In today’s world, transportation, distribution, and storage of goods play a crucial role in the global economy. Therefore, tools such as pallets, particularly plastic pallets, have received more attention than ever before. Plastic pallets, which are now being used as an alternative to traditional wooden pallets, are experiencing significant changes. The next generation of these pallets by taking advantage of new technologies, smart design, and sustainable materials will be much more efficient, durable, and more eco-friendly. This article examines the evolution of plastic pallets and the features of their new generation.
Plastic pallets are currently being used in different industries such as food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, petrochemicals, automotive, and retail. Regarding the advantages they have over wooden pallets, we can say that they have a resistance to moisture, don’t absorb the pollution, have longer lifespan, are easy to clean, their hygiene can easily be maintained and are recyclable. However, there are also challenges regarding the usage of plastic pallets. These issues have led research and development to move towards optimizing these pallets.
Innovation in raw materials
One of the biggest developments in the new generation of plastic pallets is the use of new and innovative raw materials, which are likely to be used in future generation pallets. Some of these raw materials include:
• High-quality recycled plastics:
Using recycled polyethylene or polypropylene that have high durability and strength. (These recycled pallets are mostly used for purposes such as shipping and export and are not suitable for warehousing).
• Biodegradable plastics:
Starch-based materials or PLA (polylactic acid) are another type of raw material that have the ability to decompose in nature and since these materials are eco-friendly, they can be very useful in the production of new-gen pallets.
• Reinforced Composites
: They make use of combining plastic with glass or natural fibers to increase strength and reduce weight.
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
The next generation of plastic pallets will benefit from new manufacturing technologies such as:
• Injection Molding with precision:
The course of industrial pallet manufacturing shows that the next generation of plastic pallets will be manufactured with lightweight yet strong and durable designs.
• Compression or Blow Molding:
Is used to produce pallets with a hollow structure that are lightweight and at the same time have a high load-bearing capacity.
• 3D Printing Technology:
3D printing is still in its early stages. A pallet produced by a home 3D printing machine may not yet be strong and durable enough to replace a conventionally manufactured product. Nevertheless, it promises a great new future for plastics engineering and is currently in the trial stages of producing customized and lightweight prototypes.
Smart Pallets
Following the trend of smart plastic pallets, companies are adding modules such as GPS (location tracking) and digital thermometers to pallets and pallet boxes. These technologies, play an essential role in improving the transparency and control of the supply chain, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries:
• The built-in GPS system makes real-time tracking of the location of pallets at a regional and global level possible. This feature is particularly vital in international transport and cold logistics.
• Temperature sensors create the ability to record and report the temperature inside the pallet box or the surrounding environment. This feature bears a significant importance in the supply chain of products that are sensitive to temperature such as pharmaceuticals, perishable foods and vaccines.
The data collected from these modules can be sent to the central system via wireless or IoT networks and ensure the safety and health of products with accurate and real-time control.
Combining these abilities with a robust and ergonomic design makes the pallets an efficient tool for advanced and digital supply chain management.
Ergonomic design
Currently, the current generation of plastic pallets can be placed into each other and are nestable. Next-gen pallets with an optimized design not only take up less space, but may also have folding capabilities. Which saves warehouse space and reduces transportation costs.
Advantages of the new generation of plastic pallets
• High durability:
The average life of the next generation of plastic pallets is estimated to be up to 10 years or even more.
• Compatibility with industrial hygiene:
Especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries where adhering to hygiene standards is important.
• Smart traceability:
Making use RFID or barcode technology leads to better inventory management and real-time tracking of the status of products in the transportation process.
• Being environmentally friendly:
Using recycled or biodegradable plastic will reduce the destructive effects of cutting down trees and damaging the environment for producing wooden pallets.
• Reduced overall cost of ownership:
Despite the higher initial cost, reducing maintenance and replacement costs leads to long-term savings.
Challenges and limitations
Despite the benefits mentioned in the previous sections, some challenges still remain.
• High initial cost:
although the initial cost of plastic pallets compared to their wooden counterparts are higher, you can be confident that by purchasing Persian Sanat plastic pallets and boxes, you will reduce costs in the long run because of the high quality and recyclable nature of the products.
• Difficult recycling of some composite materials:
Combining fibers with plastic in some cases will complexify the recycling process.
• Reception in market:
As it is apparent in course of history, new experiences have always faced resistance from traditional consumers. For instance, many small companies are still reluctant to use new pallets produced with modern technologies.
Future and applications
Development of technologies such as smart logistics, robotic warehousing and automated transportation necessitates the need for light, smart and durable pallets. The next generation of these pallets will be more practical, particularly in the following industries:
• Food and pharmaceutical industries:
With high hygiene standards.
• Online retail:
Due to the need for precise warehouse management.
• Modern manufacturing industries:
coordinated with automated transportation and storage systems.
Plastic pallets are undergoing a fundamental evolution as an important part of the global supply chain. The new generation of these pallets, by utilizing new technologies, smart design and sustainable materials, will meet the variable needs of the global market. As time goes by, the costs of these pallets will decrease and their acceptance in various industries will increase. The future of logistics is moving towards being smarter, cleaner and more sustainable, and the new generation of plastic pallets will be an important part of this path.
Persian Sanat International Company is a leading manufacturer of plastic products such as plastic pallets, plastic pallet boxes, garbage tanks and building structures. The company with Persian Sanat, Razak Shimi and Beton Baspar brands has always tried to produce innovative and practical products in the country’s industry and has half a century of successful experience in this regard.
Contact Persian Sanat’s team of professional consultants for more information and to get an introduction about the most suitable products for your business.
