German international storage solutions provider BITO has added another bin variant to its successful MB multi-purpose container range as part of its new product innovation. Dean Lawrence, Managing Director, BITO Middle East, based in Dubai World Central Logistics City in Jebel Ali, provides the lowdown on the manufacturer’s multi-product and technology offerings in this contribution.
Online grocery purchases have seen a steep rise which is challenging online retailers. They are confronted with the question: How do I deliver temperature sensitive foods safely to the consumer if possible, without producing any further packaging waste? The online shopping trend is on the rise and goes hand in glove with the movement toward sustainable and eco-friendly shopping, especially in the food sector.
Avoiding plastic waste as far as possible-whether secondary packaging or single-use shopping bags for carrying purchases home-is becoming more and more of a priority with consumers. Reusable, stable carrying and transport aids are therefore more in demand than ever, by consumers and of course also by online retailers, who are looking for optimum solutions to reduce costs.
BITO provides the answer with their new MB Food & Delivery container that is an addition to the successful MB multi-purpose container series. Sized 600 x 400 x 373 mm, this container variant has been developed especially for the retail e-commerce market and is provided with various equipment options.
E-food sector suppliers
Suppliers in the e-food sector have gained a lot of experience over the years since the start of online food shopping particularly with regard to the necessary requirements when transporting food over the last mile to the customer. We have now responded by adding a new container type to our successful MB series.
What exactly is important to the customer – and therefore also to the end customer?
The goods must reach the consumer undamaged. Freshness and quality assurance are top priorities – compliance with cold chain requirements from leaving the market or warehouse to door-step delivery is essential.
In addition to this, goods that need to be shipped must be secured against tipping over. Another requirement was to minimize the number of totes required per delivery and to keep the storage area for empty totes small.
Customized containers
Customers do not only need a space-saving, nestable container, but also various options of customisation. It is important that a wide variety of products can be transported in the same container without wasting space.
The new container height, for example, resulted from the fact that 1.5L bottles often have to be transported standing, a requirement that was repeatedly brought to our attention. In addition, different temperature zones in one and the same delivery box are another requirement. Since packaging quality and product size can vary a lot, it is important to ensure that items do not tip over, break or leak.
The quality of the goods during transport and delivery must in no case be jeopardised, this was a top priority. Dealers also want to avoid that delivery containers are only half full in order not to give away space in transport vehicles.”
Extra features
Many optional features make the MB Food & Delivery the ideal shipment tote for online grocery shopping. This includes dividers that prevent items from slipping, tipping and leaking and ensure that bottles or cups remain in an upright position.
Equally important are insulation inserts made of EPP (expanded polypropylene) for various dry storage or lower temperature areas for fresh produce, dairy products or frozen foods. Thanks to these inserts, it is possible to create several temperature zones within the same container.
This is an advantage for small orders with only a few items per temperature range. These orders can be shipped in one and the same container, thereby reducing the number of containers per customer. The insulation inserts are currently available in two modular sizes that allow combination of two temperature zones in one container.
Phase-change materials
Also available are matching cold packs made of ‘phase-change’ materials (PCM) that also have a divider function and deep-freeze packs for temperatures as low as -21°C. They are a safe, inexpensive and, above all, multi-use alternative to dry ice.
If required, the container can also be equipped with bag holder rails for convenient order picking and neat product presentation to the end customer. At the same time, the bag provides additional product protection. For more protection during transport, customers can opt for a lid and seals.
The new MB-series container is also available with permeable sides. This ensures that cool temperatures in transport vehicles or storage rooms can reach the goods. Permeable sides help reduce a container’s own weight which makes carrying easier.
The new MB Food & Delivery container perfectly meets customer demands for a versatile, sturdy and re-usable all-in-one solution for grocery online shopping.
Box out:
BITO Storage Systems ME LLC is a regional subsidiary of German Manufacturer BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH BITO is short for ‘Bittmann Oberstein’, after the location where the company was founded by the Bittmann family in 1845. BITO is a supplier in the intralogistics sector.
The family-owned multinational company offers a complete range of storage technology components. The workspace covered currently exceeds 140,000sqm. Bito specializes in the fields of storage equipment and picking systems that meet rigorously high quality standards.
