Durable, plastic pallets are ideal for long term use and have many advantages. Some models are very robust and suitable for storing and transporting heavy goods. Hygienic and easy to clean, plastic pallets are increasingly required in the food and pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the strong, lightweight and economical nestable plastic pallets meet the requirements of ISPM 15 standards for worldwide export and are a smart choice as disposable pallets for all shipments.
Space Saver
Depending on the model, they can be nestable, stackable and / or rackable.
Ecological
Most plastic pallets are made from recycled materials and they are all recyclable.
Hygenic
Plastic pallets are sanitary and many are designed for easy washing. In addition, they almost completely reduce the risk of growth and spread of bacteria, fungus and molds.
Economical
Plastic pallets are generally 30% to 35% lighter than wooden pallets of the same size. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of delivery. In addition, their long lifespan will allow you to reuse them for several years within a closed circuit.
Safe
Their low weight also allows them to be lifted easily with little risk of muscle injury. In addition, the absence of nails, splinters and rounded edges greatly reduce the risk of cuts.
High Performance
Plastic pallets come in a variety of plastics and designs, each with their own unique characteristics. Some pallets are designed to be highly resistant to impacts, weather conditions and / or chemicals such as bases and acids. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help finding a pallet that will stand up to your work environment.
- Initial costs are usually high
- Meet ISPM15 standards for international shipments
- Plastic is recyclable
- Hygienic, sanitary and washable
- Low contamination risks
- 30% to 35% lighter reducing the risk of injury and shipping costs
- Can be nestable, stackable and / or rackable depending on the model
- Reduces the risk of injury during handling
- Impact resistant
- Medium to high weather and chemical resistance depending on the model
- Anti-slip pattern offered on some models
- Difficult to repair if they crack or break
- Available in several standard sizes
- Long manufacturing times
- Expensive and limited custom dimensions
- Long-life depending on models
- Economical in the long run
- Initial costs are usually low
- Require pest treatment for international shipments
- Can be recycled into mulch paper
- Unhygienic and very difficult to clean
- High risk of contamination (splinters, parasites, bacteria, molds, fungi)
- Heavier increasing the risk of injury and shipping costs
- Can be stackable and / or rackable depending on the model
- Risk of injury from nails, splinters and / or protruding corners when handling
- Usually impact resistant
- Low resistance to weather conditions and chemicals
- High coefficient of friction
- Repairable with typically available tools if they break
- Available in several sizes
- Usually shorter manufacturing times
- Custom dimensions at low cost and restrictions
- Lifetime difficult to predict, slight damage appears from the first use
- Usually economical in the short term
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer with a high strenght-to-density ratio. Due to its great tensile strength, negligeable moisture absorbtion, impressive impact and corrosion resistance this is the most commonly used material in the manufacturing of plastic pallets. HDPE is recommended for closed loop and in-house applications where the pallet will be handled often and will offer a long life-span.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer that is usually harder than HDPE and has higher heat resistance. PP is recommended when the pallet needs to hold greater weights or in racking applications where there is no center support for the pallet.PP is also usually more expensive than HDPE. HDPE and PP can also be blended together in a plastic pallet to get the best of both worlds and help to lower costs. This is common in plastic pallets manufactured from recycled materials because it produces a very rigid and durable plastic pallet at a reasonable price.
Advanced Composite Material (MCA)
Advanced Composite Material (ACM) is a mixture originating from collections of post-industrial plastic scrap. ACM pallets are the least expensive plastic pallets, comparable to the cost of wood pallets, but his still very strong and stiff . However it can brittle and has a shorter life-span than other materials. ACM is used for “Export” or “Disposable” pallets intended for a one-way trip.
Dimensions
To select the right dimensions, you must consider the job to be done, the industry you are working in and the geographic location you are dealing with. Depending on the goods to be carried, the doors to navigate through and the warehouse to receive those pallets, you may need a small pallet as well as big pallet. Different industries tend to conform to certain standard dimensions to facilitate exchanges between manufacturers, distribution centers and retailers. Pallets are used locally and internationally, and international standards are not necessary the same. Mostly used dimensions standards are European and American but Australian and Asian are also other standards used on the market.
Material
If the pallet has to be FDA Approved, virgin plastic will be the material to be used and it will be either a PP or PE (HDPE) plastic, this is mostly used by pharmaceutical and food industries. If you are looking for an export, economical or heavy duty plastic pallet, it doesn’t have to be virgin, recycled plastic can do the job and the raw material can be used alone or mixed depending on the result you are looking for and the budget you are planning to put into your purchase, in example an ACM plastic will be less expensive but not as robust as a plastic in PP or PE (HDPE).
Load Capacity
The load capacity is the maximum weight that a pallet can carry but it is always better to consider a load capacity higher that the total weight to be supported for a margin of safety. Pallets offer three different load capacity; Static capacity, Dynamic capacity and Racking capacity.
Static Capacity
If you are planning to use your plastic pallet as a platform for other pallets or use it for storage in a solid fixed place or position, the static capacity will be the one to be check.
Dynamic Capacity
If the plastic pallet will be used to move goods inside the warehouse, from one place to another or for expedition outside the warehouse, the dynamic capacity is the one to consider because it represents the total weight to be carried by a jack or forklift.r.
Racking Capacity
For the plastic pallet to be used in racking, we will consider the weight to be supported by a racking system without any structure beneath it to support it.
Nestable, Stackable or Rackable
Nestable
These pallets are the best option to save space when the pallets are empty. It will take up less space than others and will help you save on the cost of transporting empty pallets.
Stackable
Thanks to the large contact surface of the base of the pallet (skids or cruciform base for example), these pallets reduce the pressure exerted on the containers of the pallet below, so they can be stacked
Rackable
Like the stackable pallet, a rack pallet must have a good surface to be placed on the beams of the racks. In addition, they must be very rigid so as to offer great resistance to deflection to support the weight inside a shelving unit. A maximum deflection of 2% of the free length is allowed between the support points of the pallet according to ISO 8611.
Note that the use of Grip Sheet anti-slip inserts between the floors of column or crossed palletized products can generally
Open or Closed Deck
Closed decks have a smooth surface, which is better for a required hygienic transport. They are also easier to clean and dry as well. Open decks on the other hand, allow for easy manual handling and easier draining when wet.
Other Features
Anti-Slip Surfaces
It may or may not be a requirement for your pallets to contain anti-slip surfaces to reduce product movement. Some product works best with an anti-slip pad, while others function best with anti-slip strips. Add an anti-slip surface to any pallet using Grip Sheets.
Reinforcements
Some pallets are reinforced with composite or metal rods to support a heavier load without cracking.
Product Specific
Some pallets are designed to hold specific containers such as barrels or to contain leaks and will have features such as molded rings or drip trays.
Rims
Those are molded to the edges of the pallet, providing an extremely stable surface.
