Leading trade association for the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry - The Industry That Makes Supply Chains Work.

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Leading trade association for the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry - The Industry That Makes Supply Chains Work.
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The Reusable Container & Pallet Association (RCPA) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of the reusable/returnable industrial plastic containers, pallets and packaging. They supply solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector.

Pallets and containers are the fundamental products for transporting, distributing and storing almost all products and materials. Plastic pallets and containers are reusable and do not require treatment for pests. The benefits of plastic pallets and containers include hygiene, constant quality and dimension, no splintering or nails, and no water absorption. Plastic pallets and containers are also weather resistant, stack and nest for excellent space utilization, can be easily repaired or replaced and can be uniquely colored.

RCPA members meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of reusable/returnable industrial plastic containers, pallets and packaging material.

RCPA Programs include:

  1. The development and promotion of standard nomenclature.
  2. The development and publication of training, safety, inspection and maintenance recommendations for reusable/returnable industrial plastic container, pallet and packaging material users.
  3. The preparation and distribution of educational and promotional materials as to the benefits of RCPA solutions.
  4. The establishment of liaison and cooperation with private and governmental groups establishing standards and/or safety codes which are pertinent to this technology.
Fire Safety

The appropriate level of fire protection is a frequently asked question by those converting to and using plastic packaging. Many state and local laws specifically address the safe use of plastics pallets. Click below for a pamphlet developed by the Reusable Container & Pallet Association as a resource for resolving any of your concerns.

Fire Protection Considerations Brochure
NOTICE -- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 13 sets standards for fire protection and specifically addresses requirements for the use of plastic pallets. Please refer to NFPA 13 or your risk management department for more information.
Risk Management Outline
RCPA Fire Test Task Group Report
In 2001, six member companies of the RCPA joined together to fund the fire testing of plastic pallets in coordination with TVA Fire Security Life Safety and UL. The reasons for the testing included the fact that plastic pallets were being targeted as a potential fire hazard and a proposal to NFPA 13 sought to increase protection for in-use plastic pallets. Our research objectives were to show that the most prevalent pallets used in todays marketplace need either a no-classification upgrade or no more than on classification upgrade an to show that the most prevalent pallets used in todays marketplace can be protected the same a s wood pallets using K-11.2 sprinklers.

A full report of the RCPA Fire Test Task Group is available for download from the RCPA web site by clicking here: RPCPC Fire Test Task Group Report.
Technical Papers

The Reusable Container & Pallet Association is pleased to make available technical presentations that have been made in conjunction with MHI's annual trade shows and forums. The following presentations were made at either the ProMat or MODEX Shows. A brief abstract of each of the presentations is shown below.

A Guide to Codes and Standards
Container Tracking with RFID Technology
Sponsored by RCPA member company, TrenStar, Inc., speaker Michael C. Dempsey conducted a presentation on the evolution of container management in the supply chain and the advances in AIDC/RFID technology. He discusses new dimensions in RFID/CMS applications for enhanced tracking and control and gave a live demonstration on site during his session.
An Exchange of Best Practices for Material Handling Systems.
Sponsored by RCPA member company Buckhorn, Inc., Larry Porter presented clear justification for the implementation of returnable containers by driving greater savings through material handling systems with less product damage, quality and productivity improvements, value of space savings and supply chain benefits.

Upcoming Meetings

2013 MHI Annual Membership Meeting

RCPA Managing Executive

George Prest

704-676-1190

Leadership

Chair
Open

Vice-Chair
Open