Best Practices for Stacking and Storing Resin Inventory

Guidelines for Proper Resin Storage

When inventory is improperly stacked and stored in warehouses, resins suffer reduced strength, flexibility and overall performance due to thermal degradation, moisture absorption and other factors that can be avoided with the following best practices.

• Ensure there is proper documentation and handling of materials upon delivery. Documenting any damages or material shortages at the time of receipt is crucial to addressing issues with the carrier.
• Keep warehouse temperatures stable and maintain good air circulation.
• Ensure dry, water-free conditions in warehouse and pallets.
• Monitor moisture content within warehouses. Immediately address sweating walls, wet floors and other environmental moisture.
• Keep pallets stored inside and maintain constant relative humidity at optimal levels.
• Minimize handling of inventory, but be sure to rotate stock every 6-9 months. This ensures that the same box does not carry the weight of boxes stacked above it for more than 270 consecutive days.
• Align pallets properly, as depicted in the illustration below. Incorrect alignment can cause the pallets to bend over time.
  • All boxes must be flush with the edge of the pallet with no overlap on the sides.
  • Stack height should comply with county fire codes or recommended stack height, which is typically listed on the side of boxes.
  • Keep adequate room between stacks to allow for airflow.
  • Avoid excessive spacing between deck boards.
• Have a solid top deck on a pallet with four or more stringers. Keep all pallets dry.

Results of Improper Resin Storage

Identifying improper stacking of boxes and pallets is crucial in order to avoid negative impacts on your business.

Guidelines for Managing Moisture

Always use a reliable and accurate moisture meter to measure moisture content levels.

• The optimal moisture content of boxes is 6.5%-7.5%.
• The acceptable moisture content in a pallet is 12%-13%. Be aware moisture often wicks up through the pallet.
• The linerboard is compromised when box moisture content passes 9.5%.
• For every 1% increase in moisture over 8%, the compression value will decrease in 10% increments.

As your trusted partner, M. Holland is here to help. Feel free to reach out to your account manager with any questions or concerns or email info@mholland.com.

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