Leveraging Plastic Pallets in Temperature-Controlled Logistics
If you manufacture and transport items that require specific temperature and climate conditions, using the right equipment is essential. Many manufacturers are making the switch from wood pallets to plastic pallets because of the countless benefits that plastic pallets have to offer. But these transportation solutions are especially beneficial for temperature-controlled logistics.
Leveraging plastic pallets within your manufacturing business could allow for better temperature control, safer production and handling, and a better environmental impact.
What Are Plastic Pallets?
Plastic pallets are flat transport structures made from plastic instead of traditional wood. Most plastic pallets are not pure, solid plastic; rather, they consist of strategically placed holes and air pockets to lower the weight of the pallet while optimizing durability and strength.
Otherwise, plastic pallets feature a similar overall design as wood pallets and are suitable for the same applications. They come in a wide range of dimensions, allowing you to choose the exact size for your applications. They are common within the food and beverage industry and especially in applications that require exceptional durability and temperature control.
Plastic Pallets vs. Wood Pallets for Temperature-Controlled Items
Why are plastic pallets beneficial for temperature-controlled logistics? These pallets boast several advantages over wood pallets that make them a more suitable option overall.
Plastic Pallets Don’t Absorb Moisture
Unlike wood, plastic does not absorb moisture. When placing cold items that sweat on plastic pallets, you don’t need to worry about the pallet material absorbing the moisture and rotting or deteriorating.
However, this effect also helps to maintain the climate for temperature-sensitive goods. Plastic is a better insulator than wood and is not influenced by ambient temperatures during loading and unloading.
Plastic Pallets Are More Durable
Wood is subject to rot, wear and tear, and deterioration, leading to your wood pallets becoming less effective. In contrast, plastic pallets are extremely durable and can easily withstand over 10 years of continual use.
Unless your items are hot enough to melt plastic (around 158 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer), temperature and humidity will not impact the durability of the plastic pallet. Using plastic pallets for storage and transportation presents a viable long-term temperature-controlled solution.
Plastic Pallets Are More Hygienic
Plastic pallets are also the more hygienic choice compared to wood pallets. If you’ve ever tried to wipe down or sanitize rough wood, you know that the task doesn’t spark much confidence in the material’s sanitation and hygiene.
But plastic is a smooth material that you can easily clean with soap and water or disinfectant wipes. Additionally, plastic has the ability to resist moisture so it won’t absorb cleaning products.
Plastic Pallets Are Bacteria-Resistant
Along with being easier to clean than wood, plastic naturally resists bacteria, making it more hygienic to begin with. You can feel confident placing temperature-sensitive food products and other packaged items on plastic pallets without worrying that germs or bacteria will transfer from the pallet into your products.
Other Benefits of Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets pose a few other benefits for temperature-controlled logistics aside from their advantages over wood. These pallets are:
Lightweight
Plastic weighs less than wood and other pallet materials. Manufacturers design plastic pallets to contain strategically placed holes that allow air to move through the pallet and lower its overall weight. As a result, your load will weigh less, and you’ll save money on global logistics. The load will also be easier for workers to move, placing less strain on them.
Environmentally Friendly
Contrary to popular belief, plastic pallets pose an environmentally friendly alternative to other pallet materials. Plastic is recyclable, and plastic pallets often consist of recycled materials.
Safer Manual Handling
Plastic pallets avoid the risk of splintering and splitting, maintaining a completely smooth surface. Employees will not risk injuring their hands by having to handle a broken or splintering wood pallet.
Consistency
Wood and other natural materials contain inconsistencies. No two wood pallets will look, weigh, feel, and measure exactly the same. This means you cannot always accurately gauge the capacity of a wood pallet. In contrast, plastic pallets are always 100% consistent. When you purchase a 48 x 40 plastic pallet, you can trust that every pallet will have those precise measurements.
ORBIS Corporation: Your Source for High-Quality Plastic Pallets
Switching from wood to plastic pallets within your manufacturing or storage facilities could promote better temperature control, helping you maintain the quality and reliability of your products. But plastic pallets also boast numerous other benefits that can save your company time and money while reducing your risk of liability.
At ORBIS Corporation, we specialize in producing a wide range of high-quality plastic pallets that are economical and environmentally friendly. Contact us today at 800-890-7292 to discuss how our pallets can promote better food safety within temperature-controlled logistics and learn whether plastic pallets are right for your company.