Plastic Pallets Compared to Wooden Pallets

Published on: 28-03-2020

Polish companies are exporting more and more, and consequently face the problem of choosing the packaging used for export, including pallets. Many countries, including those in the European Union, require a certificate of fumigation (a chemical pest control process that uses Methyl Bromide - now being replaced by other substances due to its greenhouse effect) for wooden pallets. If thepallet manufacturer does not provide the appropriate certificate, companies can be exposed to additional costs associated with the downtime of goods and the fumigation process that lasts several days. The solution to the problem is brought by the use of plastic pallets for export, which, due to the type of material, do not require the fumigation process. This brings time savings in terms of documentation, companies avoid the risk of not allowing the goods to cross the state border, which is the destination of the delivery. Environmentally-conscious companies also appreciate the additional environmental benefits, among others, the possibility of recycling plastic pallets.

On the market we distinguish plastic pallets with different properties. Some are very load-bearing, but not very impact-resistant, while others may be very flexible, but are designed to carry light loads. Some are reinforced with additional metal or wooden elements inside.

Load on high-bay racks - this is the load that a pallet in the rack can bear. The rack does not have a bracket placed in the middle, and the maximum deviation is the length of the side of the rack or 2%, which also depends on the rack. Manufacturers already offer plastic pallets with a strength of 1200kg , 1500kg in the rack.

Dynamic load distributed evenly, which the pallet can bear during, for example, transport by forklift.

Static load that a pallet can bear on a flat surface without moving the goods

G - the goods should be evenly distributed on the pallet to ensure its full strength.
A - a pallet placed on a high rack rests on skids
B - side spacing for forklifts

Before buying, it is necessary to answer the question of how the pallets will be used, what weight they will have to carry, at what temperature, whether internal circulation or not, etc. The most common damage to plastic pallets is caused by poor use, e.g. heavy forklift impacts can cause cracks. The true strength of the plastic pallet is determined by the strength on the high storage rack.

It is permissible to use a pallet with abrasion or dent without cracks.