This article will provide detailed information about plastic pallet covers.
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Pallets are covered and protected with plastic pallet covers, commonly known as PPC, which are enormous gusseted poly bags used for storage and shipment. Pallets are found in storage facilities, shipyards, local businesses, warehouses, or even homes. Operations for storing and shipping require plastic pallet covers. Plastic pallet covers ensure that goods transported or stored on pallets are shielded from airborne contaminants, dampness, and other environmental factors. In contrast to bulky, heavy, and expensive pallet cover tarps, plastic pallet covers are designed to do the same job more conveniently and economically. They are a cheap and efficient way to safeguard the merchandise during shipment. Plastic pallet covers vary in size, shape, and form to perform various tasks such as helping businesses store and organize items. Plastic pallet covers protect items from damage due to water, dust, and minor abrasions. Plastic pallet covers can also be used to help brand a company’s items or to help identify items. They are intended to fit snugly over pallets and skids and are made of thin, strong plastic sheets that shield their contents from the outside environment. Pallet covers perform better than pallet cover tarps in terms of price, quality, and durability because they don't include as much material and don't significantly increase a shipment's weight or size. Pallet covers are great for temporary storage or shipment since they are simple to use, come in flat or gusseted forms, and may be personalized to keep products secure and tidy.
It's critical to remember that plastic pallet covers are intended to serve as a short-term solution to cover and protect items but are not intended as long-term substitutes for pallet tarps or other sturdier storage containers. Below, we'll examine how to use plastic pallet covers.
Pallet covers are easy to use; all users must do is drape them over the boxes placed on a pallet to secure these containers for temporary storage inside or outside. In addition, thermal pallet coverings can keep the pallet warm or cold during storage and delivery, making them ideal for shipments that need to be temperature controlled.
Using plastic pallet covers makes it much simpler to protect a pallet from impurities like dust, moisture, and even spills or leaks. Disposable pallet covers are an alternative, but reusable ones are frequently a better investment because one can use them repeatedly. Pallets that have already been shrink- or stretch-wrapped frequently employ plastic pallet covers for additional protection.
Plastic pallet covers have various advantages; however, the following are some of the most widespread ones:
Despite the aforementioned benefits provided, there are disadvantages to consider when using plastic pallet covers. These drawbacks include:
Plastic pallet covers protect goods from dust, dirt, moisture, and grease, which can easily happen in a warehouse setting. Their main use is to protect, which means keeping foreign materials out/away from stock or products. Some plastic pallet covers applications are listed below:
Plastic pallet covers are useful for maintaining order among merchandise. Pallet coverings can help distinguish between various product categories or separate them from one another so that they can be easily discovered when preparing products for storage or transportation. Things can be kept together and shielded with a tough, personalized plastic pallet cover.
Plastic pallet covers are a cheap approach to protect goods from environmental dangers like humidity, UV light, wind, and rain. Additionally, they guard against scratching damage and keep dirt, dust, and debris from getting on them. This additional degree of security is crucial for delicate products.
Plastic pallet covers support custom-branding possibilities. These covers can be printed in various patterns, dimensions, and hues. Pallet coverings can be customized with a company's color and logo to help customers differentiate specific products from competing brands more easily. Furthermore, plastic pallet covers provide branding benefits as they help identify a company as their products are shipped from their business, through various transportation companies, to businesses, and eventually reaching consumers.
Gaylord containers are those large cardboard containers you see resting on pallets in factories used to house an entire shipment in a single container. Gusseted poly pallet covers are used as liners for goods packed in Gaylord containers and to cover things on a pallet. Gusseted pallet cover bags provide additional durability and safety for items held within. These plastic pallet covers are ideal for serving the majority of transportation applications involving Gaylord containers.
Depending on the product that needs safeguarding, there are many different plastic pallet covers, each of which has advantages for a specific application. However, most plastic pallet covers fall under the categories of tarps, wraps, or covers. We examine many of these coverings in more detail below.
As its name implies, shrink wrap contracts to form an airtight seal around a package. As a result, the commodities held within are shielded from outside contaminants like moisture, dust, and air. In addition, goods can be easily identified and somewhat protected from the elements since shrink wrap is clear and largely waterproof.
As opposed to stretch wrap, or stretch film, which is stretched over the pallet, shrink wrap uses heat to shrink the plastic around the merchandise for a snugger fit. After being heated, shrink wrap starts to contract, encasing containers in an airtight seal. Calculating how much shrink wrap is required to cover a pallet, however, can take time and experience.
A pallet is protected from spills and dirt and metal items are more resistant to rust once shrink-wrapped. In addition, this wrapping secures the goods on the pallet, reducing the possibility of items slipping off or being stolen.
Shrink wrap has a lot of advantages; however, two things can make one rethink using it:
Stretch wrapping is another category of plastic wrap material used as pallet covering. Stretch wrapping involves a person or machine wrapping a plastic material around the boxes held on a pallet. Stretch wrap may be further classified as blown stretch wrap or cast stretch wrap based on how it is produced. Blown stretch wrap is created by melting plastic, running it through a die where it takes a thin-walled tubular shape, blowing air into the plastic to enlarge this form as it emerges from the die, and subsequently transforming into layers of plastic wrapping.
Blown stretch wrap produces a more resilient film than produced by casting methods. However, this process creates a more opaque film since plastic crystallizes during this process and results in reduced visibility of the items being wrapped. Also, since additional processes are required to transform the plastic into sheets, the thickness is often not as consistent as stretch wrap formed through casting. In addition, blown stretch wrap is more expensive to produce and is, subsequently, used much less than cast stretch wrap.
Cast stretch wrap is produced by rolling a heated resin sheet with cold rollers to form a clear, translucent film. Under this process, plastic is melted as it is fed into a heated screw barrel. The melted material is then run horizontally through a flat die. A slit in the die determines the wrap’s thickness as it emerges from the die. As the wrap continues to emerge from the die, it is subsequently cooled as it is wrapped around a chilled roller.
A plastic pallet tarp cover is used to safeguard a package. Such pallet coverings can range from clear, throwaway covers to reusable, thermal covers and are often constructed of porous polyethylene. Such coverings are produced in various sizes in order to always protect a pallet’s contents. Most plastic pallet tarp covers also include an ultraviolet (UV) coating to shield perishable items like food from the sun.
Clear plastic pallet covers can be utilized for pallets of goods stored inside or outside. Clear plastic pallet covers protect boxes from the outdoors, as well as irritants and contaminants like dust and humidity. In addition clear plastic pallet covers are transparent and offer a clear view of a shipment’s contents.
However, transparent pallet covers might not provide the proper UV protection for perishable objects. Due to their transparency, products are also more susceptible to temperature changes. Clear plastic pallet covers are best suited for short-term shipments when perishable items are involved.
Black plastic tarps are great at preventing theft by concealing the contents of specific shipments. Would-be burglars are less inclined to try to steal the contents of a shipment if they can't see what it contains. Additionally, most black pallet coverings feature a UV coating to shield the contents from direct sunlight. Shipments are protected from dirt, dust, and humidity and are resistant to little spills and leaks thanks to the plastic.
Black poly materials are preferred when shipments need to be concealed or when UVI protection from the sun is required. Black plastic pallet covers can be produced in a huge range of mil thicknesses. In addition, rolls of these bags may be perforated for rapid and simple dispensing.
Thermal plastic pallet covers are helpful for some products that need a controlled temperature. Thermal pallet covers can be useful for both heating and cooling applications, such as keeping a shipment chilly in the summer or warm in the winter. In addition, the items they cover are less likely to be stolen since thermal plastic pallets are opaque.
Pallet top sheets are plastic liners featuring perforated strips for simple dispensing and tearing off rolls. Like other plastic pallet covers, they function to shield products from contaminants like dust, mud, moisture, and grease which are all common in warehouses. Pallet top sheets differ slightly in their specific application than other plastic pallet covers in that they are designed to cover individual layers versus the entire load of a pallet. Pallet top sheets serve to not only protect shipments from exterior substances outside the pallet but, additionally, from leaking cartons found between layers of boxes. Pallet top sheets may perform their function individually or can be used in combination with other plastic pallet covers for extra protection.
Pallet-size shrink bags are advised for usage with large machinery, heavy irregular loads, and for outside protection, This form of shrink wrap is essentially a gusseted bag dispensed on a perforated roll for simple peel-off. These bags cover an entire pallet of items and are warmed through a heat gun to confine boxes more securely.
Clear pallet-size shrink bags provide transparency and strength when covering large pallet loads. Again, their transparency can serve as a double-edged sword since items housed beneath these bags face increased UV exposure during transport or if stored outside. Clear pallet-size shrink bags are sold in rolls of 25 bags each. Thick 4 mil plastic is used to make shrink bags which help stabilize and secure large loads.
Gusseted black UVI (ultraviolet-inhibiting) pallet covers on rolls are pre-cut and perforated for quick and simple dispensing. They aid in keeping goods clean, dust-free, and light-free. These covers are frequently used as machinery coverings or to line Gaylord containers and protect objects stored within them from moisture and foreign object contamination. These black plastic pallet covers are ideal for outdoor storage. Their black opaque film aids in preventing theft by concealing the pallet's contents and shields items that might be light-sensitive. Strong polyethylene provides affordable protection, and their pleated sides stretch to the width of most conventional pallets.
Vented pallet wrap allows moisture and condensation to escape and is ideal for frozen or cold storage products as a result of this property. In addition, vented pallet wrap rolls are lighter than traditional stretch film rolls which results in reduced shipping costs. The vents also allow for easier handling when using these wraps.
Pallet cover bags guarantee that bin and box contents stay contained and shielded from moisture, dirt, and abrasion. Because they are composed of strong and transparent materials, these bags will survive for a long time and allow easy inspection of the contents. Several sizes and gauge thicknesses are offered to satisfy varied protective needs.
Poly tarps feature loosely-woven polyethylene strips laminated to polyethylene sheets. In addition to protecting items from airborne contaminants, poly tarps are waterproof and offer excellent protection from precipitation. This material also resists stretching which increases its durability. When UV-coated, poly tarps may provide protection from the sun for years. Poly tarps are available in various colors; clear poly tarps are also available. Poly tarps also come in numerous mil thicknesses.
Poly top sheets are also available to provide enhanced protection for the individual layers of boxes stacked on a pallet. Poly top sheets contribute to the integrity of stored goods by shielding them from mud, dust, moisture, bacteria, and fungus. Poly top sheets conform to FDA guidelines and requirements for covering food goods and come in various sizes to accommodate different boxes. Standard sizes range from 60" by 60" to 75" by 75" and they are also offered in various thicknesses
Pallets are constructed in a variety of sizes and shapes. Selecting pallet wrapping options might be challenging due to this attribute. Care must be taken to choose the proper size of plastic pallet cover so that it can fit over the pallet and its contents tightly. Measuring the shipment itself is the quickest and easiest approach to make sure the correct size pallet cover is chosen. The size of the pallet cover required can be determined using the following formula.
First, measure the pallet's width (W), depth (D) (or length), and height (H). The width should then be increased by around four inches. For pallet measurement purposes one should calculate the height of a pallet by dividing the newly calculated width in half and adding it to the measured height. An example of this measurement formula is featured below.
W: 46 inches + 4 inches = 50 inches
D: 49 inches
H: 50 inches + 25 inches (half the width) = 75 inches
Depending on how snugly or loosely the cover has to be applied to the boxes on a pallet, those extra (four) inches added to the width might be adjusted. For example, calculate using two inches rather than four for a closer fit.
The dimensions of the pallet cover needed, for instance, are 50 inches x 49 inches x 75 inches if the pallet is 46 inches wide, 49 inches deep, and 50 inches long.
Although there are no set rules for pallet wrapping, the following sequence is typically used:
When plastic pallet covers are used to protect boxes held on pallets, the following steps are typically followed.
Plastic pallet covers are ideal for various uses and provide excellent ventilation for commodities. Plastic pallet covers also make it possible to economically package and ship pallets of products. The following are some industrial applications for plastic pallet covers:
The thickness of plastic pallet covers ranges from 1 mil to 4 mils. Pallet cover bags rated 1 mil are frequently used to protect things on a pallet for a short period. In addition to being thicker plastic for improved protection, a 4 mil pallet cover bag is frequently used as a reusable pallet cover that repeatedly covers and uncovers palletized goods. Plastic pallet covers featuring the lightest gauge (1 mil clear pallet covers) are perfect for loads without sharp edges that don't need to be protected from tears and punctures. Plastic pallet coverings featuring 1.5 mils offer excellent dust and moisture protection while saving money. 2 mils plastic is slightly thicker, suitable for most warehouse tasks, and offers protection from moisture, paint, and dust and features tear resistance. Pallet and machinery coverings made of 3 mil polypropylene are excellent for use as container liners. The thickest available pallet coverings are 4 mil; these plastic covers offer excellent tear resistance and are suggested for pallet loads with potentially dangerously sharp edges.
There are three main distinctions between a pallet cover and a tarp. These key distinctions are defined by the materials utilized, the cover's durability, and the price.
Like all polyethylene bags, plastic pallet cover bags are water-resistant but not waterproof. As a result, they should only be used to store stuff inside, although they can provide cover when moving products outside quickly.
Tarps are big, flexible sheets of material frequently waterproof and can be used for various things, including creating a shelter in the wild. Tarps typically include several tie-off points that can be utilized to tie with ropes when covering pallets.
The main distinction between tarps and plastic covers is that they are constructed of various materials. To make tarps more waterproof and robust, silnylon or other robust materials, including polyethylene, are typically used in their construction.
To protect goods covered on pallets from dust or dirt, plastic covers are typically constructed from industrial plastic, come in various colors, and are used.
Tarps cannot be manufactured from conventional plastic because they are supposed to resist some wear and tear. Additionally, cotton or other non-water-resistant materials can be used to create tarps, and these materials can then be impregnated with oils to increase their water resistance.
Plastic covers are not made of the same high-quality components. They are made of plastic intended for interior commercial use; it is due to this reason plastic covers are water-resistant but not completely waterproof. The difference in material quality is also the primary reason why tarps are more expensive than plastic covers.
Tarps and plastic covers are significantly impacted by their diverse construction materials. This diversity in construction material is based on their intended application.Tarps are designed for usage outside, while plastic covers are primarily used indoors.
While one can use a plastic pallet cover to protect goods from the rain, it will not protect nearly as well as a tarp. Unlike a tarp, plastic covers generally lack tie offs. As a result, plastic covers are more likely to blow away in the wind or allow the wind to blow stones or other material into the items needing protection.
Tarps, on the other hand, are strong enough to withstand severe wind. In addition, tarps are also sturdy enough to be used as a groundsheet with materials then placed and stored atop them.
Pallet covers are available in different sizes and thickness combinations. They can be custom-made to size for any required application.
Plastic Pallet Covers Thickness: Pallet Covers range from 1 mil to 4 mil thick. 1 mil pallet cover bags temporarily protect items on a pallet. A 4 mil pallet cover bag is a thicker plastic which provides excellent tear protection, and is reusable to repeatedly cover and uncover palletized items.
Plastic Pallet Covers Can Be Custom Printed: Logos and any other information required by the user can be printed on plastic pallet covers.
The main differences between a pallet cover and a pallet tarp include the materials used, the lifespan of the cover, and the cost.
The Material Used in Covers & Tarps: Less expensive alternative material for pallet covers is made from low-density polyethylene. Pallet cover tarps are made from longer-lasting woven polyester.
Longevity: UVI, moisture, and severe temperatures are just a few variables that might affect the durability of woven poly and low-density polyethylene. Some pallet covers can be reused by adding additives such as a UV blocker to LDPE (low-density polyethylene) to extend the material's lifespan. In a regulated atmosphere, plastic pallet covers typically serve as a dust shield for objects for years.
Cost: Plastic pallet coverings are worth the cost because they can be used repeatedly and, when used properly, practically last as long as woven poly tarps.
How to Know When to Buy Clear Pallet Covers vs. Black UVI Pallet Covers: Black UV-resistant pallet covers may be required for products if they will be left outside for an extended period and require protection from the sun. Otherwise, one may utilize clear or regular black pallet covers.
Water-Resistance: Like all polyethylene bags, these plastic pallet cover bags are water-resistant but not waterproof. They can protect products during quick transport but should not be used to leave items outside overnight if they can be damaged by water.
Reasons for Using Pallet Top Sheets: Plastic pallet covers or pallet shrink bags are employed to protect an entire pallet’s contents. Top sheets for pallets can be used alone, in combination with pallet covers, bags, or both. Pallet top cover sheets are frequently employed for a variety of uses. First, they assist in separating stacked layers on a pallet. Suppose, for instance, a pallet is stacked with boxes of ink pens on top and boxes of paper at the bottom. The ink from one of the pen boxes, if it were to be smashed, could flow down and onto the paper. Another use for a top sheet would occur if the pallet's top needs temporary protection from moisture, dust, dirt, and grease when being stored.
Plastic pallet covers are ideal for a lot of uses. They are available in a wide selection and variety and can aid in safely storing goods for work or play. Plastic pallet covers require a considerable initial investment, but their ability to protect expensive items from damage and their potential for reuse more than justify this cost. Some of the advantages that plastic covers bring to the table include:
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