Efficient Container Solutions for Daily Use

dm Austria opted for the FKE 6320 container type with the basic dimensions of 600 x 400 x 320 mm as the basis for internal order production and the returnable system. The rugged polypropylene container from the foldable/collapsible plastic box series has a capacity of 65 l and meets or exceeds the stringent requirements of the packaging regulations for returnable transport containers. SSI SCHAEFER has launched five different standard boxes in the FK series - three containers 600 x 400 mm in size with side heights of 285, 300, and 320 mm, as well as two containers 800 x 600 mm in size with side heights of 320 and 450 mm. Like all standard plastic containers from SSI SCHAEFER, they are exactly matched to the Euro pallet dimensions. The fixed, strong upper edge of the FKE 6320 guarantees high torsional strength and safe stacking – with or without a lid. The reinforced ribbed bottom is ideally suited for automated system handling. Strong enough for stable angular support in the automated miniload system (AMS), quiet and smooth on the container conveying system, compatible and flexible for latticed grip areas and accessory options such as 2-part convenient hinged lids, cover hoods, trolleys such as the Roll-Fix, and the roller plate offer short and long term added value for the user in a wide range of internal and external processes. The possible uses are endless and ensure a more efficient handling. Additionally, they support the reduction of the user’s CO₂ footprint with every year of use!

Advantages that dm Austria intensively uses and consistently expands. “The order structures from the branches are becoming increasingly detailed,” emphasizes Herbert Scheiblauer. “At the same time, we are pursuing a separation strategy in warehousing and distribution. The returnable container system enables us to deliver a detailed order safely and damage free to our branches.” The FKE 6320s act as both source and target container for storage and picking at the Enns distribution center. Conveyor technology automatically guides the source container from the AMS to the respective workstations according to the goods-to-person principle. Up to 3,500 order positions per hour are removed there and picked directly into the target containers, which also serve as transport containers. Automatic container erectors upstream ensure that the employee receives ready-to-use containers. “With cartons, we would not only have to dispose of continuous purchasing costs and a lot of packaging waste in the branches,” explains the Transport & Warehouse Organizer. “In view of the high degree of order separation, we would also have considerable problems with palletizing according to branch requirements. The pallets loaded with cartons could hardly be stacked on top of each other without damaging the lowest sections due to a lack of stability. Additionally, distributing them in the back of a truck would waste an enormous amount of loading space.”

This is different with the plastic containers. The target boxes are filled to order, automatically removed from the picking stations via conveyor technology, and guided to consolidation stations where they are removed, stacked on pallets, and finally loaded for delivery to the branches. After storing the items, the branches fold up the transport containers to save space. Lastly, the containers are collected and transported back to the logistics center on schedule, closing the returnable system loop. “With the containers from the FK series, we can reduce our volume of empty containers returned by around 80%,” explains Josef Kendl. “Naturally, the use of returnable containers also supports the concept of sustainability.”