What are the advantages and benefits of plastic pallet?

A pallet is one of the logistics equipment that plays a vital role in warehouse management and transportation. Among various types of pallets, “plastic pallet” is highly popular due to their versatile features, making them an increasingly preferred choice.

This article by UPR Thailand provides an in-depth look at plastic pallets, including their benefits, sizes, and prices.

What is a Plastic Pallet?

A plastic pallet is a platform for storing goods made from plastic. It is a rectangular structure with a top surface for placing items and side openings for forklift or pallet jack tines to lift and move them. Plastic pallets are designed for storage, transportation, and movement of goods in pallet management systems and warehouse operations.

Typically, plastic pallets are made from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or high-density polyethylene plastic, a low-molecular-weight polymer that is flexible and has strong intermolecular forces, giving it durability, a smooth surface, and resistance to odors. This material is impact-resistant, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant, making it suitable for producing plastic pallets and other plastic products, such as milk bottles, plastic bags, water tanks, and cleaning product containers.

Another commonly used material for plastic pallets is Polypropylene (PP) or polypropylene plastic, a lightweight thermoplastic that can be easily molded under heat. Generally, it has a semi-transparent white appearance, is impact-resistant and scratch-resistant, and remains stable without warping. It is also highly resistant to chemicals and various oils.

Advantages of Plastic Pallet

1. Durable yet lightweight
Plastic pallets are about 30% lighter than traditional wooden pallets but can support loads of 1–2 tons, depending on the design. Their light weight reduces shipping costs, especially for air transport, and minimizes the risk of employee injuries from lifting heavy pallets.

2. Resistant to moisture and chemicals
Plastic pallets do not absorb water or moisture, preventing mold, bacteria, or insect issues common with wooden pallets. They are also resistant to various chemicals, making them ideal for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals that require strict hygiene and safety standards. Additionally, plastic pallets are easy to clean with cleaning products and can be reused immediately. They are also suitable for use in cold storage or low-temperature environments without degrading.

3. Long lifespan
Plastic pallets have an average lifespan of 10–15 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving costs in the long run. They are impact-resistant, vibration-resistant, and less prone to breakage or deformation, minimizing the risk of accidents or product damage caused by defective pallets.

4. Safe to use
Plastic pallets have no splinters, nails, or sharp edges, reducing the risk of injuries to workers. Moreover, their sturdy material minimizes issues with detached or broken parts during use, which could pose hazards or contaminate products.

5. Recyclable
When their lifespan ends, plastic pallets can be 100% recycled into new pallets or other plastic products without leaving waste, unlike wooden pallets that may contain chemical or nail contaminants, making recycling difficult. Recycling plastic pallets reduces waste and environmental impact, aligning with many organizations’ sustainability policies.

What Are the Sizes of Plastic Pallet?

Plastic pallet sizes vary depending on the manufacturer and standards used. Standard sizes are determined by the industrial standards of major countries and include the following ISO (International Standards Organization) sizes:

1. Euro Pallet: 800 × 1200 × 150 mm, commonly used in Europe and worldwide.
2. Japan Pallet: 1100 × 1100 × 150 mm, popular in Japan and some Asian countries.
3. American Pallet: 1000 × 1200 × 150 mm, widely used in the United States, Canada, and Thailand.

Other custom sizes are also available to meet specific industry needs, such as 800 × 800 mm, 1000 × 1000 mm, or 1100 × 1200 mm. The dimensions of plastic pallets can range from 800 × 800 × 135 mm to 1300 × 1300 × 160 mm, depending on the manufacturer.

Plastic Pallet Price

Plastic pallet prices vary based on size, quality, and order quantity. Generally, they range from 500–2,000 baht per piece. While the initial cost of plastic pallets may be higher than wooden ones, their long lifespan and low maintenance costs make them a cost-effective choice for businesses in the long term.

The Importance of Plastic Pallet in the Logistics Industry

Plastic, wooden, and other types of pallets are essential for warehouse management and logistics operations.

Enhancing Warehouse Management Efficiency

Pallets help keep warehouse storage organized, allowing for efficient use of space, especially when used with pallet racks to maximize vertical storage capacity.

Improving Transportation Flexibility

Pallets are compatible with various handling equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyor belts, improving the flexibility and efficiency of goods transport.

Supporting Automation Systems

In the era of Industry 4.0, pallets are compatible with automated systems like automated storage and retrieval systems and pallet management systems for enhanced efficiency.

Conclusion Plastic pallets are a vital innovation that boosts efficiency in logistics and warehouse management. Their durability, lightweight nature, cleanliness, and eco-friendliness make them a cost-effective choice for businesses aiming to optimize operations and reduce long-term costs. They enable businesses to improve logistics and warehouse management while coping with the challenges of the competitive modern trade and transport industries.

Selecting high-quality plastic pallets suitable for specific tasks is crucial. UPR (Thailand) Co., Ltd. offers plastic and wooden pallets for rent or purchase, as well as pallet racks and various storage equipment. Logistics equipment is also available, along with advanced logistics solutions compatible with forklifts to meet the needs of operators in the logistics industry.

We provide fast, comprehensive, and professional services with over 10 years of experience in Thailand.

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