Besides an expanded merchandising area, Hexacomb Billboard pallets are lighter, handle heavier pallet loads, and provide nesting and sanitation benefits.

Pregis Hexacomb took the opportunity at PACK EXPO to introduce a new-generation all-paper, honeycomb-based pallet option that gives consumer packaged goods companies surfaces for branding messages on the pallet itself.

Called Hexacomb® Billboard™, the pallet alternative adds an outer-edge wrap consisting of kraft paper layers laminated to a clay-coated (white) outer surface. Logos, branding communications, retailer names, and other information can be flexo-printed on the outer-edge wrap in a repeating pattern. Besides these options, the edge wrap improves pallet strength and durability, key considerations in the ever-increasing interest in retail-ready packaging.

The pallets are made from linerboard and water-based adhesives, and are being tested in retail stores across the nation. Early results are favorable; users are finding the pallets offer an intriguing way to transform pallets into true displays in the store.

Besides the added marketing "real estate," the pallets offer the following advantages:
• Water-resistance, attributed to the 80% virgin fiber content and the wrapped fiberboard content in the pallets.
• The ability to handle static loads of up to 6,000 lb.
• The pallets themselves are lighter-weight—no more than 10 lb, compared with 40 lb for typical wood pallets, eliminating about 800 lb of pallet weight per truckload to improve transportation costs.
• Better nesting capability.
• Improved sanitation and cleanliness.
• A smooth surface.