10 uses for plastic pallets

For a business to maximise profits, it should get the most from its packaging, shipping, and logistics. Plastic pallets are the foundation of these processes. It’s therefore not surprising that their demand has been rising over the years. More businesses are turning to these structures due to their great designs as well as standards when it comes to shipping and logistics. Here are the 10 common uses of these platforms.

1.     Exports and Imports

These flat structures are widely used in the import and export businesses. Perhaps, their definition explains why they are commonly used in almost any import and export business. Ideally, these structures are used to provide support to the goods or items being imported or exported. Using these platforms ensures that the items or products being transported reach their intended destination in good condition.

Plastic pallets simplify and facilitate loading, transportation, and unloading, which are done with lifting equipment like jolts or forklifts.

2.     Air Freight Shipping

The lightweight of these structures make them ideal for holding air cargo while shipping. Essentially, weight is a concern for air shipments. The plastic used to make these structures make them weigh about 27% less than those made of wood with the same design and size. As such, those in businesses where airfreight shipping is involved prefer them due to the financial savings they bring. What’s more, the light weight of these structures does not compromise resistance because they withstand even high levels of load.

3.     In-Store Display

These plastic structures are used for bulky products and/or high rotation commercialization. That’s because they reduce damage risk for products by moving them to different points. Essentially, you lift these platforms only without getting in touch with the items or products. This is also the reason why these structures are ideal for moving or displaying promotional and/or delicate items in stores.

There is a four-way handling option for display pallets. This makes lifting the products placed on these platforms from any side easy. Additionally, these structures are generally dimensionally stable. As such, their size does not change after a product is maintained for a longer period.

These platforms are designed with amazing, customizable display properties. This makes them ideal for businesses with varying requirements. They can also be used alongside different secondary packaging display elements.

4.     Product Distribution

These structures are used to distribute products in the industrial sector. Whether in a distribution network or company, a durable and strong plastic platform with the ability to support a heavy load is required. These plastic platforms are rigid and hard enough to support the products being distributed. They are also ideal for use in freezing and/or cold applications. Additionally, these structures can be used in places with high temperatures. The properties of the plastic used to manufacture these structures make them ideal for most racking and shelf applications.

Nevertheless, it’s important to determine the plastic used to make them when choosing the pallets to use in your applications. That’s because the used material plays a crucial role in determining the suitability of the structures for any application.

5.     Managing Products

In grocery stores, these structures are used to manage products. You’ve most likely seen these platforms in many supermarkets. Basically, the properties of the plastic used to make these platforms ensure the safety of the fresh fruits and vegetables sold in grocery stores and supermarkets. Thus, using these structures to manage products in supermarkets and grocery stores means bacteria and contamination problems are eliminated.

The major reasons for using these structures in supermarkets and grocery stores include:

·         Immunity to contamination by insects

·         Free of pathogens and bacteria

·         Easy to disinfect and clean

·         Light weight which makes handling them easy

·         They do not have protruding parts which can damage vegetables or fruits

What’s more, it’s easy to incorporate RFID or Matrixtag to make identifying the products in transit easier.

6.     Storage

These structures are widely used to store products which need ecological, reliable, durable and hygienic equipment. They are mostly used to move goods from a central warehouse, retail store, or platform. The nested options provide space saving benefit in addition to their ergonomic design.

Some businesses have invested in custom-designed pallets. These suit their specific requirements and their use is easier. What’s more, they serve as powerful branding or marketing tools. That’s because they are personalized with store name and company logo.

7.     Handling Electronics

Electronics like computers, televisions, and components of electrical panel are delicate. As such, they should be handled using reliable equipment. It’s however important to note that these structures must meet specific requirements depending on the electronic devices they handle.

Most electronic devices are sensitive to movements or static changes. As such, the used platforms should be anti-static.

8.     Returnable Crates Transport

Most plastic pallets are designed for reuse in the transport sector. They are mostly used in closed and semi-closed circuits in conjunction with returnable containers. The bottling sector uses these platforms most.

9.     Food and Beverage Industry

The fact that these platforms are easy to sterilize and clean makes them ideal for use in the food and beverage industry. They do not hide contaminants or dirt. Basically, these structures have plastic properties which make the material ideal for use in the beverage industry. These include compact size, lightweight, reliability, and durability.

10.   Storing Chemicals

Hazardous, corrosive and volatile chemicals have the potential to corrode containers, damage storage racks, and cause injuries. For this reason, plastic pallets are used to control spills from the containers in which the chemicals are stored. The structures used for this purpose are specifically designed in a way which enables them to contain leaks or spillages during storage. What’s more, they are made of a chemical resistant plastic.

In a nutshell, there are many uses of plastic pallets in different industries. In particular, these structures play a crucial role in applications which involve handling products. These include retail stores, product distribution, product transportation, and industrial processes which involve hazardous chemicals. The type of the used platform should depend on the intended application.