Know the Package Score

From Food Engineering magazine:

... Instead of simply reducing the cost of an item’s package, Wal-Mart is encouraging manufacturers to wring waste out of the distribution pipeline. Shipping efficiencies have been elevated to a refined science by companies like Inter IKEA Systems BV, which optimizes unit load and container layout for global shipping. IKEA’s Atlanta-based OptiLogistics Inc. division provides a load shipping system that relies on disposable polypropylene legs that replace conventional pallets. The ISPM No. 15 international mandate to fumigate or heat treat wooden pallets used is expected to jumpstart plastic-pallet use. ... Read  more.