PDQ Design Reduces Waste

Winston-Salem, NC -- A patent-pending PDQ recently introduced by Alliance, a division of Rock-Tenn Co., is designed to minimize both the amount of board required and the number of components per display. Because of its unique design, the Max PDQ is more environmentally friendly than a conventional PDQ, generating less solid waste that must be disposed of or recycled. "The Max PDQ is constructed with fewer components because the dividers are cut out of the back rather than added separately," explains Jim Einstein, Alliance executive vice president and general manager. "With fewer components, assembly is faster and easier and component inventory control is greatly simplified."The Max PDQ also features a thin profile with a unique fold-out wing design along its bottom edge. The wings are folded in as the PDQ is filled and shipped, allowing more to be stacked on each pallet without exceeding maximum height requirements. "This, in turn, allows more to be shipped per truckload, minimizing the number of shipments per order," says Einstein. "At the store, the wings are folded out, allowing the PDQ to fill the footprint allotted to it."The Max PDQ is mechanically glued during manufacturing, eliminating the need for hand assembly. "This dramatically increases the efficiency of the filling line because only product needs to be inserted into the PDQ," says Einstein. "Dividers do not need to be inserted because they have already been cut out before the PDQ is filled. This also allows plenty of space available for compelling graphics."With its wings folded in, the Max PDQ is flat. When they are folded out, it tapers toward the top. "Gravity feed prevents shoplifters from sweeping product from the display," Einstein notes. "We also offer an optional feature that allows the entire PDQ to be securely locked to the shelf for added security."Savings vary on a case by case basis, depending on the size, weight and durability of the product being displayed, but those designed to display Claritin decongestant, Curad bandages and Lady Speed Stick deodorant are typical. "In each case, the number of components required was reduced from 24 to 4," says Einstein. "This reduced the amount of board required from 37.4 to 16.3 square feet per PDQ, representing a 129% improvement in material efficiency."The thinner profile of the Max PDQ with its wings folded in also permitted stacking 36 instead of 20 PDQs per pallet. "This allowed us to ship 2,016 Max PDQs per truckload versus only 1,120 conventional PDQs, representing an 80% improvement in freight, handling and warehouse efficiency."Wal-Mart has been especially receptive to the new design. The first Wal-Mart Environmental Sustainability Award was given to Wyeth Consumer Healthcare for a Max PDQ display for Advil products.

PDQ Design Reduces Waste

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