Plastic Pallets

Durable, hygienic plastic pallet solutions

Advantages

Hygienic

Non-porous surface resists bacteria and is easy to clean. Perfect for food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries.

Consistent Weight

Uniform weight makes shipping calculations precise. No moisture absorption means stable weight regardless of conditions.

Long Lifespan

Can last 10+ years with proper use. Resistant to rot, insects, and chemical damage.

Plastic Types

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Most common plastic for pallets. Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, chemical resistance, and impact resistance. Suitable for most applications. Priced at $5-15 per pallet depending on design and features. Recyclable at end of life.

Polypropylene (PP)

Higher strength than HDPE with better high-temperature performance. Ideal for applications requiring rigidity and heat resistance. Slightly more expensive but justified for demanding environments. Excellent chemical resistance.

Recycled Plastic

Made from post-consumer or post-industrial recycled plastic. Environmentally friendly option at lower cost than virgin plastic. Performance comparable to virgin material for most applications. Supports circular economy and sustainability goals.

Reinforced Composites

Plastic mixed with reinforcing materials like fiberglass or wood fibers. Enhanced strength for heavy-duty applications. More expensive but delivers superior load capacity and durability for specialized industrial uses.

Engineered Polymers

Specialized plastic formulations for specific requirements like UV resistance, anti-static properties, or food-grade certification. Custom-engineered solutions for demanding applications with strict regulatory or performance requirements.

Foam-Filled Designs

Hollow plastic shell filled with structural foam for added rigidity. Lighter weight than solid plastic while maintaining strength. Good balance of performance and cost for applications where weight matters.

Key Advantages

Moisture Resistant

Does not absorb water preventing mold, mildew, and dimensional changes. Maintains consistent weight and properties regardless of humidity or wet conditions. Ideal for refrigerated environments and outdoor storage.

Chemical Resistant

Resistant to most chemicals, oils, and solvents that damage wood. Perfect for chemical plants, automotive facilities, and industrial applications where spills or chemical contact common. Easily cleaned after exposure.

No Splinters or Nails

Smooth surface eliminates splinter hazards protecting workers and products. No protruding nails or fasteners to cause injuries or damage. Safer handling environment and reduced product damage from sharp edges.

Consistent Dimensions

Molded to precise specifications without variation. Critical for automated systems requiring exact dimensions. No warping, twisting, or shrinking over time. Maintains tolerance throughout lifespan for reliable performance.

RFID Integration

Easy integration of RFID tags directly into plastic during manufacturing. Protected tags survive handling better than surface-mounted options. Enables sophisticated tracking and inventory management systems.

Export Without Treatment

No ISPM 15 heat treatment required for international shipping since plastic not wood packaging. Simplifies export process and documentation. Eliminates treatment costs and delays for international shipments.

Applications

Food and Beverage

FDA-approved plastic resists bacterial growth and easily sanitized. Non-porous surface prevents contamination. Ideal for direct food contact, bottling plants, and food processing facilities requiring stringent hygiene standards.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Clean room compatible with washable, non-shedding surface. Meets pharmaceutical industry sanitation requirements. Resistant to cleaning chemicals and sterilization procedures. Critical for maintaining product purity and regulatory compliance.

Chemical and Petroleum

Resistant to chemical spills, oils, and solvents that degrade wood. Does not absorb chemicals preventing contamination of subsequent loads. Durable in harsh industrial environments with chemical exposure.

Automated Warehousing

Precise, consistent dimensions essential for automated storage and retrieval systems. Reliable performance in high-speed conveyors and sorters. Smooth bottom prevents catching or jamming in automated equipment.

Closed-Loop Systems

Long lifespan justifies higher initial cost in returnable pallet programs. Durability ensures many circulation cycles before replacement. Consistent dimensions simplify tracking and inventory management in pooled systems.

Export and International

Eliminates ISPM 15 treatment requirement streamlining export process. No pest concerns with plastic. Particularly valuable for frequent international shipments where treatment costs and compliance administrative burden significant.

Cost Analysis

Initial Investment

Plastic pallets cost $5-15 each compared to $8-30 for wood depending on quality. Higher upfront cost than wood pallets. Investment justified by longevity and lower total cost of ownership in appropriate applications.

Lifespan Economics

10+ year lifespan versus 3-5 years for wood in same application. Plastic pallets make 50+ trips versus 10-15 for wood. Lower cost per trip and per use justifies premium initial price in high-utilization scenarios.

Maintenance Savings

No repair costs unlike wood pallets requiring regular maintenance. Simply rinse clean rather than repair damaged components. Elimination of repair expense and administrative burden significant advantage in large fleets.

Consistent Weight Benefits

Precise weight enables accurate freight cost calculation and optimization. No moisture variation affecting shipping costs. Weight consistency valuable for air freight where every pound impacts cost significantly.

Sanitation Cost Reduction

Easy cleaning reduces labor and time for sanitation compared to wood. Washable surface eliminates replacement costs from contamination. Lower sanitation costs offset higher purchase price in food/pharma applications.

Break-Even Analysis

Typically break even with wood pallets after 2-3 years in high-use applications. Longer break-even period for light-use scenarios may not justify plastic. Calculate total cost over expected fleet lifespan for informed decision.

Cleaning Methods

Pressure Washing

High-pressure water removes dirt, debris, and contaminants effectively. Plastic withstands high-pressure washing without damage unlike wood. Quick, efficient cleaning method for routine sanitation in food and pharmaceutical facilities.

Chemical Sanitizing

Compatible with disinfectants, bleach solutions, and industrial cleaners. Chemical resistance allows strong sanitizers without degrading plastic. Essential capability for applications requiring verified pathogen elimination.

Steam Sterilization

High-temperature steam sterilization suitable for food-grade and medical applications. Plastic withstands repeated steam cycles without warping or degradation. Meets strictest sanitation standards for critical applications.

Automated Washing Systems

Compatible with automated pallet washing equipment for high-volume sanitation. Plastic handles automated washing cycles repeatedly. Efficient cleaning at scale for large operations requiring continuous sanitation.

Simple Rinse Cleaning

For light soiling, simple water rinse sufficient thanks to non-porous surface. No penetration of contaminants into material. Quick cleaning between uses minimizes downtime and labor in routine operations.

Dry Cleaning Methods

Vacuuming or brushing removes dry debris effectively. Smooth surface releases dust and particles easily. Appropriate for applications where dry cleaning adequate between periodic deep sanitation cycles.

Recycling Options

Material Recycling

Plastic pallets fully recyclable at end of life. Ground into pellets for manufacturing new plastic products. Closed-loop recycling possible remanufacturing into new pallets. Environmentally responsible disposal maintaining material value.

Grinding and Reprocessing

Damaged plastic pallets ground into raw material for reprocessing. Mixed plastic grades sorted and recycled appropriately. Recycling value offsets disposal cost making end-of-life management economical.

Trade-In Programs

Some manufacturers offer trade-in credit for old pallets toward new purchases. Returns used pallets to manufacturer for recycling. Simplifies disposal while recovering value from retired pallets.

Repurposing Opportunities

Plastic pallets can be repurposed for non-demanding secondary applications. Good option for extending useful life before recycling. Farm storage, home organization, or construction uses maximize utility.

Recycling Challenges

Requires specialized recycling facilities capable of handling bulky plastic items. Not all recycling programs accept pallets. Transportation costs to recycling facility may be significant. Planning for end-of-life important consideration.

Environmental Considerations

Recycling prevents plastic from entering landfills where it persists indefinitely. Energy required for recycling less than manufacturing virgin plastic. Proper recycling infrastructure essential for environmental benefits of plastic pallets.

Plastic Pallets FAQ

What load ratings do plastic pallets support?

Most models handle 2,000 to 5,000 pounds dynamically, with reinforced options exceeding that.

Do plastic pallets need heat treatment?

No, plastic pallets ship globally without ISPM 15 treatment.

Are pallets sanitized before delivery?

We clean and wrap plastic pallets for food, pharma, or clean-room applications.

Can I trade in damaged plastic pallets?

Reusable plastic pallets can be bought back or credited toward new ones.

Do you rent plastic pallets?

Short-term rental pools cover events, pilots, or seasonal spikes.

What colors are available?

Standard black and blue are stocked, and custom colors can be molded for branding.

Are rackable models offered?

Yes, reinforced runners keep pallets stable in standard racking systems.

Can plastic pallets handle extreme temperatures?

Most tolerate -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, with specialty polymers for wider ranges.

How long is the lead time for custom molds?

Stock ships immediately, while made-to-order pallets typically take four to six weeks.

Can RFID tags be embedded?

We supply pallets with molded tag housings for RFID or barcode tracking devices.