As part of a commitment to environmental stewardship, Bellingham, Wash.-based Itek Energy is piloting the first reusable PV module packaging takeback program in the United States. Looking for ways to improve shipping practices and increase the security of their product during transit, Itek adopted the European-designed EckPack system.
The opportunity
This system uses a sturdy black polypropylene piece which fits to each corner of the module. The corner pieces act as spacers as well as corner protectors. The pieces stack like Legos, preventing the modules from coming into contact with one another and getting damaged in transit.
The corners work well for the purpose, and are made of recyclable material, but they offered a further benefit. Itek also noticed that approximately 90 percent of the polypropylene corners were undamaged and reusable after the initial use. Recognizing the opportunity, Itek implemented a return and reuse program that has proven very popular with customers.
“We wanted to develop a program to enable solar installers to easily and efficiently return the packing corners for reuse,” says Evan Bush, Special Projects Coordinator at Itek Energy. “Our goal was to reduce waste and inefficiency, without adding a burden to our customers.” Bush sent out communications to customers to gather feedback about such a program, and received an enthusiastic response.
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How it works
Local participating customers are issued large totes that arrive with their shipment of PV modules. These totes can easily be taken to installation sites and used to store the corner pieces as they are removed from the modules prior to installation. The customer then simply swaps out a full bag for an empty one when they pick up their next order. For customers not close enough for will-call, Itek has established a relationship with Oak Harbor Freight Lines to provide pick-up and return of reusable packaging.
The program has been in place for approximately six months, and in that time, Itek has reused around 40,000 pieces – keeping over 5,000 pounds of plastic out of the waste-stream and ensuring that non-reusable pieces are responsibly recycled.
Itek has also reengineered their shipping pallets to increase durability and reusability, and is working out the details of a pallet return program for its customers, as well.
“The system is set up to make the return of pallets and EckPacks easy and infrequent,” says Patrick Daly of Olympia-based South Sound Solar. “Itek’s program further exemplifies their commitment to creating a truly renewable industry.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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