Air cargo industry
Lightweight, strong fiber-based packaging designed to improve efficiency and help reduce fuel use and CO₂ in air cargo
Challenges of the industry
With increasing efficiency and environmental pressures facing all nations, the air freight sector is showing more interest in packaging and pallet manufacturers that can reduce total supply chain costs and help them comply with environmental regulations.
Eltete’s innovative production development is driven by the needs of its customers, while also taking into consideration environmental issues. This approach is no different when it comes to the Air Cargo Industry.
AirCargoRunner
Eltete AirCargoRunner (ACR) is a 3R (Reduce, Replace, Recycle) PallRun® product from Eltete TPM Ltd made for the Air Cargo Industry and the ultimate fiber-based, lightweight, and robust solution required to make the reduction of carbon emissions a reality for the air cargo industry.
AIR CARGO NEWS AWARDS 2026
Eltete TPM has been shortlisted for the 2026 Air Cargo Environment Award for AirCargoRunner.
The recognition highlights the solution’s approach to optimizing PMC loading and reducing operational weight in suitable air cargo applications.
The traditional way of the air cargo industry
Air cargo is typically transported in airplanes using large, flat metal trays known as ULDs. These trays come in sizes ranging from 2000 to 3000 mm in length and width. To provide stability to the final pallets, a heavy wooden construction made of square timber is placed on top of the tray, and then the cargo is secured using nets or meshes to hold it in place during the flight. The result achieved with the traditional method:
Huge pallet = Heavy weight = more fuel consumption = more costs and more CO2 emissions!
Expensive material (wood) = Heavy to handle and transport = more costs and time!
The lighter way with AirCargoRunner
To improve cargo handling and achieve sustainable goals, global forwarders in the air cargo business are implementing Eltete AirCargoRunners, which are lighter than traditional cargo-handling equipment, and have proven to be successful.
The AirCargoRunner (ACR) is a 100% recyclable material that WEIGHS OVER 80% LESS than conventional materials. It is an excellent alternative to replacing heavy wooden (timber pallets, square timbers) or other types of pallet runners/pallets used in air cargo transportation. Its lightweight structure combined with its extraordinarily strong solid board structure makes it perfect for freight forwarders looking to reduce shipment emissions. With an ACR, any person can handle even a 3-meter-long carton runner safely.
How to use the AirCargoRunner
1) Load wider and optimize space
Build an ACR platform on the PMC to create a wider loading area.
By raising the cargo above the PMC locking system, the ACR platform allows the load to extend beyond the pallet footprint. In suitable configurations, this can enable 8 Euro pallets instead of 5.
Approx. 35% more loading area and 80% less weight than conventional materials.
2) Load evenly and lighter
Use AirCargoRunner to level height differences and improve load stability.
The runners help distribute the load and pressure more evenly across the ULD when the net is tightened, while adding minimal weight. This can help make better use of the available space.
AirCargoRunner weighs approx. 1 kg per metre.
3) Build up a lightweight pallet
Use AirCargoRunners instead of conventional wooden beams or pallets.
The runners can be used to build a lightweight platform for transporting empty equipment such as PMCs. This reduces the weight of the support structure while providing a practical way to move the equipment.
A lightweight alternative for transporting empty ULD equipment.
4) Preventing bending of PMC
Use AirCargoRunner to support the PMC and distribute pressure from the load.
The runners help distribute the forces created when load-security nets and belts are tightened, reducing concentrated pressure on the thin PMC pallet. This helps protect the pallet from bending during loading and handling.
Better load distribution with less concentrated pressure on the PMC.
Why use the Eltete AirCargoRunner?
Selecting a reliable supplier of transport packaging and pallet materials for air cargo is crucial as it directly impacts the efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your freight operations.
By choosing a supplier with a commitment to sustainable responsibility, that offers you consistent service, transparency with data, and assures you of availability, high quality, and short delivery times, you will be contributing to a positive brand image, smoother supply chain, reduced the risk of damage to goods, and align with air cargo industry standards and regulations.
Why use AirCargoRunner
- Over 80% lighter than wood
- Up to 54% less CO2 production emissions than wood
- Cost savings in material, cargo optimization, fuel, and waste disposal
- Exceptional strong and humidity-resistant
- Easy handling - anyone can handle even a 3 mt long meter safely
- ISPM-15 compliant - it is accepted anywhere in the world
AirCargoRunners in use at Finnair
Reducing Seafood Box Damage Caused by ULD Load Gaps
→ Reduced risk of packaging damage
→ Standardized process across shipments
→ Fiber-based, lightweight solution
Combine our Air Cargo solutions
to fly even lighter
If it weighs more, then it takes more energy to move. If takes more energy to move, that’s an environmental cost. Eltete Air Cargo Solutions bring savings that make
good environmental and business sense.
AirCargoPallet
The AirCargoPallet is a 100% cardboard pallet solution designed to be used as an alternative to traditional pallets.
It can be delivered assembled or be assembled locally, bringing savings to the warehouse costs.
AirCargoBox
The AirCargoBox is a 100% recyclable, Lightweight alternative to heavy crates and wooden or plywood boxes.
It is totally free of splinters or nails and needs no tools to be built. You can build one in less than a minute.
AirCargoBoard
With the AirCargoRunners (ACR) and AirCargoBoard80 (ACB80), you can balance the load by filling in the empty gaps or differences in heights resulting in more stabilized cargo.
AirCargoTierSheet
The AirCargoTierSheet also known as “divider sheet”, and “layer pad”, is used between boxes to stabilize the pallets.
Humidity resistant, it helps to distribute weight and prevent sliding, making handling easier and safer.
Announcement about Air Cargo Runner and PallRun® -pallet runner product design protected under RCD No. 96102-0005
“The shape of the Air Cargo Runner and PallRun®-pallet runner products are protected, since October 23, 2003, in the whole territory of the European Union by a Community Design registered under RCD No. 96102-0005 on behalf of ELTETE TPM Ltd. By court order the manufacture and sale of products with the same overall impression is forbidden. Genuine Air Cargo Runner and PallRun®-pallet runner products are only made with pallet runner machine lines designed and produced by ELTETE TPM Ltd. Manufacture and sale of this unique product in the EU is permitted only under ELTETE TPM Ltd license.”
FAQ
How much does a carton pallet solution weigh?
Our standard 1,2 x 0,8 mt pallet in a heavy-duty quality configuration weighs under 5 kg! This is 1/4 of the weight of a traditional wooden pallet. Now imagine how much you can save…
How much weight can a carton pallet take?
Independent laboratory tests have demonstrated that, in a static compression test, a normal-size pallet with Eltete PallRuns® (pallet feet) can withstand a load of 10 tonnes.
Does any carton pallet solution need treatment?
Absolutely not. All our solutions are ISPM-15 compliant. They don’t need any treatment and are accepted anywhere in the world. Using carton-based solutions can reduce the hazardous materials at your facility and around your product and employees.
Why use carton packaging instead of other material?
You will reduce your transport, warehousing and labour costs and save time. Carton packaging is lightweight, reusable, biodegradable and fully recyclable. Plastic takes a thousand of years to biodegrade and wood must be shredded and nails and staples removed for recycling. This can be quite costly.
Do you have questions for us?
Let us know how we can reach you and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Thank you!
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