Wood pallets cost less to buy, but they wear out fast, often within 5 to 10 trips, while a plastic pallet can run for hundreds more. If you’re weighing reusable plastic pallets vs wooden pallets for a closed-loop or hygiene-sensitive operation, total cost usually favors plastic once you get past the initial sticker price.

That’s the short answer. The next few sections walk through the cost per trip, how long each material lasts, and when wood is the smarter buy.

Quick comparison: plastic vs wood at a glance

Upfront cost vs cost per trip

A standard wood pallet typically runs $10 to $25, while a comparable reusable plastic pallet usually falls in the $25 to $80 range. On paper, wood looks like the obvious pick. But pallets aren’t a one-and-done purchase, they’re infrastructure, and infrastructure gets judged on what it costs to use, not what it costs to buy.

A $15 wood pallet that lasts five trips before it splinters, cracks, or gets tossed works out to about $3 per trip. Meanwhile, a $40 plastic pallet running 500 trips before retirement costs about eight cents per trip.

Plastic vs paper packaging: where the savings come from

The same cost-per-trip logic applies to what rides on the pallet. Most loads leave the dock in corrugated cardboard, and a cardboard carton is priced to be used once. Every cycle, someone buys new boxes, assembles them, tapes them, breaks them down on the other end, and pays to have the flattened bales hauled away. Each of those steps has a labor cost attached, and none of them show up on the packaging invoice.

Reusable plastic totes and trays move that spend from a recurring line item to a one-time purchase. A corrugated box that costs a couple of dollars and makes one trip works out to a couple of dollars per trip. A plastic tote at ten to twenty times that price, running a hundred or more trips, lands somewhere around a quarter per trip, and it keeps dropping the longer the tote stays in service.

The savings compound beyond the unit price. Plastic totes don’t soften in humidity or fail in cold storage, so product damage rates drop. Stack and nest containers hold standard footprints, so trailers cube out more efficiently and fewer return trips run half empty. They don’t need tape or void fill. And because they hold their shape, they run through automation and conveyor lines without the jams that crushed cardboard causes.

For operations that still need the light weight and print surface of a box, corrugated plastic bridges the gap. It handles the same roles as fiberboard but survives moisture and dozens of trips instead of one. And on a closed-loop lane, pairing a plastic pallet with plastic totes or trays means the entire load unit comes back and goes out again. Paper-based packaging has to be repurchased every time.

Durability and lifespan

Wood fails: boards crack under repeated loading; nails come loose and start snagging shrink wrap, or worse, employees’ hands; and pallets splinter when you’re loading a truck and nobody wants to deal with them.

Plastic doesn’t have those failure points because it doesn’t have nails or boards. It’s molded as one piece, which means the load capacity stays consistent trip after trip instead of degrading. Heavy-duty and rackable options hold up well in warehouse racking systems, where a wood pallet’s inconsistent strength can turn into a safety concern over time.

If your operation runs pallets through automated systems or high racking, that consistency is the difference between a smooth shift and a forklift operator radioing in a problem.

Hygiene and contamination

Wood is porous. That’s fine for a lot of shipping applications and a liability for others. Moisture gets in, mold can grow, and once a wood pallet has absorbed a spill, there’s no cleaning it out.

Plastic pallets don’t have that problem. The surface is sealed, washable, and doesn’t absorb liquids, odors, or bacteria. For food production, pharmaceutical distribution, or cleanroom environments, plastic pallets are often a regulatory requirement. Auditors prefer pallets they can hose down and inspect in under a minute.

Export and compliance (ISPM-15)

Wood pallets crossing borders need heat treatment to meet ISPM-15 rules, which exist to stop pests from hitching a ride in untreated wood. That treatment adds cost, an extra step to your process, and a way for a shipment to get flagged or delayed if the paperwork isn’t right or the heat treatment is inconsistent.

Plastic pallets are exempt. For export-heavy operations, one-way and export pallets built in nestable designs solve two problems at once: compliance and shipping volume, since nestable pallets stack tighter and cut freight costs on the return leg.

You can check the specifics of the treatment requirement directly through APHIS’s ISPM-15 guidance.

Eliminating waste from the supply chain

Single-use packaging creates waste at both ends of every shipment. On the outbound side, wood pallets get scrapped after a handful of trips and corrugated boxes are discarded after one. On the receiving side, someone has to break down, sort, bale, and pay for hauling on all of it. Facilities that receive high volumes often run a dedicated compactor and a recurring waste contract just to keep up.

Reusable plastic packaging takes most of that out of the system. A plastic pallet that lasts several hundred trips replaces dozens of wood pallets over its life. A tote that cycles for years replaces hundreds of cardboard boxes. The disposal step, the dumpster pulls, and the labor tied to handling waste at the dock shrink along with it.

When plastic pallets and containers do reach end of life, the material stays in circulation. Most are made from recyclable resin that can be ground and remolded into new product. RTP’s buyback and trade-in program collects worn units so they never sit in your warehouse, and the container recycling program keeps damaged or obsolete stock out of the landfill. That gives operations a measurable sustainability story to report, backed by fewer purchase orders and lower waste-hauling bills rather than offsets.

If you’re not sure where reusables would cut the most waste in your lane, RTP’s packaging consulting team can map it out against your current spend.

When wooden pallets still make sense

Despite its benefits, plastic isn’t always the right choice. If you’re shipping a single one-way load, working with a tight upfront budget, or moving something outbound that’ll never come back to you, wood is often the more sensible choice. Paying a premium for a pallet you’ll never see again doesn’t make financial sense no matter how good the material is.

The decision really comes down to whether the pallet is part of a loop or part of a one-time journey. Plastic is ideal for closed-loop, high-frequency, or hygiene-sensitive operations. Meanwhile, wood is a good choice for single-use, budget-constrained, or unpredictable outbound shipments.

Choosing the right reusable plastic pallet

Not every plastic pallet is built for the same job, so matching the pallet to your load and your racking setup is important. A pallet rated for light distribution work will struggle under a heavy industrial load, and a bulky heavy-duty pallet is overkill for light e-commerce cartons.

Start by looking at your current lineup of plastic pallets and consider the following three things:

1. How much weight you’re moving
2. Whether the pallet needs to sit in racking
3. How often it travels

For higher loads and warehouse racking, a heavy duty plastic pallet is usually the better fit. If budget is a factor and you don’t need brand-new stock, used plastic pallets can bring the cost per unit down significantly without sacrificing much in performance.

And when your fleet eventually needs refreshing, our container buyback and trade-in program means old pallets don’t take up valuable space in your warehouse.

FAQs

Are plastic pallets cheaper than wood?

Not at first. A wood pallet costs less to buy, so it wins on the sticker price. Plastic usually costs less per trip, though, because one pallet runs hundreds of cycles instead of a handful, and it rarely needs repairs. In closed-loop operations, that lower cost per trip adds up fast.

How long do plastic pallets last compared to wood?

Plastic pallets typically last 400 to 700 trips or more before they retire, because they are molded in one piece with no nails or boards to fail. Wood pallets usually need repair or replacement after just 5 to 10 trips, since boards crack and nails work loose under repeated loading and handling.

Do plastic pallets need heat treatment for export?

No. Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15, the rule that requires wood packaging to be heat treated before it crosses international borders. That saves you a processing step, the treatment cost, and the risk of a shipment getting flagged or delayed over inconsistent treatment or missing paperwork on the wood side.

Can plastic pallets be recycled?

Yes. Most plastic pallets are made from recyclable resin, and worn ones can be ground down and molded into new pallets rather than sent to landfill. Buyback and trade-in programs make this easy, since they take your old pallets off your hands and keep the material in circulation instead of taking up warehouse space.

Are plastic pallets better for food and pharma?

Often, yes. Plastic has a sealed, non-porous surface that resists moisture, odors, and bacteria, and it wipes or washes down in seconds. Untreated wood absorbs spills and can trap contaminants, which is a problem in food production, pharmaceutical distribution, and cleanroom settings where auditors need pallets they can inspect and sanitize quickly.

Are plastic pallets stronger than wood?

In most operations, yes. A molded plastic pallet keeps the same load capacity trip after trip, while a wood pallet weakens as boards crack and nails loosen. Rackable and heavy-duty plastic pallets hold consistent weight in racking and automated systems, where a wood pallet’s shifting strength can become a safety concern over time.

How does reusable packaging reduce supply chain waste?

Each reusable plastic pallet or tote replaces dozens to hundreds of single-use wood pallets and cardboard boxes over its life. That cuts purchasing, breakdown labor, and waste-hauling costs at the receiving dock, and worn units can be recycled through buyback programs instead of going to a landfill.

See What Switching to Plastic Pallets Can Save You

Ready to see the numbers for your own shipping volume? Compare plastic pallet options and request a quote, and we’ll help you pin down where the savings add up.

There is no single standard corrugated box size. What you’ll find instead is a cluster of common dimensions most manufacturers stock, along with a grading system, flute type, wall construction, and edge crush strength, which determines how much weight and handling a box can take. Once you understand how size and strength work together, picking the right box stops is easy.

How Corrugated Boxes Are Measured

Corrugated box dimensions are written in the order length, width, and depth (or height), with length being the longer of the two top opening sides. So a box listed as 16 x 12 x 10 opens to 16 inches by 12 inches, with 10 inches of depth.

The detail that trips people up is inside versus outside dimensions. Inside dimensions tell you what will fit inside once the box is assembled. Outside dimensions include the thickness of the board itself, which matters for palletizing, warehouse shelving, and freight quotes. On a single wall box, the gap between inside and outside dimensions might only run an eighth of an inch per side. On double or triple wall corrugated, that gap grows, and across a full pallet load, those extra fractions of an inch add up fast.

Outside dimensions also feed into dimensional weight, or dim weight, the pricing method most carriers use to charge based on the cubic space a box occupies rather than its weight. A box that’s a couple inches bigger than necessary wastes warehouse floor space and can push a shipment into a higher rate bracket.

Common Standard Corrugated Box Sizes

Here’s a working reference of the sizes suppliers stock most often, grouped by how they’re typically used. Treat this as a starting point, as exact stock sizes vary by manufacturer and region. USPS, UPS, and FedEx each publish their own flat rate or branded box dimensions, which don’t always line up with the below sizes.

Corrugated Flute and Wall Types

A box’s strength comes down to two things: the flute type and the number of walls.

Single, Double, and Triple Wall

According to the Fibre Box Association, corrugated material comes in a few standard constructions. Single wall board sandwiches one fluted medium between two liner sheets. Double wall adds a second fluted layer and a third liner, and triple wall stacks three flutes between four liners for maximum strength. Single wall covers most general shipping needs. Double and triple wall step in for heavy, dense, or long-haul freight where the box needs to maintain its shape under weight.

Flute Grades A, B, C, and E

Flute size is graded by letter, and the letters reflect the order they were developed rather than any size, so A isn’t necessarily the largest.

A flute was the original profile, running about 33 flutes per foot, and it has strong cushioning and stacking strength. B flute came next at roughly 47 flutes per foot, built for self-supporting canned goods. C flute followed as an all-purpose middle ground at about 38 flutes per foot. E flute is around 90 flutes per foot, trading some cushioning for a smoother, more printable surface, which is why it shows up so often on retail-ready packaging. F flute is about 125 flutes per foot and was made for small folding cartons.

Generally, bigger flutes have better cushion and can stack more easily while smaller flutes print cleaner and take up less space in the box itself.

ECT and Burst Strength Basics

Edge crush test, or ECT, measures how much compressive force a board can take on its edge before it collapses. This force especially affects the bottom box in a pallet. ECT values are stated in pounds per linear inch, and common grades run from around 23 ECT on light single wall board up to 48 ECT or higher for heavier single wall and double wall applications built for stacking.

Burst strength, sometimes called the Mullen test, measures how much force it takes to puncture the face of the board.

Most modern freight and warehouse applications use ECT, since it correlates more directly with how a box performs on a pallet.

How to Choose the Right Box Size

Start with product fit and measure the item at its widest points, then make sure there’s enough room for void fill, foam, air pillows, or paper, so the product isn’t bouncing around but isn’t so tight the box seams take on stress. A box that’s too snug can bulge or split under normal handling.

If boxes are stacked on a pallet or in a warehouse rack for any length of time, the ECT rating and flute grade need to match that load. And because shipping cost tracks cubic size, right-sizing the box is one of the more direct ways to control freight spend across a high-volume shipping lane.

 

Reusable Corrugated Plastic: A Durable Alternative

All of the above applies to single-use corrugated cardboard, and for one-way shipments or retail presentation, that’s often still the right call. But for repeat shipping lanes, reusable corrugated plastic outperforms cardboard on total cost and durability.

Corrugated plastic doesn’t absorb moisture the way fiberboard does, which matters in cold storage, wash-down environments, and outdoor staging areas where cardboard softens and fails. It survives dozens or hundreds of trips instead of one, and it doesn’t need to be replaced whenever it gets crushed or wet. For operations running the same route between a plant and a distribution center, or between a supplier and a manufacturing line, that durability translates directly into fewer replacement orders and less packaging waste to manage.

RTP carries a full line of corrugated plastic products, including corrugated plastic totes and corrugated plastic trays built to standard footprints, along with plastic corrugated boxes sized for the same general-purpose shipping and storage roles a cardboard carton handles today.

FAQs

What is the most common corrugated box size?

There’s no single universal size, but a handful of dimensions show up across most suppliers: small parcels around 8 x 6 x 4, medium boxes around 12 x 12 x 12 or 16 x 12 x 8, and larger cartons in the 18 x 18 x 16 range. Which one counts as “standard” depends on the industry and the product being shipped.

How do I measure a corrugated box?

Measure length by width by depth, in that order, using inside dimensions if you’re checking product fit. Outside dimensions, which include the board thickness, are what carriers and warehouses use for freight and shelving calculations.

What is the difference between single and double wall?

Single wall board has one fluted layer between two liners. Double wall adds a second flute and a third liner, which roughly doubles the stacking strength and puncture resistance, at added weight and material cost.

What is ECT on a box?

ECT stands for edge crush test, a rating that measures how much compression a board can withstand on its edge before it fails. Higher ECT numbers mean stronger stacking performance, which matters most for palletized freight and warehouse storage.

Is corrugated plastic better than cardboard?

For a single one-way shipment, cardboard usually wins on upfront cost. For repeated trips on the same shipping lane, corrugated plastic tends to win on total cost and durability, since it resists moisture and holds up over hundreds of cycles instead of one.

 

Explore Reusable Corrugated Plastic Boxes

Ready to move beyond single-use cardboard on your repeat shipping lanes? Explore reusable corrugated plastic options or request a quote and RTP’s team will help you find the right fit for your operation.

A flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) is a large, woven polypropylene bag designed to store and transport dry, flowable products in bulk.

Choosing a dedicated FIBC manufacturer should go well beyond price. Fill and discharge style, safety ratings, and lead times all affect how well a bag performs on your line, so the supplier you choose will affect the day-to-day operations of your business.

If you’re comparing suppliers, here are the qualities that matter most and how to choose a manufacturer that fits your operation.

What Is a Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC)?

An FIBC is a flexible bag built from woven polypropylene fabric, typically holding between 1,000 and 4,000 pounds of dry product. FIBCs sit between rigid intermediate bulk containers and small sacks, offering more capacity than a standard bag while folding flat for storage and return shipping when empty. The terms “FIBC,” “bulk bag,” and “super sack” all describe the same product, and buyers will see them used interchangeably across supplier catalogs and technical specs.

What Types of FIBCs Do Manufacturers Produce?

Manufacturers build FIBCs in several configurations, each suited to a different product, stacking pattern, or handling requirement. Knowing the differences helps buyers narrow a supplier search quickly.

U-Panel, Four-Panel, and Circular (Tubular) Bags

• U-panel bags use a single piece of fabric wrapped around the load, seamed on two sides for strength.
• Four-panel bags stitch together four separate fabric panels, giving the bag sharper corners and a more box-like shape when filled.
• Circular or tubular bags are woven as a continuous cylinder, which reduces the number of seams and can lower manufacturing costs.

Each style handles differently on a pallet, so the right choice depends on stacking needs and filling equipment.

Baffle Bags for Stable, Square-Stacking Loads

Baffle bags include internal fabric panels that pull the corners inward as the bag fills, forcing it into a squarer shape. That shape reduces bulging at the middle of the bag and keeps loads more stable during transport and warehouse stacking. Baffle construction works well for products that tend to shift or settle unevenly.

Conductive Types: Type A, B, C, and D (Static Safety)

FIBCs are classified by how they manage static electricity, a critical factor when bagging combustible dust or flammable powders.

• Type A bags offer no static protection and suit only non-flammable products in non-hazardous environments.
• Type B bags limit spark energy through the fabric itself.
• Type C bags include conductive threads that must be grounded during filling and discharge.
• Type D bags dissipate static without grounding, using specially engineered fabric.

Matching product and environment to the correct type is a safety requirement, not a preference.

Food-Grade and UN-Rated FIBCs for Regulated Products

Food-grade FIBCs are manufactured in controlled environments using virgin, food-contact-approved resin, and they support products ranging from grain to sugar. UN-rated bags meet United Nations packaging standards for transporting certain regulated or hazardous materials, with testing that covers drop height, stacking, and vibration.

Buyers moving food, pharmaceutical, or regulated chemical products should confirm certification directly with the manufacturer rather than assume standard bags will qualify.

Key Specs to Confirm Before You Order

A handful of specifications determine whether an FIBC will perform safely and consistently for a given application.

• Safe working load (SWL) and safety factor. Reputable FIBCs are rated to a 5:1 safety factor, meaning the bag is tested to withstand five times its stated SWL.
• Fill and discharge style. Common options include duffel top, spout top, flat bottom, and discharge spout, each suited to different filling and emptying equipment.
• Liner options. Liners protect against moisture, contamination, and product loss through their weave and are often required for food or chemical products.
• Dimensions and pallet fit. Confirm the bag’s footprint matches your standard pallet size to avoid overhang or wasted space during storage and shipping.

What to Look for in an FIBC Manufacturer

Sourcing decisions often come down to a few practical factors that separate a reliable manufacturer from a reseller repackaging someone else’s stock.

• Domestic inventory and predictable lead times matter most when a production line depends on a steady bag supply.
• Custom sizing, printing, and labeling let buyers match packaging to branding or specific handling needs.
• Quality certifications and documented testing give buyers confidence in stated safety ratings.
• Flexibility on minimum order quantities helps smaller operations avoid overbuying.
• Manufacturers who also support replacement stock or reuse programs add long-term value beyond the initial purchase.

Reusable Transport Packaging sources FIBCs domestically and offers custom sizing for buyers who need a bag built to a specific application.

FIBCs vs Rigid Bulk Containers: Which Do You Need?

The right choice depends on how a product moves through a facility and whether a bag needs to be reused.

Factor	FIBC	Rigid Bulk Container
Cost per unit	Lower	Higher upfront
Reusability	Single or limited multi-trip	Built for many reuse cycles
Empty footprint	Folds flat	Retains shape or collapses partially
Product protection	Good for dry, flowable goods	Better for fragile or liquid products

Buyers who need a returnable, closed-loop option should consider collapsible, reusable bulk containers instead of single-use bags.

Get FIBCs and Bulk Bags From RTP

Reusable Transport Packaging supplies FIBCs and bulk bags in custom sizes with quick turnaround and nationwide shipping. Whether you need standard duffel-top bags or a food-grade, UN-rated solution, we can help match the right bag to your product and your budget.

Shop FIBCs and bulk bags

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FIBC stand for?

FIBC stands for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container.

How much weight can a flexible intermediate bulk container hold?

Most FIBCs hold between 1,000 and 4,000 pounds, with the exact capacity determined by the bag’s safe working load and a 5:1 safety factor.

What is the difference between a bulk bag and an FIBC?

There is no difference. Bulk bag, super sack, and FIBC all refer to the same product.

Are FIBCs reusable?

Some FIBCs are rated for single use only, while others carry a multi-trip rating that allows repeated use within the limits of their safety factor.

Can FIBCs be made food-grade?

Yes. Food-grade FIBCs are manufactured using food-contact-approved resin in controlled production environments.

Recently, fire retardant plastics are gaining popularity due to increasing concerns around safety, regulatory standards, and environmental considerations. We have seen an increase in requests for FR (fire retardant) materials in plastic pallets, bulk containers, RPCs, distribution totes and more. There are many reasons why a warehouse or manufacturing plant may be considering FR material for their facility. Among them are stricter safety regulations, the preponderance of high risk applications, increased urbanization and development, and overall awareness of the threat posed by building fires. This F.A.Q. may help answer some of your questions regarding fire retardant plastics, and our team is more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

Fire Retardant Plastic FAQ

Q. Who sets the standards for fire retardant plastics?

A. In North America, FM (Factory Mutual) and UL (Underwriters Laboratories) provide standards, testing and certification in the United States while CSA (the Canadian Standard Association) does the same for Canada.

 

Q. What are the differences in the testing/certification laboratories?

 A. FM Global is an international property insurance and loss prevention engineering company. With a vested interest in product safety, FM is considered to have the highest testing standards among American product testing institutes. UL, or Underwriter Laboratories, is the most widely known and authoritative organization providing product safety testing in the global market. In comparison, their backgrounds are what makes them so different. FM provides insurances while UL is focusing mainly on product testing and certification. FM excels in the firefighting field; UL is firmly established in consumer electronics and firefighting equipment. It’s not a matter which is better, but what’s demanded by the target market or buyer.

 

Q. How are fire retardant characteristics applied to plastic pallets and containers?

 A. Fire retardant additives are incorporated into the raw materials prior to when the plastic pallet or container is actually formed. Most are made with a non-halogenated fire retardants, and are therefore devoid of chemicals such as chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine.

 

Q. What types of fire retardant chemicals are normally used?

A. Phosphoropus based compounds are commonly used, as they form a protective char layer that serves as a barrier to heat and oxygen to prevent the spread of fire. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are also common, as they release water vapor when heated, which cools the material and dilutes the concentration of combustible gases.

 

Q. Do fire retardant chemicals change the material characteristics or physical properties of the plastic?

A. Yes. This varies according to the amount of fire retardant additives used, but these chemicals have the side effects of diminishing the strength of the material, and increasing its pliability. These factors must be taken into consideration to determine suitability for each specific application.

 

Q. What is FM 4996?

A. Factory Mutual Standard 4996 (FM 4996) is a rigorous certification that sets the benchmark for the performance and safety of plastic pallets used in industrial and commercial environments. This standard focuses on minimizing fire risks associated with plastic pallets. To meet FM 4996, pallets must demonstrate superior fire resistance, typically requiring the use of fire-retardant materials, and pass extensive testing under severe conditions. Pallets certified under FM 4996 are designed to reduce the potential for fire spread and lower insurance costs, providing companies with a safer, more reliable solution for their storage and transportation needs.

 

Q. What is UL 2335?

A. The primary focus of UL 2335 is to evaluate the fire performance of plastic pallets in comparison to wood pallets, particularly in terms of fire growth, heat release, and smoke production. The UL 2335 standard involves testing where plastic pallets are subjected to controlled fire scenarios to assess their ability to resist ignition, limit the spread of fire, and minimize heat and smoke. Pallets that meet UL 2335 requirements are considered to have demonstrated equivalent or superior fire safety characteristics to traditional wood pallets.

 

Q. What is NFPA 13?

A. This standard comes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and sets the requirements for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems. Under this standard, plastic pallets increase the commodity class by either one class (unreinforced pallets) or two classes (reinforced pallets), unless the pallets are determined to be equivalent to, or better than, wood pallets per FM 4996 or UL 2335. Manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers that must comply with NFPA 13 can decrease their risk of fire by using FM4996 or UL 2335 pallets.  If they elect to use plastic pallets without either of these certifications, they must comply with more stringent storage and transportation requirements of NFPA 13.

 

Have Questions Or Need Further Assistance?

Call Us At (727) 319-2300.

Our team has over 40 years of experience in reusable plastic pallets, bulk containers, handheld crates, and more. With a focus on excellent customer service. we’re more than happy to assist with any information that you may need. You can also send us an email at sales@reusabletranspack.com and we’ll get back to you at our earliest opportunity.

A pallet is a pallet, right? Not so fast!

Where Can I Get Pallets?

Whether you need to move products from one place to another, or store them long-term, finding the right material handling solution is critical. The world of pallets is a complicated one, and the sheer number of options can be daunting to all but the most seasoned packaging professionals. That’s where Reusable Transport Packaging can help.

With over 40 years of experience, we’ve gleaned a vast amount of product knowledge along the way. By consulting with you to understand your business and processes, our team can drastically shorten your journey to find the ideal pallet for your application. Our consultative approach is the key to ensuring that we can get you the best product, at the best price, at the right time.

What Kind Of Pallet Do I Need?

Pallets are the unsung heroes in the logistics and shipping industry. They play a pivotal role in ensuring products reach their destination intact, and they are expected to perform repeatedly with little to no maintenance. When it comes to suitability for any given task, not all pallets are created equal, and sourcing the right model is a top priority. Rather than spending your time becoming an expert on pallets, you can trust in our expertise and excellent customer service to meet your needs in the shortest amount of time possible.

There are several different types of pallets on the market, and several factors play a role in choosing the best pallet for your application. One way to approach pallets is to think of them in terms of light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty options. Another way is to segment them by materials. Here are the five main pallet categories by materials:

• 

  Wooden Pallets: Wooden pallets are the most traditional and widely used type. They are a known quantity and are typically chosen for their cost-effectiveness above all else. The construction of wooden pallets can vary, with options such as block pallets and stringer pallets. While they are widely used, the typical light-duty wood pallet will last for 10 usage cycles on average, which accounts for a significant amount of material waste worldwide. Additionally, wooden pallets present certain workplace hazards, with splinters and exposed nails being cause for concern. For export purposes, wooden pallets must meet the ISPM 15 standard to ensure that no exotic or invasive species are introduced into a new environment. For these reasons, wood pallets have lost some market share to reusable pallets over the last five decades.

• 

  Plastic Pallets: Plastic pallets have seen a surge in popularity due to their lightweight nature, overall durability, and resistance to moisture and pests. They are particularly favored in industries where hygiene and cleanliness are paramount, such as the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. More importantly, plastic pallets can be reused 10x longer (or more) than wooden pallets, with some heavy-duty plastic pallets providing a service life of over 200 use cycles. While the initial investment cost is higher than that of wooden pallets, plastic pallets provide a rapid return on investment, and they continue to provide years of ongoing savings after the initial payback. In addition to eliminating the material waste associated with wood pallets, plastic pallets can be recycled at the end of their service life, which contributes to sustainability goals. Plastic pallets can be reinforced with steel rods for use in edge-racking applications, and are available in a wide array of designs offering different features.

• 

  Metal Pallets: Metal pallets, often made of steel or aluminum, offer unparalleled strength and durability. They are ideal for heavy-duty applications and environments where hygiene is crucial. However, their overall weight can be a limiting factor in some logistics operations. Metal pallets are also highly resistant to pests and extreme environmental conditions. They are also fireproof, which helps to lower insurance costs.

• Corrugated Pallets: Corrugated pallets are a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative. Made from corrugated cardboard, these pallets are suitable for one-time use or short-term storage. If kept unsoiled and dry, they can be recycled, reducing their overall environmental impact. While not as durable as some other materials, they are cost-effective and serve well in specific applications.

• Molded/Pressed Wood Pallets: Molded wood pallets, also known as pressed wood pallets or particleboard pallets, are composed of wood particles compressed together with glue or epoxy as a binding medium. They are heat-treated, making them compliant with international shipping regulations. Molded wood pallets are lightweight, making them suitable for export, and they are often used in industries requiring compliance with ISPM 15

Want to save time and shorten your search for the perfect pallet? Put your trust in the team at Reusable Transport Packaging. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, responsiveness, and technical product knowledge, all of which will help make your project a success. Contact us today!

 

Looking for a deep dive on reusable plastic pallets? Click here to read “The Complete Buyer’s Guide To Plastic Pallets.”

Over the past several years, the discussions surrounding ESG initiatives have grown exponentially. For the uninitiated, ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance, and it is an operational framework and reporting tool that allows companies to plan, execute and report their activities against a set of standards relating to environmental impact, social responsibility and corporate governance. The intent is one of transparency, which makes a company more attractive for potential investors. In addition, maintaining an effective ESG strategy can make a company more attractive when it comes to recruitment of employees and boosting interactions and sales for the end user or consumer.

While ESG seems to have equal parts support and dissent in the modern-day workforce, it is a huge topic of discussion taking place in companies operating in all industries. The reason for the increased chatter is that ESG is now used as a litmus test by corporate investors when deciding which companies are worthy of investment, and conversely, which ones should be subjected to divestment. In fact, ESG was created for the investment world specifically to drive resources towards more ethical and sustainable companies. Simply put, it is a system that awards accountability and transparency, and for that reason, companies have rushed to take assessments of the environmental, social and governance trident within their own businesses.

How Do Reusable Packaging Solutions Impact A Company’s ESG Assessments?

As it turns out, reusable plastic containers, trays, bins, totes, and pallets all dovetail directly into ESG initiatives. Reusables replace traditional single-use paperboard products, while providing superior protection for their contents and delivering superior stacking strength. By eliminating single-use paperboard products (like corrugated shipping boxes, for example), the amount of waste material entering a landfill is dramatically decreased. The exact amount of waste material that ultimately gets eliminated is only limited by the lifespan and number of uses offered by the reusable plastic container. With the rise of collapsible and nestable reusable containers, the backhaul quantities that fit into any given transport vehicle are increased significantly over their non-collapsible counterparts. This is something that’s celebrated with the drivers tasked with the backhaul, as well as the offloading team.

When it comes to social responsibility, reusable transport and storage containers are packed with features that make them easy to use and lessen the possibility of injury in the workplace. If we use the example of an attached lid tote, they employ integrated carrying handles that improve the ergonomics over a traditional corrugated RSC (regular slotted container). The attached-lid tote is easily opened without using any blades or tools. Given that most companies look to eliminate the presence of box cutters and knives among their staff, this is a massive leap forward when it comes to preventing workplace injuries. Additionally, the attached lid totes feature a tapered design and a purpose-built lid on top, which allows the totes to securely stack on top of one another, eliminating slippage and reducing the possibility of toppling.

If we consider a comparison between traditional wooden pallets and plastic pallets, we see the same trend emerge. It is widely-known that a plastic pallet lasts over twice as long as a wooden pallet, but the final stages of the wooden pallet is much more hazardous. It is common for wooden pallets to splinter, creating a hazardous work condition for anyone tasked with handling them. Likewise, the nails of the wooden pallet begin to pull away from the wood as the pallet ages, creating yet another danger for warehouse and transport teams.

Safety in the workplace is paramount, and a safer work environment fosters a positive company culture and boosts employee morale. It shows that an employer truly cares about the well-being of its team, and employee retention is subsequently improved. This has the effect of making any given company a more attractive place to work, which aids in the recruitment endeavors undertaken by HR departments.

The effect of workplace safety reverberates all the way down to the consumer. In fact, consumers not only care about how a company treats them personally, but also how those companies treat their employees. In 2022, 47% of consumers polled said they would trust a brand more if they took better care of their employees. (Source: Business Wire). This ethical awareness at the consumer level pings the radar of investors, as it has a direct correlation to a company’s bottom line.

Corporate governance has historically been comprised of various pillars, with one of them being risk mitigation. If we stick with the previous example of an attached lid tote replacing RSCs, the improved ergonomic handling, blade-free opening feature, and solid stackability are all factors that reduce the risk of workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims in a measurable way. Another pillar of corporate governance is fiscal responsibility and transparency. While the standard size reusable attached lid tote may cost $14 compared to a single-use RSC costing $3, the plastic tote boasts a service life measured in years. The return on investment for the attached lid tote is realized after just 5 uses, and it will continue to provide service and save on material costs for a long time to come. It becomes a simple calculation to show the initial ROI as well as the ongoing monetary savings achieved by switching to the reusable container. This serves to highlight a company’s propensity to enhance investment returns by allocating capital for sustainable solutions instead of wasteful single-use items.

 

What’s In The Future For ESG?

At the present time, the ESG scorecard initiative faces some uncertainty here in the United States due to backlash. It is seen by some as being anti-capitalistic and that it panders too heavily towards ongoing social issues. Texas and Kansas have both already passed anti-ESG laws, so whether we’ll see a snowball effect or not is yet to be seen. Many investors have argued that ESG helps them choose companies whose practices do not pose a risk for future growth. That said, many companies link executive pay directly to the company’s ESG performance.

Whatever the future may hold for ESG, the facts remain. Transitioning to reusable plastic containers, bins, totes and pallets significantly reduces material waste created by single-use materials. They provide for a safer work environment by eliminating blades in the workplace, and a clear case can be made for their ROI and ongoing savings. No matter if you are looking to eventually sell your company, bring in outside investors, or simply optimize your business from a safety, culture and profitability standpoint, the team at Reusable Transport Packaging is here to offer you our expertise in making those goals a reality.

Contact us today for a free consultation on how RTP can help you transition to reusables to positively impact your company’s ESG assessments.

 

 

As the industry leader in reusable plastic container solutions, the team here at Reusable Transport Packaging continues to see more businesses switching from traditional materials to those with longer life spans. As bargain bin retail stores continue to pop up across the country and grow in popularity, they represent one of the retail markets that has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years.

Bin stores liquidate a wide range of consumer goods, from clothing to appliances, which requires product sorting at both the distribution and retail levels. At the store level, incoming products from the distribution chain are often loaded onto sorting tables and then grouped according to their product categories for retail point-of-sale. In certain cases, unsorted products are displayed so that shoppers can peruse them. There are also a number of bargain bin stores that are using larger bulk containers within the retail shopping area.

At the distribution level, large capacity collapsible bulk containers allow delivery trucks to speed up their offloading process when re-stocking the stores. Due to their collapsible and stowable design, these bulk containers can be folded down into a significantly smaller size, reducing the amount of space required for storage inside the retail store. In addition, the trucks hauling back the empty containers are able to maximize their container load thanks to the reduced physical volume.

Delivering Versatility: Sorting Tables and Retail Point-of-Sale Displays

When it comes to daily operations, elevated plastic table carts, mounted on lockable casters, are an ideal solution for sorting, handling and relocating products. They can be used behind the scenes by store employees to assess and sort retail items, and they can also be used to display the products to shoppers inside the store at the point-of-sale. The feature set and available options make them an excellent choice for bargain bin stores.

The smooth rolling, lockable casters allow the table carts to be easily moved throughout the store and secured in a stationary position. They can be customized with stenciled numbers or letters to aid in the sorting process, or to serve as category signage to shoppers.  These elevated sorting tables are available in 19 different color options, which allows you to use color-coding for operations, or to simply provide a better match for the store’s branding or decor. With employee safety being top of mind, these sorting table carts have a height of 36 inches, which delivers excellent ergonomics by making the table easy to use and maneuver. The heavy-duty polyethylene tabletop is mounted onto a durable steel frame, which also enables it to have an impressive carrying capacity of 2200 pounds. Since the table tops are made from non-porous phenolic polyurethane, they are easy to clean and sanitize when needed.

 

One For All, All For One: Bulk Containers For Both Distribution And Retail

Since bargain bin stores take delivery of a wide range of random products, those products are almost always grouped and delivered in a mixed format. Collapsible bulk containers with forklift slots are a perfect solution for delivery trucks that are restocking the bin stores. They provide rigidity, product protection and stackability that far outshines that provided by traditional paper-based gaylord containers. In addition, the collapsible design of our bulk containers greatly reduces the amount of space required for storage when not in use. This is a huge advantage in the retail industry, where floor space is always at a premium. By the same token, when the delivery trucks are finished dropping off new products to the store, they will take back any previously used bulk containers that the bargain bin store may have. With the collapsible bulk containers from Reusable Transport Packaging, the drivers can fit more containers into the truck for the return trip. These plastic containers also utilize many integrated features that serve to extend their service life.

Collapsible bulk containers are available in many different sizes to best suit the needs of the individual store. They collapse down to an overall height just under 13 inches. The collapsible design is achieved using plastic locking latches that can easily be accessed and replaced. Those same plastic latches also prevent damage to the walls and hinges over time. These containers also help companies meet sustainability initiatives, being made of 100% recyclable plastic. Rather than being destined for the landfill, these containers can be reclaimed and formed into something completely new.

 

American-Made

American-made products are the primary focus of our business. The vast majority of our most popular products are manufactured right here in the United States. Year after year, we sell tens of thousands of reusable containers and pallets made in cities like Winchester, Virginia, Nashville, Tennessee, Sandusky, Pennsylvania, and Buena Park, California. In summation, these products are produced by companies that have created thousands of jobs and directly contributed to their own local economies.

We’re also proud to partner with a handful of world-class international suppliers. These global suppliers give us the opportunity to help our domestic customers access the highly specialized products that they need to support their day-to-day business operation. In doing so, we help our American customers have domestic access to specialty products they need to support their operations. Due to our leadership in the industry, we have the ability to import unique products that would otherwise be largely unavailable throughout the United States. We value our international suppliers tremendously, and we’re glad to be able to use their unique products to benefit American businesses.

When you buy from RTP, you’re supporting American manufacturing, small businesses, and countless families.

 

Plastic Sorting Tables/Carts

• 96 x 48 x 36 – Plastic Dump Table Cart
• 104 x 50 x 36 – Plastic Dump Table Cart

Collapsible Bulk Containers

• 48 x 45 x 34 – Collapsible Bulk Container
• 48 x 45 x 25 – Collapsible Bulk Container With Drop Doors
• Multiple sizes available!

Why Choose Reusable Transport Packaging?

With over 40 years of industry experience, our expertise with reusable plastic products allows us to help bargain bin stores and other retailers find the perfect solutions to their distribution, storage and retail needs. Our business was built on helping our customers in all industries find the best possible solutions at the very best prices.

Feeling overwhelmed by choices and not quite sure what it is that you need? Our reusable packaging experts bring decades of packaging and transport industry knowledge to the table. We help our bin store partners analyze their process and optimize their daily internal operations accordingly. Contact us today for a free phone consultation.

 

As the legalization of hemp and its related cannabis products continues at an increasing rate across the US and Canada, the need for durable, reusable growing supplies, and harvesting equipment also continues to grow. Legal cannabis growers have opportunities to massively scale their legal operations, and with those opportunities also comes the need to invest in the right equipment for their businesses.

As all growers know, the cannabis harvesting process can be somewhat complex. In addition to the standard practices of waiting for peak ripeness, harvesting, reducing touch points, storage, and shipping out to distributors, cannabis buds must be dried, cured, and processed to preserve just the right quality of of terpenes and retain fresh flavors without forming mold. This process requires controlled conditions including temperature, humidity, and air flow. Getting it right takes precision, organization, and the right tools and methods.

 

The Cannabis Bud Tray

Today, we’re highlighting one of our most popular products for efficient cannabis harvesting and processing: RTP’s Cannabis Bud Tray. This specially designed bucking and drying crate can be used for a variety of agricultural needs, but for now we will be discussing its application to the needs of the legal industrial cannabis industry.

The right equipment can make a big difference in the day-to-day operations of your business, so our Cannabis Bud Tray is designed with features that are useful in every step of industrial cannabis processing. It’s fast become the go-to container for large scale cannabis growers throughout North America.

 

The Right Tray for the Job

Cannabis Bud Trays have a footprint of 24 inches by 16 inches — perfect for shelving and handling. To make the most of your space, these bud trays have two convenient modes of storage: stacking and nesting. They can be securely stacked on top of each other, and they can also be turned 180 degrees and nested at 50% height. The color-coded ends and sliding rails make it easy to handle and identify which side you’re using.

They are designed with open ventilation on all sides to increase air flow and promote optimum drying without creating conditions that encourage mold or rot. The ventilation pattern preserves bud shape, preventing flat spots and crushing.

The convenient size makes it an excellent all-purpose container for small plants, fresh and dried buds, storage of packaged products, and the handling of other cannabis growing and harvesting supplies. They stack endlessly and are sized for convenient shelf storage and palletization — making the most of every cubic inch of your facilities.

The Cannabis Bud Tray offer unparalleled value. Their all-plastic, single-piece, injection-molded design offers incredible durability. They are built to last through years of continued use. And, perhaps best of all, they’re affordable; with volume quantities available for a fraction of the cost of less desirable options sold by traditional retailers.

 

Keeping Legal Industrial Cannabis Green

As the legal cannabis industry grows, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the business decisions that are made. The harmful environmental effects of excess waste affect all of us, and our goal is to help replace disposable products and provide a more environmentally friendly option by providing high quality, long lasting supplies that reduce pollution and waste.

Our fully recyclable, food grade plastic packaging is a great option for any business looking to improve their sustainability while also saving money. They are lighter than metal, glass or fiberglass options, which improves both distribution costs and environmental impact.

 

How We Can Help

In this economic environment, with high overhead costs, legal fees, and expanding opportunities and competition, choosing affordable, durable containers that can be used for a variety of purposes and last for many years is essential. Sustainably growing high quality cannabis while preserving the value of your harvest positively impacts the longevity and profit of your business. Investing in industrial packaging that fits your unique needs can make everyone’s jobs easier.

 

Other Top Cannabis Containers

• 39″ x 31″ x 38″ — 105 Gallon Nestable Airtight Curing Bin
• 24″ x 16″ x 6″ — Agricultural RPC
• 27″ x 17″ x 12″ — Handheld Attached Lid Distribution Container

 

Why Reusable Transport Packaging?

At Reusable Transport Packaging, we work with all of the leading reusable packaging manufacturers. Our independent expertise gives us the unique objectivity to help cannabis growers find the best possible industrial containers. Our business is built on helping our customers find the best containers at the very best prices. We’re trusted by thousands of growers, processors, distributors, and retailers to always provide the perfect packaging solution for every application.

Not sure what you need? Our solutions experts have unparalleled knowledge of the packaging industry. We help our partners analyze and optimize their cannabis operations. Contact us today for a free phone or on-site consultation.