Stackable Pallets
Stackable pallets are pallets which are designed to be placed one on top of another, fully loaded. They are also designed so the bottom pallet can handle the static load, which is the total weight one pallet can handle without being moved when loaded pallets are stacked two or more high. They are designed to handle and ship heavy loads and are ideal for stack loading, conveying systems and automated material handling equipment. Food processing, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical and clean rooms appreciate the fact that the plastics, such as polyethylene or HDPE, used to create these pallets are FDA approved and are 100% recyclable. Other industries such as warehouse, automotive and industry appreciate the durability and long life plastic stackable pallets have to offer.
Different types of plastics that can be used to make a plastic stackable pallet; polyethylene, V-PP, PE, PP, HDPE, recycled PET. Stackable pallets are generally injection molded, although some forms of nestable pallets are thermoformed. During fabrication, the plastic is injected under pressure into a closed cavity mold, then the material is cooled to ensure that it maintains the exact shape of the mold. Injection molded plastics are lightweight and can withstand varying temperature ranges from freezing to hot steam. They are also inert to most chemicals as well as moisture and stress crack resistant. Stacking pallets have a hollow middle and openings on all 4 sides so they can be maneuvered by a forklift. Pallet 3-dimensional structures will have varying designs depending on the product they are holding. Pallet bottom decks may have a picture frame design, runners or a raised bottom with longer legs in order to snap into the pallet below it.
Though plastic stackable pallets are more expensive than wooden pallets, they rise above wooden pallets in terms of capabilities and advantages. Wooden pallets have a service life of 0.5-1.5 years, while plastic pallets have a service life of 7-10 years. Plastic pallets also have a rapid economic payback that wooden pallets do not offer, and plastic pallets are recyclable and can be recycled into other products, while wooden pallets are the 8th largest component of landfills. Because plastic pallets are easier to clean and are resistant to bacteria, insects and fungi, industries are using stackable plastic pallets in their warehouses, buildings and stores to transport and store packaged food, beverages and many other products.