The contents of this article is everything you need to know about plastic totes and their use.
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A plastic tote is a box type portable storage container that is made of resilient and durable plastic that is capable of withstanding heavy duty use in industrial and residential settings. They come in multiple sizes, colors, shapes, and configurations to fulfill a wide range of storage uses. The four main types of plastic totes are bulk, insulated, collapsible, and handheld. The different types are designed with materials and configurations to provide storage capabilities for varied applications.
The definition of plastic totes varies by industry. The word tote refers to the ability to carry something that may be large, cumbersome, and unwieldy. Totes are used in agriculture to load cultivated fruits and vegetables onto trucks. In the auto industry, totes are used to store parts and deliver them to an assembly line. In homes, totes are used to store and organize closets and garages. Their use covers the full spectrum of methods for storage, transport, and convenience.
The plastic material chosen to manufacture totes is dependent on the size, required strength, and use of the tote. The types of plastics include acrylates, acrylics, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Additionally, the wall thickness of a tote determines its design and capabilities with industrial totes requiring thicker walls while residential totes can be lighter and less durable.
What may seem to be a simple storage container can be slightly more complicated when it comes to choosing a tote for an application. While the basic structure of a tote is rectangular or square and box like, the plastics used to make the tote, its size, wall thickness, and type of lid vary in such a way that totes can be divided into different groupings.
The use of a tote requires an understanding of how the different types store and protect their contents since the proper choice can assist in the efficient storage and the convenience of locating stored items. Although the breakdown of types begins with four basic groups, there are other considerations included in each of the groups that better describes the function and use of a tote.
One consideration when adding containers for storage is the loss of space due to the size, shape, and space that a tote requires. A collapsible tote has two appearances. In its fully open state, the sides and lid of the tote lock into place for loading, stacking, and transport. Depending on the type of collapsible tote, the solid walls prevent smaller items from escaping.
When a collapsible tote’s sides and lid are folded, the tote becomes a flat rectangle that is a few inches high and can fit easily on a shelf. In the collapsed form, several collapsed totes can fit into a truck or car for easy access. This trait of collapsible totes is what makes them so widely used. Unlike bulk totes or insulated totes, collapsible totes, when not in use, can be put aside, out of the way, and require very little space.
As with most totes, collapsible totes come in several varieties that have the same collapsible features but in different forms. The initial form of collapsible totes are with or without a lid, which is followed by collapsible crates that have the same appearance as a collapsible tote without the solid sides
The appearance of an insulated plastic tote is very similar to any common tote, collapsible or not. The structure of an insulated tote differentiates it from all other types of totes, which can be seen in the thickness of the walls that are double walled with an insulated core. In most cases, insulated totes are used to transport food items that require refrigeration.
Since insulated totes are a food industry container, they have to meet the standards established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that include non-toxic high-density plastics that are hygienic and prevent the formation of bacteria. As an added feature, some insulated totes have drain off lids for the removal of water after the tote has been cleaned.
Regardless of the industry that uses insulated totes, one of their main characteristics is their ruggedness and strength that makes them capable of withstanding the conditions of a freezer or refrigerator. Additionally, larger insulated totes have slots that allow forklifts to move and transport them. This aspect increases the strength of insulated totes and makes them more durable.
Bulk plastic totes are much larger than other totes and are designed for the handling of heavier loads. The dense walls and bottoms of bulk plastic totes are made of heavy-duty plastics capable of withstanding the demands of heavy loads and shipping. The size of bulk plastic totes requires that they have an accommodation for the use of a forklift for lifting and moving the tote since they are too large for manual lifting.
The 4 series or combo series bulk plastic totes have a replaceable pallet that is attached to their bottom, which can be bolted or welded to the tote to help extend the tote’s useful life. The design of 4 series bulk totes makes them popular for several industries due to their resilience and longevity. Since they are made of molded plastic, they are approved for use by the FDA and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The four-way forklift entry points make it easy to store and move 4 series bulk plastic totes.
The 2 series bulk plastic tote features two channels for forklift entry to the tote. The channels are part of the molded body of the tote to make the tote more durable and functional. As with the 4 series, 2 series bulk plastic totes are suitable for the transport of food and have been approved by the FDA and USDA.
Included with bulk plastic totes are collapsible models that make the storage of these large totes easier and more convenient. Like smaller collapsible totes, bulk collapsible totes have sides and lids that fold inward. The difference between bulk collapsible totes and smaller collapsible totes is that they fold onto their pallet type bottom, which makes it possible to stack several bulk collapsible totes and have them lifted by a forklift to be placed on storage racks. This particular feature is used by long distance truckers who may have to deliver one load and pick up another load but have to return the bulk plastic totes in which they delivered goods.
Of the various types of totes, handheld totes are the most common and widely used due to their home and industrial use. Over the years, it has been common for residential customers to store their precious items in boxes made of sturdy and durable cardboard. Unfortunately, over the years, the boxes begin to deteriorate due to moisture in the air and changes in temperature.
With the improvements in plastic’s technology, tote manufacturers have been able to produce small totes that are stronger, reusable, and lighter than cardboard boxes for the storage of household and industrial items. The convenient size of handheld totes makes them ideal for secure stacking when used for industrial parts and components. In the retail industry, handheld totes are an ideal way to store various forms of merchandise such as baby clothing, jewelry, and accessories. The many sizes of handheld totes make it possible to select the best size for the types of items to be stored.
As with all forms of totes, handheld totes vary in accordance with the types of plastics used to make them and the thickness of their walls. For commercial and industrial use, handheld totes are made with thick walls using highly dense and durable plastics. Residential handheld totes come in a wide array of sizes, which makes them capable of storing sewing patterns and paraphernalia, clothing, bedding, tools, and other household items.
The use of handheld totes is due to their longevity and lasting power, which is crucial for residential and industrial uses. While a typical cardboard box can last in good conditions for 1 to 5 years, a handheld plastic tote can last from 5 to 10 years or longer and not show any signs of deterioration.
Handheld totes come in several varieties that include collapsible, attached lid, unattached lid, and smooth or grooved interiors. All forms of handheld totes are stackable with solid handheld totes being stacked in a method referred to as nesting where one tote is placed inside another tote while collapsible handheld totes collapse in the same way larger versions of collapsible totes are stored.
The department of transportation has certain specifications regarding the use of totes that are used for the transport of hazardous materials. Part of the qualifications for DOT totes includes a sealable lid and fasteners to keep the tote securely closed. Additionally, DOT totes have flat smooth interiors with rounded corners to prevent the collection of materials in the corners of the tote.
The main feature of a DOT classed tote is its durability. They are made of highly dense plastics that can resist the riggers of constant travel and use. DOT totes must be easy to clean, are colored yellow, and can stack without shifting or falling. The main concern of DOT standards is in regard to the movement of hazardous materials. Totes for such use are labeled with DOT warning labels that are placed on the yellow exterior to identify the contents and the dangers involved.
Many of the regulations for DOT totes apply to bulk plastic totes that are used for shipping, which are large totes that have channels for a forklift or sit on pallets. In some cases, DOT totes simply have four legs without channels or pallets for easy forklift access. There are nine classes of DOT hazardous materials with a few of them being able to be shipped using DOT approved totes.
The majority of totes are nesting totes or totes that rest or fit inside each other. They are one of the most widely used types of totes due to the space saving nature of the nesting feature. In the tote industry, the term “nesting tote” is quite common and often used for a variety of containers that fit inside each other. As with collapsible totes, nestable totes are desirable for their easy storage when not in use. This particular feature is available in most totes with IBC totes being the exception due to their protective cage.
There are an endless number of uses for nesting totes, which include Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved totes used at airports. Industrial nesting totes, such as those approved by TSA, are made of high-density plastics that make them durable, long lasting, and capable of enduring harsh and stressful conditions. Nesting totes are a stronger and more resilient replacement for cardboard boxes.
A unique functionality for nesting totes is as conveyor totes that are used by distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and industrial manufacturing. These totes are used to move products and material to different locations such as shipping and receiving, order pickup, and production lines. Conveyor plastic nesting totes are secured on a conveyor belt and designed to move smoothly and easily with the belt due to their non-slip grip bottoms.
Stacking or stackable totes bear a strong similarity to nesting totes in that they can be easily placed together for convenient storage. The distinguishing feature of a stackable tote is an internal set of ribs that are load bearing for an upper tote to rest on a lower tote without the need of a lid. This feature makes it possible to store the totes without having to have them sealed or closed and prevents them from nesting.
Some stacking totes are stackable and nestable. With this type of tote, the ribs of the tote are positioned such that the totes can nest inside each other or be positioned to stack. In order to stack a nested tote, it is removed from the nesting position and turned 180° such that the ribs of the upper tote align with the ribs of the lower tote. Once aligned in the load bearing position, the upper tote is placed on the lower tote.
The space saving optimization, easy access, visibility, and versatility of stackable totes makes them a popular tool for manufacturing and assembly, schools, homes, and warehousing and distribution. The key feature out of the long list of advantages of stackable totes is their easy access since they can be grabbed when in a hurry to organize a shipment or save items.
IBC totes are a very special type of tote that has an extremely unique design that varies between totes with a heavy wire frame, plastic sides, and ones used for mixing. They are designed to carry bulk liquids, granular materials, powders, and dry detergents. As with all totes, IBC totes are rectangular or square but are differentiated from other totes by having nozzles or valves to pour the contents of the tote. Mixing IBC totes have a valve for pouring and an opening in the top for inserting a folding blade mixer. Valves are located at the side of the tote, and top with an opening for attaching a hose for content transfer. For the safety of workers and the protection of the environment, the valves, regardless of their location, are clamped with pressure to prevent seepage or leakage.
The concept for the IBC tote was developed in 1992 as a high capacity tote that was rigid, portable, durable, and resilient with some versions being capable of being folded. They were invented as an alternative to 200 L (53 gallon) drums as a more convenient and accessible method for transporting, storing, and handling powders and liquids. Concerns regarding drums were in regard to the inconvenience of handling and discharging from drums since drums can only be accessed from the top. Although IBC totes were patented in 1992, they had been introduced in 1984 in the form of fluid bags that were ideal for transporting liquids and powders but did not have rigid support.
IBC totes are designed as reusable totes that are stackable, strong, and capable of handling a wide range of liquids and solids. Special versions of IBC totes have frames that can be positioned in an upright position while in use and fold when in storage. The use of IBC totes has rapidly expanded since they are an ideal replacement for standard drums.
A unique feature of an IBC tote is a gauge that makes it possible for workers to determine the volume of the contents of the tote. IBC totes with a steel cage are designed to protect the tote from the impacts of forklifts, pallet jacks, and various solid structures. In addition to protecting the surface of the tote, the cage keeps the tote balanced and stable during transport and storage. The pallet bases for IBC totes that hold the plastic tote and cage are made of various materials and may be attached or unattached depending on the tote’s design. A major reason for the popularity of IBC totes is the secure attachment of valves, nozzles, drains, and spouts that allow for easy access to the contents of the tote and are made in compliance with federal and certifying agency standards.
Metal cage IBC totes are DOT approved for the safe storage of chemicals due to the steel cage being capable of preventing any unstable contents from exploding. An additional protective measure are vents placed in the body of an IBC tote to vent any vapors when the contents reaches a dangerous temperature.
The flexibility and adaptability of IBC totes has made them one of the most popular forms of shipping containers. Adding to their flexibility are the many types of IBC totes with each type capable of fitting the specific needs of an industry or application. The International Organization of Standards (ISO) has published a set of standards that are used to define an IBC tote. Under the stipulation from the ISO, an IBC tote has a capacity of 3 m³ (3000 liters) or 793 gallons, can be handled mechanically, is resistant to the stresses associated with shipping and transport, and can safely ship liquids, solids, or pastes.
The basic IBC tote has a capacity range of 110 gallons up to 550 gallons and is 45 in long and 45 in wide, which aligns with traditional pallets. The heights of IBC totes vary in accordance with their volume. Flexible IBC totes are made of plastics and are collapsible when empty for easy storage. Heavy duty IBC totes are made of heavy duty plastics, have rigid sides, and can be collapsible. Each form of plastic IBC tote is easy to handle, multifunctional, and highly durable with the ability to transport a wide variety of products and materials.
IBC tote bins have a metal frame that encloses a plastic tank. They have a fixed pallet base upon which they are mounted that provides forklift and pallet jack access. Their cage is made of reinforced steel that surrounds an inner storage tank made of highly durable and resilient plastics that makes IBC tote bins exceptionally durable, long lasting, and ideal for the storage of hazardous materials.
The capacity of IBC tote bins varies between 275 and 330 gallons (1041 and 1249 liters). The molded polyethylene or high density polyethylene container is durable and meets IOS and national requirements. IBC tote bins are widely used as a replacement for barrels, drums, and other forms of unwieldy containers. Their capacity, mobility, and strength make them the perfect method for transporting all materials and especially hazardous and volatile ones.
Folding IBC totes are made of thick molded polypropylene plastic and are collapsible and stackable. The different versions of folding IBC totes include ones with tops and ones without a top with a pallet sized base that is similar to the one used with IBC tote bins and comes in a wide variety of heights depending on the material being stored and the application. Folding IBC totes have the same features as IBC tote bins including a pallet base that allows pallet or pallet jack access. Unlike IBC tote bins, rigid sided folding IBC totes have collapsible sides that allows them to be folded over on the top of their pallet type base for handling and storage.
The most common form of IBC tote and the one that is most widely used is the IBC tote bin type, which is sturdy, strong, reusable, long lasting, and safe. In addition to IBC tote bins and plastic collapsible totes, there are several other varieties of totes made from metals and fabrics. They provide the same type of storage capabilities as IBC tote bins and plastic collapsible totes but are less flexible and heavier. The materials of some forms of alternate IBC totes makes them difficult to store, stack, and handle. They are mainly designed for specialty applications such as the handling of explosive or hazardous materials.
An unusual form of IBC tote is the IBC tote tank, which is in the shape of a typical tank that rests on a pallet type base. IBC tote tanks, unlike IBC tote bins, do not have a metal frame and are made of heavy duty high strength polyethylene. They are convenient bulk containers with a capacity of 550 gallons (2082 L), which is the equivalent of ten 55 gallon drums. Huge IBC tote tanks are made using rotational molding that gives them a single piece seamless construction.
Much like IBC tote bins, IBC tote tanks are a replacement for traditional drums with a higher capacity and strength. Their cross directional pallet base makes them easy for handling and transport. The design of IBC tote tanks necessitates the inclusion of a threaded cap for loading, vacuum relief vent, and unloading valve.
The ability to attach IBC totes to equipment, processes, and applications for filling or emptying containers is an essential part of their purpose. IBC tote bins come with taps, valves, caps, and fittings that make it possible to access the contents of the tote. The various types of fittings include male cams, female cams, horsetails, national pipe threads (NPT), and British standard pipe (BSP) threads
The few IBC totes and bins that are described here are a small sampling of the many types of IBC tote bins that are available. IBC totes are a cost-effective method for transporting and storing a wide variety of products. Cube shaped IBC totes have a pallet sized base for easy stacking, shipping, conveying, and forklift entry. They come in rigid and flexible designs with flexible IBC totes being collapsible for storage and efficient use of space. As the types of liquid, granular, and powder products change, new and improved IBC tote bins are being developed to meet the ever changing needs.
For people who are outside the plastic container industry, bins and totes are the same thing and are referred to interchangeably. Bins and totes have a box-like appearance, which adds to the assumption that they are the same. In addition to bins and totes being box like, they are both made of similar strong, high-density plastics for durability and longevity. Although the two storage containers have a similar structure, there are differences between them, especially in regard to their use.
The initial differentiation between bins and totes is the nature of their use with totes being capable of enduring the riggers of industrial and manufacturing environments. This aspect of totes is a necessity due to their use, which includes transporting, protecting, carrying, and moving parts, components, products, and other forms of materials.
Bins are made of the same plastics as totes but have an open end for easy access for a hand or device to extract and remove items. They seldom leave where they are located and are an essential part of organizing items. A common use of bins, and one that is essential, is in parts stores and cages where immediate access to parts is a necessity for efficient performance of an operation or task. Unlike some totes, none of the types of bins is designed to be collapsible.
A common use of totes is for the movement or storage of very large and heavy items. Various types of totes are designed for high capacity and the holding of very large and cumbersome items that are incapable of being placed in a bin. Although totes are able to hold large items, they are not designed for easy access to those items as bins, which have openings of various sizes but cannot hold large items.
When making the choice between a bin or tote, the first consideration would be whether what is being placed in the container will have to be transported, which immediately eliminates a bin. On the other hand, if an item is of small or medium size and needs to be continually accessed, a tote would be eliminated and a bin would be ideal. Access and mobility are the two features of bins and totes that separates them.
Since totes can be sealed and have four sides, they are ideal for moving items across the floor of a store or across the country. Totes can be tightly sealed such that they can be used to store liquids and granular materials. Regardless of their storage capacity and strength, items in totes are not easily accessible and require added effort to access their contents.
The large or small opening of a bin makes access to its contents easy and convenient. Bins can be placed on shelves at a workstation, such as a workbench, for easy access to parts. They make small to medium parts quick and easily accessible to enable workers to efficiently complete an assembly or repair. Due to the open nature of bins, they are not a good choice for transporting items in any fashion.
There are several processes that are used to manufacture totes, which vary by the size of the tote, the type of plastic material, and the tote design. The processes for the production of plastic totes follow the same steps as are used for other plastic containers. The difference between the production of plastic bottles, boxes, and other containers is the size of totes, which tend to be larger than typical plastic products.
Rotational molding is used for the manufacture of large totes such as IBC totes and other bulk totes. Known as rotomolding, rotomold, and rotocasting, the process is used to form hollow containers of any size and involves three stages, which are loading the mold with plastic resin, rotating the sealed mold in a high temperature oven, and the cooling station before unloading.
As with other molding processes, the mold for rotomolding plastic totes comes in halves into which the plastic resin is loaded. The type and amount of resin determines the wall thickness of the tote and any other characteristics such as ribs. The lump of carefully measured resin is placed in one half of the mold, which is attached to a frame that spins every 90 seconds to evenly distribute the resin to the walls of the mold. As the spinning portion of the process begins, the frame with the mold moves into a large oven that heats the mold, frame, and resin.
After a carefully monitored time in the oven, the frame moves into the cooling chamber where it continues to spin during the cooling. Air containing cold water is sprayed onto the mold until the mold has sufficiently cooled. Once cooled, the mold moves to the workers platform where it is unloaded and sent on for further processing.
Injection molding involves injecting molten plastic, under pressure, into a mold. It is a mass production method capable of producing hundreds or thousands of products in short cycle times. The machine for injection molding is divided into a clamping unit and injection unit. The clamping unit holds the die for a tote and opens and closes as totes are completed and cooled.
The injection unit melts the plastic and forces it into the mold such that the molten material spreads to every section of the mold. A central part of the injection mechanism is the screw, in which the plastic is heated and moved toward the mold. The screw is the largest part of the injection mold and is crucial to ensuring that the plastic is heated sufficiently to be distributed throughout the mold.
The process of injection molding produces totes with tighter tolerances and closer adherence to a tote’s design with exceptionally uniform wall thicknesses. The mold for injection molding is a carefully tooled cavity that is a representation of the exterior of a tote. It is made of hardened steel and has an ejection mechanism that efficiently releases the molded tote.
Blow molding is divided into three processes, each of which uses a different method for injecting molten plastic into a mold. The types of blow molding are extrusion, injection, and injection stretch molding. Regardless of the type of blow molding, the basic principles of the process are the same, which is to inject molten plastic into a mold using compressed air that spreads the plastic material to the sides of the mold.
The process of blow molding begins with the formation of a formed or extruded shape referred to as the parison, which is the central component of the blow molding process. Once the parison is formed, it is moved into the mold for forming. A small tube is attached to the mold that is used for forcing air into the parison such that the plastic of the parison is forced to the sides of the mold. As the air fills the parison, its plastic expands into the shape of the mold.
The cycle times for blow molding are very short, and the process is completed very quickly regardless of the type of blow molding. Injection blow molding is used to produce high volumes of products and has a core pin that rotates during the inflation and cooling processes. Injection stretch blow molding is a more complicated process that is completed in several stages and is the most robust of the blow molding processes.
The plastic container manufacturing industry has a wide selection of plastics that it can use for the production of plastic totes. The type of plastic determines how a tote can be used since low density plastics are unable to endure the harsh conditions of shipping, distribution, conveying, and industrial processes. Engineers and designers that create the blueprints for plastic bins carefully consider the industry where a tote will be used and how strong the tote must be.
Of the many types of plastics used to produce totes, the different types of polyethylene are the most commonly used for the production of totes and include Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW). The four varieties of polyethylene make it possible for producers to choose the right plastic for the requirements of a tote.
Of the different types of polyethylene, LDPE is the most flexible with unique flow properties. It has a high density with low strength and can only be used for totes for household use. The low tensile strength of LDPE is due to its weak intermolecular forces. A property of LDPE that is very useful is its impact strength and resilience, which makes LDPE totes ideal for use in home storage.
HDPE is the most versatile of the plastic materials and is used for a wide assortment of plastic containers including totes. The basis of the popularity of HDPE is its exceptional tensile strength and high strength to density ratio. Two of the characteristics of HDPE is its outstanding impact resistance and high melting point, which assists in its ability to endure hostile and high stress conditions.
Of the many types of plastics used to manufacture totes, HDPE is the closest to being the perfect type. It is a low maintenance material that is safe and very long lasting. The density of HDPE ranges between 0.93 and 0.97 g/cm3. For the production of totes, HDPE has the strength, cost efficiency, and eco-friendliness combination to fit the needs of any industry.
PVC is a hard plastic that is made from combining vinyl chloride with phthalates and bisphenol-A to produce a flexible hard plastic. A common use for PVC is as piping, which can be found in any home that has been constructed over the last fifty years. The factors that make polyvinyl chloride popular as a material for the manufacture of totes are its flexibility, rigidity, lightweight and resistance to a wide assortment of environmental factors including ozone, UV rays, and corrosion.
PET is the most popular plastic that is used for the manufacture of totes due the ease at which it can be molded. One of the major uses of PET for totes is for the food industry because of its physical properties, which makes it a very safe plastic. PET takes less energy to manufacture and is very light, strong, and durable and requires less plastic to manufacture a tote.
Polyethylene terephthalate is made from terephthalic acid and monoethylene glycol (MEG) that react to form most of the mass of the monomer that forms the polymer. After the chemical reaction, PET takes the form of spaghetti like strands that are extruded by the various forming methods to produce totes.
Polypropylene is a flexible plastic that can be adapted using a variety of fabrication methods. The different variations of polypropylene have been known to be as strong as some steels. The main types of polypropylene are homopolymers and copolymers with homopolymers containing propylene monomers in a semi-crystalline form while copolymers are produced by polymerizing propene and ethene. Of the two forms of polypropylene, homopolymers are harder and capable of enduring impacts.
The use of polypropylene for the manufacture of totes is due to its low melting point, which makes it easy to use for injection molding. The low melting point of polypropylene gives it an excellent flow rate during molding.
The use of plastic totes has radically increased over the last twenty years as they have proven to be more durable and long lasting than cardboard boxes. The key to the use of totes is their durability that makes them flexible enough to fit the requirements of any set of conditions. The initial concern regarding plastic totes was environmental since it was believed that the plastic used to manufacture them was not recyclable. Once it was proven that the plastics used to produce totes were highly recyclable, the use of totes rapidly grew in all segments of society.
Other forms of storage containers have the potentiality of being affected by moisture, bacteria, and losing structural integrity. Metal totes, aside from being heavier, can rust unless protected with some form of coating during manufacturing. The technological advancements of plastics manufacturing protects totes from any of the environmental factors that affect other materials. Once a tote is emptied, regardless of the industry for which it is used, it can be easily scrubbed down and reused.
The key feature of totes that has made them so popular is their durability, which makes them long lasting and a cost effective investment. Modern business places a great deal of stress on its various tools that causes many less durable and fragile pieces of equipment to break down. It is for this reason that so many companies place a great deal of trust and investment in plastic totes as a means of cost savings and dependability.
Of all the tools available for industrial, residential, and manufacturing, plastic totes are the most cost effective. They can be produced quickly, are exceptionally durable, can be used multiple times for a wide array of applications, are very long lasting, and have a cost that can be amortized over years, which significantly reduces their initial cost. Regardless of the type of operation, plastic totes can be used for storage, transport, supply, distribution, and warehousing.
The keys to the success of the supply chain are organization, accessibility, and efficiency. Included in the increased use of plastic totes is their use as a means of organizing warehouses and stock rooms. Since they are lightweight, maneuverable, and compact, plastic totes can be used to store a wide range of parts and components from engine parts to small plastic fasteners.
As every warehouse manager can tell you, the proper use of space is economical, necessary, and essential. Unlike cardboard boxes, plastic totes are compact and solid. Their compact design takes up less space and makes it possible to locate several totes in a single rack. The fact that they are stackable and able to withstand heavy loads enhances their ability to save space.
Every plastic tote has been designed to be used multiple times without deteriorating or losing its integrity. This factor plays an important role in the cost savings associated with the use of plastic totes since every time they are used, their cost decreases per unit. The longevity of plastic totes is related to their impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and inability to be contaminated by bacteria or other types of vermin.
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