e-Buyers’ Guide - Plastic Pallets, Pallet Boxes & Plastic Boxes · Not convinced about plastic...

e-Buyers’ Guide

Welcome to Goplasticpallets.com’s Buyers’ Guide, theessential tool for selecting the plastic pallet best suitedto your business.

This guide has been designed to give you a taster of thedifferent types of plastic pallet available and identify thefeatures, benefits and uses of each.

Established in 2001, we are the UK’s leading supplier ofplastic pallets. We offer expert knowledge and adviceacross our range of 155 plastic pallets. Plus, we provideimmediate quotes and next-day delivery on all stock items.

We are the sole UK distributor of CABKA-IPS andSmartFlow pallets manufactured in Belgium, and Q-Pallpallets manufactured in the Netherlands, and have closelinks with a number of other plastic pallet manufacturersacross Europe and Asia, which ensures we offer the mostcomprehensive and competitive product range.

Innovations in plastic pallets over the last 10 years haveseen a greater variety of sizes, styles and specificationsintroduced to the market. With better choice than ever,plastic pallets continue to offer a cleaner, safer andtougher alternative to wood.

If you’ve been using the humble wooden pallet out of habit, perhaps now it’s time to Go Plastic!

It’s time to Go Plastic!

T: 01323 744057 E: [email protected]: www.goplasticpallets.com

Jim Hardisty, founder and managing director of Goplasticpallets.com


Why go plastic? 4

Nestable pallets 6

Export pallets 7

Non-perimeter pallets 8

Full-perimeter pallets 9

Medium duty pallets 10

Heavy duty pallets 11

Hygienic pallets 12

Beverage pallets 13

Square pallets 14

Spill control pallets 15

Display pallets 16

Design & Development 17

Selecting a plastic pallet 18

Don’t forget our plastic boxes 20

Ask the experts 21

What you’ll find in this guide


Not convinced about plastic pallets? Just look at all the benefits.100% size and strength consistentPlastic pallets are moulded under extreme pressure inhighly polished moulds, ensuring consistent dimensionalaccuracy and loading capacities.

Long-lasting, an investment for the future Plastic pallets have a life span of up to ten years, andsometimes more. This means they can last ten timeslonger than wooden pallets, offering an excellent return oninvestment.

Recyclable, environmentally friendlyNot only are many of our pallets manufactured fromrecycled HDPE, they are also recyclable, so at the end oftheir long working life they can be reground to producenew plastic products.

Why go plastic?

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Exempt from ISPM15 regulationsPlastic pallets are exempt from International Standards forPhytosanitary Measures No.15 (ISPM15), which addressesthe need to treat wooden pallets shipped between countries,offering a hassle-free option for export consignments.

Safe handling, with no nails or splintersThere are no nails, sharp edges or splinters, and no risk ofloose component parts breaking free under manual liftingconditions and causing injury to operatives.

No mould or dust contamination issuesThere are no hidden pockets or areas where dirt and dustcan collect, so surfaces remain contaminant-free.

Hygienic, smooth surfaces, free from impuritiesTotally smooth sealed surfaces prevent impuritiesaccumulating in the pallet’s structure, essential forhygienic areas and clean rooms.

Easily cleaned, impervious to moisture, weak acids and alkalisAs plastic pallets are water-resistant, they can berepeatedly washed and steam cleaned manually or with anautomated system. They are also impervious to moisture,weak acids and alkalis.

Colour choice and customisationWith a number of distinctive colours to choose from,including two-colour combinations, and a variety ofprinting options for customisation, plastic pallets have never looked better!

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Ideal forLightweight applications, static storage, closed loops, one-way trips and multi-use.

Key featuresLow cost and lightweight.

Key benefitsEconomic – nestable design reduces transportation costs.

Lightweight – manufactured from low-grade recycledplastic.

Space-saving – stacks up to 50 pallets high when empty.

Nestable palletsSpecification• Lightweight design with

models weighing between3.2kg and 6.7kg

• Available in different sizes.

• Available with open orclosed top deck.

• Optional clip-on runnersfor double stacking.

• Ultra-light racking loads.

T: 01323 744057 E: [email protected]: www.goplasticpallets.com 6

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Ideal forExport consignments and avoiding the ISPMI5 regulationsfor heat treating wood packaging.

Key featuresSpecially designed for one-way trips or limited use.

Key benefitsLow-cost – cost-effective for exporters.

Lightweight – manufactured from low-grade recycledplastic or mixed material.

Hassle-free – exempt from ISPMI5 regulations.

Export palletsSpecification• Available in different

sizes and styles.


• Full-perimeter varietiesoffer racking up to1,000kg.

• Super lightweight modelweighs just 3.2kg.

• Nestable versions savespace in transportation.

• Longer-life varietiesavailable for multi-use.


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Ideal forGeneral use, automation and powered hand trucks.

Key featuresRigid top deck mounted on runners offering high strengthand a long working life.

Key benefitsLoading-capacity – suitable for medium to heavy loads,stronger than nestable pallets.

Rackable – four-way access permits easy beam racking upto 1,250kg.

Strength – strong, rigid structure suitable for repeated use.

Non-perimeter palletsSpecification• Three runners as standard

along pallet length.

• Manufactured fromrecycled or virgin plastic,or mixed material.



• Coloured black asstandard.

• Colour options availablein virgin materials forlarge orders.


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Ideal forGeneral medium and heavy duty applications with racking,automation, invertors, robots and all types of mechanicalhanding equipment (MHE). The most widely used type of pallet.

Key featuresRigid top deck on a full-perimeter base offering a strongand hardwearing alternative to traditional wooden palletsand a long working life.

Key benefitsReusable – strong, rigid structure and designed for longterm repeated use.

Rackable – full perimeter base allows easy racking in eitherdirection with rackable loads generally up to 1250kg.

Automation – 100% dimensional accuracy makes well-suited for automated systems.

Full-perimeter palletsSpecification• Manufactured from

recycled or virgin plastic,or mixed material.



• Coloured black asstandard.

• Colour choices availablein virgin materials forlarge orders.

• Options include edge lips,RFID inserts and screenprinted ID.


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Ideal forHandling and storing moderate weight loads and repeated use.

Key featuresA wide range of versions available to suit all application requirements.

Key benefitsChoice – choose from different sizes, open or closed deck,full-perimeter or non-perimeter versions.

Rackable – all our medium duty pallets offer easy rackingfrom 250kg to 800kg.

Automation – 100% dimensional accuracy, so well suitedfor automated systems.

Medium duty palletsSpecification• Manufactured from


• Available in different sizesand full-perimeter or non-perimeter versions.


• Coloured black or grey as standard.




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Ideal forHandling and storing heavy loads and repeated use.

Key featuresIncredibly strong design ensures long life span – often exceeding 10 years.

Key benefitsChoice – choose from different sizes, open or closed deck,full-perimeter or non-perimeter versions.

Rackable – most versions are suitable for racking up to 1250kg.

Automation – 100% dimensional accuracy, so well suitedfor automated systems.

Heavy duty palletsSpecification• Manufactured from


• Available in different sizesand full-perimeter or non-perimeter versions.


• Coloured black, grey orblue as standard.




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Ideal forFood and pharmaceuticals and other industries wherehygiene is of prime importance.

Key featuresTotally smooth sealed top deck, full compliance with EUsafety legislation, optimised for superior automatedhandling performance.

Key benefitsOptimum hygiene – designed to meet the most stringenthygiene requirements.

Contaminant-free – no pockets or areas where dirt anddust can collect.

Water-resistant – easily cleaned manually or with anautomated system.

Hygienic palletsSpecification• Highest quality food-grade

virgin or recycled plastic.

• Full-perimeter, non-perimeter or ninefeet versions available.

• Available in two sizes1200 x 1000mm and 1200 x 800mm.

• Seven single coloursavailable from stock.

• Special colours and 84 two-colour varietiesavailable for orders of 500+.



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BPPi9 Beverage Pool PalletRobust – heavy duty pallet designed forrepeated use.

Safety – anti-slip strips and grommetsensure safe goods handling.

Ease-of-use – extra wide openings betweencentral blocks, make it easy for forklifts toenter and leave the pallet.

Options – anti-static ESD, RFID inserts,screen printed ID, and other colours forlarge orders.

Keg S9 PalletSpecial design – specifically designed forhandling 50-litre barrels (8 per pallet).

Rackable – high racking capacity of up to 1500kg.

Safety – safety rim, keg locators andrubber blocks on the base ensure safe handling.

Options – RFID inserts and screen printedID, and other colours for large orders.

Beverage pallets


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Ideal forAll types of drinks handling and transportation fromspirits, wines and beer barrels to soft drinks.

Ideal forBulk storage and distribution. Versions available suited totransporting 200 litre drums and storing big IBC bagssafely in racks or transporting loads in shipping containers.

Key featuresUnique square design with same width and length.

Key benefitsStrength – exceptionally robust design for heavy handlingand repeated use.

Rackable – offers easy racking up to 1250kg.

Safety – 7mm rim around the pallet perimeter providesbuilt-in safety.

Square palletsSpecification• Full perimeter design

manufactured from PPC.

• Available in two sizes –1200mm x 1200mm and1140mm x 1140mm.

• Available with closed oropen deck.

• Versions available on 3 or6 runners.

• Coloured black as standard.

• Options – lips, RFIDinserts, screen printed ID,anti-static ESD, anti-slipfeatures and non-perimeter version.


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Ideal forSafe storage of liquids and hazardous substances. Used inthe automotive, chemical, electronics, marine and wastemanagement industries.

Key featuresSpecially designed to contain leaks and spillages.

Key benefitsEconomic – avoid costs associated with environmentaldamage and employee illness.

Corrosion-resistant – unaffected by most chemicals andrust-free.

Safe – pallets comply with latest legislation, includingControls of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations2011, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA), andControl of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

Spill control pallets


SpecificationProducts in the spill controlrange include:

• Retenkit floor tiles thatprotect floor and feet fromacids, alkalis and seawater.

• Sump pallets that offereasy placement and havesupportive grills.

• Drum top bund palletswith circular recesses thatprovide safe storage ofdrums and their contents.

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Ideal forPoint-of-sale displays in supermarkets, garden andhardware stores and other retail outlets.

Key featuresSpecially designed to fit a 7mm plastic or cardboardsleeve to form a box.

Key benefitsHassle-free – product can be transferred directly to theshop floor, saving the hassle of unpacking.

Environmental savings – generates minimum packaging waste.

Attractive – plastic pallets look attractive on the shopfloor encouraging impulse purchases.

Display pallets


Specification• Pallet measures 800mm (L)

x 600mm (W) x 130mm (H).

• Manufactured fromrecycled black HDPE asstandard or virgin HDPE.

• Available with open orclosed top deck, with orwithout edge lips.

• Nests up to 78 pallets high,saving space in storageand transportation.

• Stacks for use with palletloading cassettes andautomated systems.

• Colour options andmoulded inserts availablefor large orders.

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Design & DevelopmentIf our off-the-shelf plastic pallets do not meet yourrequirements, we will help you find a solution.


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Our close partnerships with a number ofmanufacturing factories across Europemeans that we can cater for all types ofbespoke design and customisationspecifications with effective consultancyand technical support.

After taking a brief, we will put ourexperience and knowledge to good use andstrive to find the most economical solutionto meet your needs. We have access to some of the most sophisticatedsoftware and CAD equipment, enabling usto create innovative product designs.

All of our bespoke products aremanufactured using state-of-the-artmoulding equipment. Where modificationsare required, we will work with you to meetyour exact brief.

If you would like to discuss a brief for thedesign and development of a bespokeplastic box, give us a call.

Pallet capacitiesPallet specifications normally have threestated capacities:

• STATIC load is the maximum weight thatthe pallet can withstand when placed ona level solid surface.

• DYNAMIC load is the maximum weightthat the pallet can accommodate whenbeing moved by a forklift.

• RACKING load is the maximum weightthat the pallet can accept.

All plastic pallets have a safety margin toensure that they can be loaded to thesemaximums, however these capacitiesassume that the load is evenly spread.

If your load is concentrated in or across the centre of the pallet, this should be allowed for.

StylePallets are available in three styles:nestable, full-perimeter or non-perimeter.Descriptions of all three styles can befound on pages 7 to 9.

Choice of deckPallets are available with open or closeddecks. Open decks allow easier drainingwhen wet and easier manual handling.Closed decks offer superior hygiene,protection from splash up and are easier to clean.

Selecting a pallet Before selecting your plastic pallet, spare a moment to consider the following:


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Optional lipsNormally, the lips on the edge of thepallets are 6mm high and 3mm wide,running in two short sections, nominally300mm, on each side. On non and full-perimeter pallets, when moved in stacks ofempty pallets, these lips locate into thepallet above, making the stack very stable.Depending on the size of the goods loadedon full pallets, the lips can help to locateand hold the load.

MaterialsPlastic pallets are manufactured frompolypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE),high or medium density. Specification willdepend upon the proposed application.

PE has good shock absorbing performance,even in very low temperatures, whereas PPhas improved stiffness even at highertemperatures, providing excellentperformance on racking.

If your pallets are to have direct contactwith food, or if high performance isrequired, virgin materials (rather thanrecycled) are recommended. They also lookbetter, if that is a consideration. However,recycled materials offer a more economicand environmentally friendly alternative.

Operating temperatureIf pallets are being used in extremetemperatures, it can adversely affect theloading capacities and performance.Because there are so many variablesinvolved, it is important when specifyingyour pallet to state if it will be used inextreme operating temperatures.

Anti-slip surfacesIn some exceptional circumstances, anti-slip surfaces may be required toreduce product movement. Anti-slip strips and pads are available as an option on some models.

ESD & conductive productsStatic electricity can be very damaging tomicro electronics, and sparks arising fromstatic can be a major hazard in areasdealing with explosive materials. In thesecircumstances, pallets can be supplied thatare specially treated to be anti-static, haveelectro static discharge (ESD) propertiesor alternatively are conductive.


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Goplasticboxes.com was established in2008 and today we offer expert knowledgeand advice across our range of more than115 plastic containers, crates and trays, in addition to larger pallet boxes and box accessories.

Our product range includes five distinctbox ranges: Automotive, Attached Lid,Stack & Nest, Food & Agricultural, Folding, as well as a selection of lids and transport dollies.

We are the sole UK distributors of Gamma-Wopla boxes and accessories,manufactured in Belgium and have closelinks with a number of other plastic boxmanufacturers throughout Europe.

If you’ve been using corrugated boxes orboxes made from other materials out ofhabit, we can help you make a smooth andcost-effective transition to plastic boxes.

Don’t forget ourplastic boxesWe don’t just stock plastic pallets. We supply a full range of boxes, crates and trays.


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“Given our specific requirements fortransporting wetlap pulp,Goplasticpallets.com was quick to respondto our enquiry and in finding a solution.Our new plastic pallets deliver on alllevels. They are impervious to moisture,easily cleaned and, most importantly,reusable. Taking into account the excellentworking life of plastic pallets, we feel wehave made an investment for the future.”Andrew Folkard, Supply Chain Centre Manager for M-real.

“We produce a lot of display stands forsupermarkets and DIY stores and most ofthem are made to fit certain size pallets.Transporting display stands on woodenpallets requires delicate handling to stopthe display moving. Goplasticpallets.com’snew plastic display pallet alleviates thisproblem and also makes the constructionof the cardboard display much simpler andcheaper. The slot around the top of thepallet is deep enough to hold the displaysecurely in place.”Keith Jenkins, Senior Estimator for Proteus Packaging.

“We have worked with Goplasticpallets.comon a number of projects that haveinvolved using plastic pallets in automatedsystems. The team at Goplasticpallets.comis very knowledgeable and takes care inrecommending the best pallet to suit each application.”Keith Washington, Senior Project Development

Manager for System Logistics.

“We're delighted with our order and thehigh level of customer service wereceived. MD Jim Hardisty was veryprofessional and I'd happily recommendGoplasticpallets.com to others in themotor racing industry.”From a top F1 Team.

“From our initial enquiry right through todelivery, Goplasticpallets.com providedexcellent advice and first class customerservice, we would have no hesitation inworking with them again.”Anu Sondhi, General Manager for RumaillahWarehouse Equipment.

Ask the expertsStill not sure which type of plastic pallet is bestsuited to your business? Give us a call or email usfor expert advice, like these customers.

e-Buyers’ Guide - Plastic Pallets, Pallet Boxes & Plastic Boxes · Not convinced about plastic...

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