Logistics service provider LOXXESS and KTP join forces to provide for more sustainability at Vodafone

Around 4000 containers made by KTP Kunststoff Palettentechnik GmbH are now in daily use, starting from the high rack in the media logistics centre in Bor (CZ).

Successful cooperation – now even better

Vodafone Kabel Deutschland has been cooperating successfully with LOXXESS since 2012. The logistics service provider is responsible for the internal deliveries, storage, disposal, returns and repair transport of technical devices. LOXXESS books the returns, tests the devices and refurbishes them for re-use. The successful cooperation is based on flexibility, efficiency and safety.

Until now, containers and dividers made of cardboard on timber DB pallets – so-called "bi-boxes" – have been used. These had to be replaced after five transport cycles and about two months.

The logistics service provider and the telecommunications company were looking for a sustainable solution for the replacement of this timber/cardboard solution. They wanted a returnable container system that securely protects the sensitive devices, both in the high rack and during transport and handling, and is simple to use.

Returnable for more efficiency

At the LogiMAT 2018 in Stuttgart, their attention was drawn to the returnable packaging solutions from the container specialists KTP Kunststoff Palettentechnik GmbH. "We had a very specific and demanding catalogue of requirements and tested containers from several manufacturers over a long period. The KTP SuperQuad container fully convinced us in all aspects and exceeded our expectations by far," said a spokesperson for LOXXESS. With a payload of 500 kg, it stands stable on the cross beams of the high rack without shelves. The containers can also be safely stacked in the block store. The dimensions of the KTP SuperQuad container are optimised in such a way that the maximum volume can be utilised when transporting by truck. Due to the foldability of the containers, an empty container height of 220 mm is achieved in the stack. "Hence, 3 full boxes or 13 empty boxes can be transported per storage position in the truck. The result is an enormous reduction not only in our transport costs, but also in the space required for our empties." The KTP SuperQuad particularly impressed with its handling – simple, intuitive, fast and safe. Due to the smooth plastic surface and the closed system with a lid, the end devices are safely protected and cannot be scratched or damaged during transport.

The investment of around €500,000 has increased the lifetime of the storage and transport packaging from two months to about seven to nine years. "The investment in this sustainable solution is an example of the long-standing, smoothly functioning partnership between LOXXESS and Vodafone. On the one hand it makes a decisive contribution to the attainment of the goals of both partners‘ sustainability strategies, while on the other the potential for the use of the returnable containers is nowhere near exhausted – an IoT-assisted container management system, for example, would be one way of optimising other work processes."

KTP – a strong partner for more sustainability

They both have a competent partner at their side in the Saarland-based industrial company KTP Kunststoff Palettentechnik GmbH. The plastics specialist has been pursuing the goals of sustainable logistics for over 30 years. As one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of transport containers, KTP has a large range of foldable, returnable solutions for the most diverse requirements.

These innovative container systems are durable, of high quality and made of plastic recycling material. They help to optimise logistics processes and reduce environmental pollution at the same time. At the end of their life cycle the containers can be returned to KTP, where they are fed back into the raw material circulation, thus permanently ensuring more sustainability.

Exactly the right decision for LOXXESS and Vodafone!