Kerry-TALKE shows Chinese clients the way to more efficient inland plastics distribution

HongKong-based Kerry-TALKE has recently made important investments to help some of its major petrochemical industry clients to improve their supply chain when importing polymers into China. The joint-venture logistics operator was established in 2007, combining the specialist chemical and petrochemical handling expertise of Germany’s Talke Logistics Services with the widespread presence of Kerry Logistic in China. It has already developed an extensive network of warehouses and operations throughout mainland China.

The company has just installed a new bagging machine featuring state-of-the-art technology to package plastics at one of its locations in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone area in the Port of Shanghai. The machine packages plastic granules which arrive in traditional freight containers fitted with bulk liners. Shanghai was chosen as the best location for the first packaging line but future developments could entail similar lines in any of the eight hubs that Kerry-TALKE is already operating in China.

Kevin Loyens, general manager of Kerry-TALKE, commented: “Shipping in bulk from production facilities particularly in the Middle East, the US and South East Asia, enables our clients to increase their payload, whilst bringing their product closer to the receiving market, before making a final decision on the packaging mode.”

The company sees the deferred decision on final packaging as an important factor in the development of bulk deliveries to Chinese receivers, ultimately reducing the use of packaging materials. In order to develop this market, Kerry-TALKE is also offering support to its clients in the supply, installation and inventory management of bulk storage silos, The company’s Chinese operators are headquartered in Shanghai.

“The growth of bulk polymer deliveries in China is inevitable but requires an element of mindset change, supported by the required logistical infrastructure and equipment. Our strong footprint in the Middle East together with the strengths and network of Kerry-TALKE put us in an ideal position to support this development.” Said Richard Heath, director of operations, Middle East & Asia, of Talke logistic Services.