Pallet optimization and an application in paint company

With the introduction of sustainability approach to life, closed-cycle economic models, where a product can be used more than once, have begun to attract interest. As a result of the literature review, it is seen that the studies about returnable transport items are very few and the current studies focus more on asset visibility and management strategies. In this thesis, the most frequently encountered pallets in returnable transport items are discussed. The pallet processes of a paint company have been examined and a model has been created for the wooden pallet used in the present. For the present situation, the total cost is minimized by the optimum number of pallets. Then, as an alternative to wooden pallets, an experiential new model was created by proposing plastic pallets with more durability and carrying capacity. Both models are solved with the mixed integer linear programming model (MILP) in the GAMS optimization program. When the results are compared, it is seen that when the plastic pallet is preferred, the amount of pallet is decreased and also 33% total cost advantage is achieved.