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August 3rd, 2022
7 Main Uses of Plastic Pallets in Supply Chain Management
Plastic pallets can make any task that involves loading, unloading, storing or moving products easier. Plastic pallets have many advantages, this article describes 7 different uses of plastic pallets and their important role in the supply chain.
1. Export plastic pallets
In import and export business, plastic pallets are widely used. At any given point, customers expect products/items to arrive safely at their intended destination. Plastic pallets can be loaded and unloaded by lifting equipment such as forklifts or bumps, which greatly contributes to the efficiency of transportation.
2. Plastic trays for in-store display
Display plastic pallets are often used for the commercialization of high-turnover and/or bulky products. These trays reduce the risk of damaging the product by moving it from one point to another, as you only need to lift the platform without touching the product. It's also perfect for delicate and/or promotional items in retail stores.
3. The best solution for air cargo
Lightweight plastic pallets are suitable for most air shipments with a high weight ratio. Plastic pallets are about 27% lighter than wooden pallets of the same size and design. This means you will obviously save a reasonable amount of money in shipping. Even their light weight does not affect the resistance of plastic pallets, as they can withstand high load levels.
4. Pharmaceutical industry
In the medical field, a platform with a low tolerance for higher failure and hygienic performance is required. To meet these needs, plastic trays were born specifically for working in a pharmaceutical environment and maintaining the required hygienic conditions. PP and HDPE plastics are chemically inert, so they will not contaminate the product being shipped. In addition, these trays absorb shock during transport, and some trays have a non-slip surface, which ensures safe handling of medicines.
5. Beverage and food industry
The key properties of plastic pallets in the beverage and food industry are similar to those in the pharmaceutical industry. Here you need a plastic platform that is easy to clean and disinfect. It should not hide dirt or any form of contamination such as mold. These plastic pallets are generally lightweight, compact, durable and reliable, and are less prone to failure during use.
6. Electronics
Electronic devices such as TVs, computers, electrical panel assemblies are very fragile, so you need reliable product handling accessories. A large number of electronic products are sensitive to static charges, so they need to be placed in anti-static plastic trays. These anti-static trays feature anti-static or ESD additives that prevent the generation and accumulation of static charges that can damage electronic components. Plastic trays used to store electronics are generally resistant to water absorption and are not affected by odors, oils or acids. Also, they have no nails or screws that can scratch or damage electronic components.
7. Industrial heavy duty product distribution
Whether within a company or in other distribution networks, a strong and durable plastic platform is required to support a great deal of weight. In these cases, PP is a harder, more rigid material than HDPE, which on the other hand is ideal for cold and/or freezing applications. Additionally, for high temperature environments, PP materials can withstand higher weights, making them suitable for most racking and shelf applications.
It is important to know and decide on the most suitable plastic for the purpose of the pallet. The type of material plays a crucial role in the application of plastic pallets. Hope these things will help you before you look for plastic pallet suppliers.