The pallet is the base of unit-load materials handling, the fundamental method of transporting, distributing and storing almost all products. Pallets are traditionally made from wood. However plastic pallets have been used in Europe for more than 30 years, and have 10% of the total European market. They are constantly gaining market share because of the legislation surrounding the treatment of wooden pallets, and their outstanding properties in comparison with wooden pallets. |
|
The USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and China all require wooden pallets to be certified pest free. Wooden pallets have to be treated in order to be pest free, either through heat treatment, or Methyl Bromide Fumigation.
Plastic pallets do not require treatment for pests, and are also less expensive over their working life than wooden ones. As a result, they are a viable alternative to wood and are becoming increasingly popular within materials handling. The benefits of plastic pallets include excellent hygiene, constant quality and dimension, no splintering or nails, no water absorption and they are relatively light.
Additional features of plastic pallets are that they are weather resistant, stack and nest for excellent space utilization, can be easily repaired or replaced and can be uniquely colored or branded.
Suitability of a plastic pallet for the right application depends on five factors. The pallet must be able to support the load throughout the distribution system and be able to resist deformation under load. It must withstand the rigours of the operational environment and achieve one or many trips, depending on the distribution system. Pallets have to be compatible with packaging and materials handling equipment, and the price of the pallet should balance with the value of the product being delivered, to make it an economical purchase.
