NEW PALLET-COVER MATERIAL IS TESTED BY CHAIN IN U.S.

BARBARA MURRAY

MINNEAPOLIS -- Linden Group here is testing pallet covers made of ThermoflexQ -- the first U.S. use of the material -- in a major supermarket chain also based here. ThermoflexQ is an insulating material developed by Linden's affiliate company, Industrikvaletit AB, in Sweden. The material is made by bonding a layer of closed-cell polyethylene foam to both sides of a heat-reflective, strong polyethylene sheet. The company would not disclose the name of the retailer testing the pallet covers.

The fiber blankets have been used in Sweden for some time, explained Ron Sundberg, product manager. For example, KF, ICA and Dagab, all in Stockholm, use the blankets, especially for mixed loads of frozen and refrigerated products being moved from grocery warehouses, he said.

Another application of the material is to create aprons for employees who work with cold products, since ThermoflexQ is lightweight.

Linden Group is also assisting a Swedish client with an assessment of the U.S. market for a lid that would be installed on frozen-food coffins. This product has been well received in Sweden with documented savings in energy costs, Sundberg said. Energo Freezer Lids have been installed in 300 grocery stores all over Sweden, he added.