Plastic pallets: how long can they last and what affects their lifespan?
Published on: 09-12-2024
The lifespan of plastic pallets depends on a number of factors, such as the material from which they are made (e.g. HDPE, PP), the conditions of use, how they are handled, and the type of load. Here is key information that can help:
1. service life in circuits or time
- High-quality plastic pallets made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) can last between 200 and 500 circulations under normal conditions of use.
- Under optimum conditions, with proper treatment (no dropping from high heights, avoiding extreme temperatures, etc.), their life span can be 7-10 years.
2 Conditions affecting service life
- Continuous circulation: if the pallets are used continuously, the service life depends more on the number of circuits than on time. With a load of 800 kg under standard conditions, a pallet should not lose its load-bearing capacity for an extended period of time.
- Humidity and temperatures: Plastic pallets are resistant to humidity, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures (e.g. -20°C to +60°C) may affect their properties.
- Intensity of use: Inappropriate storage or drops may shorten their lifespan.
3 Load capacity
- Load weights of up to 800 kg are well suited to standard plastic pallets. Most pallets of this specification are designed with static load capacities of up to several tonnes and dynamic load capacities of around 1-1.5 tonnes.
4 Advantages of using plastic pallets
- Durability: Compared to wooden ones, plastic ones are much more resistant to mechanical damage and moisture.
- Ease of cleaning: They can be washed, which is particularly important in hygiene circuits.
- Consistent weight: They do not soak up water, so their weight remains constant.
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