PLAINFIELD, Ill., March 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) - According to RPM Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:RPMM): The worldwide pallet market has been variously estimated at $25 billion in annual sales. The one-way wooden pallet, which sells for less than $10, accounts for the majority of these sales. But things are changing. Part of the technology evolution is the trend to substitute materials that can compete in price while offering multiple benefits to the user. There are metal pallets, paper pallets and plastic pallets. All do a better job than wood, but plastic is the frontrunner and growing at the most rapid rate.
Of greatest concern to shippers are cost, strength and safety. A completely recyclable RPM plastic pallet will meet and exceed their expectations. A RPM plastic pallet that costs $11 will last at least 75 trips, or $0.15 per trip. A wood pallet that costs $8 will last for about seven trips, or $1.14 per trip. For shippers using loop systems, plastic is the best and most economical way to ship. For one-way pallet shippers the cost differences between wood and plastic are narrowing and the disadvantages of wood pallets are notable.
Many workmen's compensation claims in the United States arise from handling wood pallets. Wood pallets typically splinter, gouge or cause puncture wounds from nails or sharp edges. With plastic there are no splintering, gouging, or puncture wounds. They have no nails or sharp edges. Wood pallets weigh 45 to 50 pounds versus 22 pounds for the RPM Plastic Pallet. Savings in freight bills alone can exceed several thousand dollars a year. Wood pallets consume 40% of US hardwood supply and accelerate landfill volume. They deplete forests and present a serious disposal problem for many communities.
A RPM plastic pallet can be tailored to the needs of the shipper. "Smart chips" can be imbedded in the pallet's surface to track location, shipping data and materials conveyed. Unlike wood pallets, which pose a serious disposal problem, RPM will buy-back used or damaged plastic pallets and issue a credit to the shipper.
RPM trades on the OTCBB. Their trading symbol is RPMM. Visit the Company's website at "rpmplasticpallets.com".
For further information, contact the Company at (815) 293-1190 or write RPM Technologies, Inc., 21061 W. Braxton, Plainfield, IL 60544.