This article presents 10 different uses for plastic pallets and their important role in the supply chain. Any task that involves loading, unloading, storing, or moving products can be made easier with a pallet and there are many advantages to using plastic pallets.

Here, I will not only mention the specific application, but I will also explore the reason why they are a perfect alternative. Here is my list:

1. Plastic pallet for exports

We use plastic pallets extensively in export and import businesses. At any given point, you will want the product/item to reach its intended destination safely. A plastic pallet facilitates and simplifies loading and unloading using lifting equipment such as forklifts or jolts. There are light or monobloc type.   

However, there are several aspects to consider when choosing plastic pallets to export applications.

For example, will you recover the plastic pallets as in the case of the closed-loop supply chain? If so, you can choose among the models with the highest performance for a longer life of the pallet. Alternatively, in plastic pallet applications where they will not be returned, consider using recycled plastic whenever possible as they are the most economical and environmentally sustainable option.

In addition, you must consider the design of the export pallets. Normally, plastic pallet designs can save a lot of space (more than 35%), especially in transport and storage when empty.

2. Plastic pallets for in-store display

Display plastic pallets are commonly used for the commercialization of high rotation and/or bulky products. These pallets reduce the risk of damaging a product by moving it from one point to another. This is because you will only lift the platform without touching the product.

It is also a perfect choice for delicate and/or promotional items in retail stores.

The display pallets come mainly with a 4-way handling option. This allows a smooth lifting of the products on the platform from either side. The plastic pallets are dimensionally stable, so they will not change their size, even after maintaining the product for a long period of time.

These plastic pallets are designed with excellent display properties that can be customized according to the specific requirements of your business. And they can be used with different display elements for secondary packaging.

3. Lightweight plastic pallets are the best solution for airfreight shipments

Lightweight plastic pallets are suitable for most air cargo shipments, where weight is a major concern. Plastic pallets are approximately 27% lighter than wooden pallets of the same size and design. This implies that you will obviously save a reasonable amount of money during the shipment. Even with light weight, it will not compromise the resistance of the plastic pallet, as they can withstand high load levels.

The spaces between the surface of the platform make it lighter compared to other models. In addition, the nestable options will also save you a lot of space, which will reduce the cost of freight during your transportation and empty storage.

4. Applications of plastic pallets in pharmaceutical industries

Here, you need a platform with low tolerance for higher failures and hygienic properties. Therefore, to meet these demands in this supply chain, you need plastic pallets designed to work in pharmaceutical environments and maintain the required sanitary conditions.

PP and HDPE plastics are chemically inert and cannot contaminate the transported product when left for a long time. They do not have chemical reagents that can cause contamination. In addition, these pallets absorb shocks during transport and some have a non-slip surface. This ensures that pharmaceutical products are handled safely.

The entrance of the 4-way forklift guarantees convenience when loading or unloading plastic pallets with pharmaceutical products. These plastic pallets come in different sizes and designs, and with the possibility of customizing them as required. All you need to do is specify the requirements so that your supply chain obtains a suitable option.

5. Plastic pallet for use in the beverage and food industries

The key characteristics of plastic pallets in the beverage and food industry are like those in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, you need a plastic platform that is easy to clean and sterilize. It should not hide dirt or any form of contaminants like mould.

These plastic pallets are usually lightweight, compact, durable and reliable that are not susceptible to failure during use.

6. Plastic pallet for the transport of returnable crates 

Do you know that there are specific types of plastic pallets designed specifically for this application?

Within the plastic pallets we find a series of products specially designed for a high reuse and transport of high loads. In particular, these pallets are very suitable for use in semi-closed or closed circuits and in conjunction with the transport of returnable containers, such as plastic crates in the bottling sector.

Again, you must choose the type of pallet depending on the capacity of the boxes you intend to transport. All these models have a 4-way handling input to facilitate access during loading and unloading. And you can choose between different product versions: 3, 5 or 6 skates depending on the use that is going to give the product; storage in automatic or mass systems.

7. ESD plastic pallets for electronics

Electronic devices such as televisions, computers, electrical panel components, etc. They are delicate, so you need a reliable product handling accessory. It is for this reason that you need a high-quality plastic pallet. Depending on the type of electronics you intend to store or send, the pallet must meet certain requirements.

A large number of electronic products are sensitive to static charges. Therefore, you need antistatic plastic pallets. Said plastic pallets have anti-static or ESD additives that prevent the generation and accumulation of static charges that can damage the electronic components.

Plastic pallets designed to send or store electronic products are resistant to water absorption and impervious to odors, greases or acids. Also, they do not have nails or screws that can scratch or damage electronic components. In short, you can count on plastic pallets when it comes to any type of shipment. Sometimes, these pallets can also be used as display pallets.

8. Storage and transportation in retail stores

Plastic pallets play an integral role in retail stores. Depending on the type of product you intend to store or transport, there is a need to use hygienic, durable, ecological and reliable equipment for handling products. These pallets are the ideal choice for the movement of goods between central warehouses or platforms and retail stores.

With the nestable options, you will benefit from its space saving function in addition to the ergonomic design.

Over the past decade, several retailers have generated an income stream by adopting plastic platforms in their operations. They do not have to worry about their product getting damaged or investing in new pallets after a few trips as the plastic pallets have a much longer life than conventional pallets.

Also, depending on your specific requirements, you can choose custom-designed plastic pallets. Remember, made-to-measure plastic pallets are powerful tools when it comes to marketing or branding. And they can be personalized with the logo or the name of the retail store on the pallet itself.

9. Product management in grocery stores

The many benefits of plastic pallets have been the main reasons why some of the larger supermarket chains have adopted these accessories. This is because the plastic pallets ensure the safety of fresh vegetables and fruits without worrying about contamination problems or bacteria.

Generally, the plastic pallets of the grocery store are:

• Immune to insect contamination
• Bacteria and free pathogens
• Easy to clean and disinfect
• Sure, without protruding parts or nails that can damage fruits or vegetables
• Easy to handle due to light weight

In addition, Matrixtag or RFID tags can be incorporated to better identify the products that transport the pallet or the pallet itself.

Clearly, by adopting plastic pallets for their product handling procedures in foods, there is the possibility of a high return on investment. And you do not need to worry about the additional expenses associated with wood pallets.

10. Distribution applications of industrial heavy duty products

Whether within the company or other distribution networks, you need a strong and durable plastic platform that can support a large weight. In these cases, the PP is a harder and more rigid material than the HDPE, which on the other hand is the ideal material for cold and / or freezing applications. Also, for high temperature environments, you must choose the PP material, which can handle a higher weight, therefore, suitable for most shelf and racking applications.

It is very important to know and decide on the most suitable plastic according to the use that is going to be given to the pallet. Always remember that the types of materials play a fundamental role in the applications of plastic pallets.

The plastic pallets are dimensionally stable, so their performance does not change with a change in weather conditions. They can be stored outdoors because water or humidity do not alternate their shape or weight.

As you can see, plastic pallets play an integral role in product handling applications. Whether in retail stores, industrial processes or product distribution channels, plastic pallets can meet your specific needs.

At Nortpalet, we have a large catalogue of plastic pallet solutions for all sectors and applications, as well as our own R&D department for the development of tailor-made solutions, our own laboratory for the characterization of materials, a product testing area, and the highest quality controls we use to provide the best service to our customers, all with the most important ISO certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 166002.

As part of our support during the purchase process, we always carry out exhaustive research on all plastic pallet applications in the management of the supply chain of our customers to always offer them the most suitable design and material for their circuit.

 

For more information on plastic pallets, contact our sales team:

www.nortpalet.com // [email protected]

+34 985 678 461 (Head offices) // + 34 960089220 (Export Department)