with Cabka, the renowned manufacturer of load carriers made from recycled plastic, to introduce an innovative solution for tire storage. The collaboration has resulted in the development of a specialized 1600 x 1600 mm pallet crafted from 90% recycled material. It is designed for a new state-of-the-art, fully automated high-bay racking system at Continental Tires’ Otrokoviec plant in the Czech Republic.
The focus of the project was to continuously optimize production and logistics processes, ultimately enhancing competitiveness. The newly designed pallet has proven instrumental in achieving more efficient handling and storage of car tires, leading to improved space utilization and accelerated in- and out-bound processes.
Innovation Meets Sustainability
According to Jean-Marc van Maren, Chief Product Developer at Cabka, “This collaboration with Continental Tires represents a perfect synergy of innovation and sustainability. The pallet we developed not only meets the rigorous demands of the high-bay racking system but also underscores our commitment to using recycled materials for eco-friendly solutions in logistics.”
The unique dimensions of the pallet were strategically chosen to accommodate the diverse sizes of tires stored in the fully automated high-bay racking system, offering a space-optimized arrangement that ensures safe and stable storage. The pallet’s exceptional size contributes to enhanced logistics automation, from sorting and palletizing to efficient loading onto trucks.
According to Jie Chen, engineer at Continental Tires, “This tailored pallet developed in collaboration with Cabka has significantly contributed to both a streamlined tire storage process and sustainability. Its design not only meets the strict performance and durability requirements but also plays a crucial role in improving our CO2 footprint.”
Made from Recycled Plastic with Superior Performance
Crafted from 90% recycled HDPE, the 1600 x 1600 mm pallet meets rigorous performance and durability standards. The integration of steel reinforcements minimizes deflection, ensuring smooth internal transport and storage processes. With a maximum load capacity of 500kg, the pallet provides a comprehensive support surface for tires of varying dimensions. For fire protection reasons, the pallet’s surface is about 65% open, ensuring adequate penetration of the water in case of fire. Simultaneously, the design minimizes the risk of sharp edges scratching the tires stored on it or leaving marks over time, emphasizing the pallet’s commitment to both safety and tire preservation.
For this project, Cabka utilized its extensive pallet expertise, concentrated at its Innovation Center in Valencia, where the German company integrates material formulation, product design, and testing capabilities to produce reusable transport packaging with a circular economy approach.
Cabka’s ambition that the most innovative solutions should also be the most sustainable is visible in the fact of the new pallet’s transportation efficiency. The nestable feet design allows 30% more pallets to be transported per truck from their production site in Thuringia to the destination in the Czech Republic resulting in significant cost savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This volume-optimized transportation aligns with both companies’ commitment to sustainability.
The collaboration between Continental” and Cabka sets a new benchmark in sustainable tire storage, showcasing the impact of innovative solutions in the logistics industry. The tailored pallet not only addresses the immediate needs of the high-bay racking system but also opens upopens promising prospects for future advancements in tire storage and logistics.
About Continental
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 95,000 people in 54 countries and markets.
Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental delivers top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers.
www.continental.com
About Cabka
Cabka is in the business of recycling plastics from post-consumer and post-industrial waste into innovative reusable pallets- and large container solutions enhancing logistics chain sustainability. Cabka is leading the industry in its integrated approach closing the loop from waste to recycling to manufacturing. Backed by its own innovation center in Valencia it has industry knowledge, capability and capacity of making maximum use bringing recycled plastics back in the production loop at attractive returns. Cabka is fully equipped to exploit the full value chain from waste to end-products.
Cabka is listed at Euronext Amsterdam as of 1 March 2022 under the CABKA ticker with international securities identification number NL00150000S7.
www.cabka.com
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