VDW Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken e.V.

We manufacture high-quality pallets (from numerous aluminium profiles) which are
tailored to individual applications which are available.

If it is a question of means of storage and transport in the pharmaceutical, food
and cosmetics industry, the following aspect is main focus in the discussion:

How hygienic are the pallets used in terms of GMP and HACCP regulations?

In terms of the "hygiene" issue, the GMP and HACCP regulations place high
demands on means of storage and transport used in sensitive areas. According to
these regulations, the pallets must be constructed in such a way that they reduce
the risk of a physical, micro-biological and chemical contamination as well as
contamination by foreign bodies.

Furthermore, the produced goods must be protected from physical or
mechanical effects (pressure, impact, damages, undesired temperature changes
or the effects of light). Furthermore, the products may not absorb any outside
smells from the environment, even the means of transport itself - whether a
pallet or a box - may not give off any smell. A static charge is also not desired.

Therefore aluminium is by far the most suitable material for the manufacture of means of storage and transport in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industry. Aluminium is not only rust-free, light, neutral and 100 recyclable and with a long service life but costs considerably less than stainless steel or titanium.

However:  a pallet is not always a pallet. Different products are required for
different applications and loads - because it makes a big difference whether
cartons, big-bags, bulk items or sacks or barrels are to be safely stored and
transported. We therefore recommend using a checklist to select the correct
pallet.

The selection of the correct strut profile is of crucial importance. The pallet gains
maximum stability and lifting capacity with the double-slope profile (DGBM). With
its sloped sides, this profile ensures that struts are nearly not deformed and
cleaning fluids can drain off as quickly as possible.

Pallets are a cost factor not to be underestimated at companies. In order to secure investments in the long term, quality should be ensured  when selecting the correct product. A clean layout of the welds, high stability, torsional stiffness and flatness as well as minimal bending are a  crucial factor for long-term application and usability.  

If a damaged pallet no longer can carry the loaded items and breaks, the potential damages can be great. To avoid this, pallets should be continuously checked to ensure they are in line with the HACCP concept. However, damaged aluminium pallets do not have to be taken out of commission immediately - often they can be repaired at an affordable cost. We offer our repair service as described below.