It s time to Go Plastic!

Transcription

1 e-buyers Guide

2 It s time to Go Plastic! Welcome to Goplasticpallets.com s Buyers Guide, the essential tool for selecting the plastic pallet best suited to your business. This guide has been designed to give you a taster of the different types of plastic pallet available and identify the features, benefits and uses of each. Established in 2001, we are the UK s leading supplier of plastic pallets. We offer expert knowledge and advice across our range of 155 plastic pallets. Plus, we provide immediate quotes and next-day delivery on all stock items. We are the sole UK distributor of CABKA-IPS and SmartFlow pallets manufactured in Belgium, and Q-Pall pallets manufactured in the Netherlands, and have close links with a number of other plastic pallet manufacturers across Europe and Asia, which ensures we offer the most comprehensive and competitive product range. Innovations in plastic pallets over the last 10 years have seen a greater variety of sizes, styles and specifications introduced to the market. With better choice than ever, plastic pallets continue to offer a cleaner, safer and tougher alternative to wood. If you ve been using the humble wooden pallet out of habit, perhaps now it s time to Go Plastic! Jim Hardisty, founder and managing director of Goplasticpallets.com

3 What you ll find in this guide 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

4 Why go plastic? Not convinced about plastic pallets? Just look at all the benefits. 100% size and strength consistent Plastic pallets are moulded under extreme pressure in highly polished moulds, ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy and loading capacities. Long-lasting, an investment for the future Plastic pallets have a life span of up to ten years, and sometimes more. This means they can last ten times longer than wooden pallets, offering an excellent return on investment. Recyclable, environmentally friendly Not only are many of our pallets manufactured from recycled HDPE, they are also recyclable, so at the end of their long working life they can be reground to produce new plastic products. 4

5 Exempt from ISPM15 regulations Plastic pallets are exempt from International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15 (ISPM15), which addresses the need to treat wooden pallets shipped between countries, offering a hassle-free option for export consignments. Safe handling, with no nails or splinters There are no nails, sharp edges or splinters, and no risk of loose component parts breaking free under manual lifting conditions and causing injury to operatives. No mould or dust contamination issues There are no hidden pockets or areas where dirt and dust can collect, so surfaces remain contaminant-free. Hygienic, smooth surfaces, free from impurities Totally smooth sealed surfaces prevent impurities accumulating in the pallet s structure, essential for hygienic areas and clean rooms. Easily cleaned, impervious to moisture, weak acids and alkalis As plastic pallets are water-resistant, they can be repeatedly washed and steam cleaned manually or with an automated system. They are also impervious to moisture, weak acids and alkalis. Colour choice and customisation With a number of distinctive colours to choose from, including two-colour combinations, and a variety of printing options for customisation, plastic pallets have never looked better! 5

6 Nestable pallets Lightweight applications, static storage, closed loops, one-way trips and multi-use. Key features Low cost and lightweight. Key benefits Economic nestable design reduces transportation costs. Lightweight manufactured from low-grade recycled plastic. Space-saving stacks up to 50 pallets high when empty. Specification Lightweight design with models weighing between 3.2kg and 6.7kg Available in different sizes. Available with open or closed top deck. Optional clip-on runners for double stacking. Ultra-light racking loads. 6

7 Export pallets Export consignments and avoiding the ISPMI5 regulations for heat treating wood packaging. Key features Specially designed for one-way trips or limited use. Key benefits Low-cost cost-effective for exporters. Lightweight manufactured from low-grade recycled plastic or mixed material. Hassle-free exempt from ISPMI5 regulations. Specification Available in different sizes and styles. Available with open or closed top deck. Full-perimeter varieties offer racking up to 1,000kg. Super lightweight model weighs just 3.2kg. Nestable versions save space in transportation. Longer-life varieties available for multi-use. 7

8 Non-perimeter pallets General use, automation and powered hand trucks. Key features Rigid top deck mounted on runners offering high strength and a long working life. Key benefits Loading-capacity suitable for medium to heavy loads, stronger than nestable pallets. Rackable four-way access permits easy beam racking up to 1,250kg. Strength strong, rigid structure suitable for repeated use. Specification Three runners as standard along pallet length. Manufactured from recycled or virgin plastic, or mixed material. Available in different sizes. Available with open or closed top deck. Coloured black as standard. Colour options available in virgin materials for large orders. 8

9 Full-perimeter pallets General medium and heavy duty applications with racking, automation, invertors, robots and all types of mechanical handing equipment (MHE). The most widely used type of pallet. Key features Rigid top deck on a full-perimeter base offering a strong and hardwearing alternative to traditional wooden pallets and a long working life. Key benefits Reusable strong, rigid structure and designed for long term repeated use. Rackable full perimeter base allows easy racking in either direction with rackable loads generally up to 1250kg. Automation 100% dimensional accuracy makes wellsuited for automated systems. Specification Manufactured from recycled or virgin plastic, or mixed material. Available in different sizes. Available with open or closed top deck. Coloured black as standard. Colour choices available in virgin materials for large orders. Options include edge lips, RFID inserts and screen printed ID. 9

10 Medium duty pallets Handling and storing moderate weight loads and repeated use. Key features A wide range of versions available to suit all application requirements. Key benefits Choice choose from different sizes, open or closed deck, full-perimeter or non-perimeter versions. Rackable all our medium duty pallets offer easy racking from 250kg to 800kg. Automation 100% dimensional accuracy, so well suited for automated systems. Specification Manufactured from recycled or virgin plastic, or mixed material. Available in different sizes and full-perimeter or nonperimeter versions. Available with open or closed top deck. Coloured black or grey as standard. Colour choices available in virgin materials for large orders. Options include edge lips, RFID inserts and screen printed ID. 10

11 Heavy duty pallets Handling and storing heavy loads and repeated use. Key features Incredibly strong design ensures long life span often exceeding 10 years. Key benefits Choice 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 suited for automated systems. Specification Manufactured from recycled or virgin plastic, or mixed material. Available in different sizes and full-perimeter or nonperimeter versions. Available with open or closed top deck. Coloured black, grey or blue as standard. Colour choices available in virgin materials for large orders. Options include edge lips, RFID inserts and screen printed ID. 11

12 Hygienic pallets Food and pharmaceuticals and other industries where hygiene is of prime importance. Key features Totally smooth sealed top deck, full compliance with EU safety legislation, optimised for superior automated handling performance. Key benefits Optimum hygiene designed to meet the most stringent hygiene requirements. Contaminant-free no pockets or areas where dirt and dust can collect. Water-resistant easily cleaned manually or with an automated system. Specification Highest quality food-grade virgin or recycled plastic. Full-perimeter, non-perimeter or nine feet versions available. Available in two sizes 1200 x 1000mm and 1200 x 800mm. Seven single colours available from stock. Special colours and 84 two-colour varieties available for orders of Options include edge lips, RFID inserts and screen printed ID. 12

13 Beverage pallets All types of drinks handling and transportation from spirits, wines and beer barrels to soft drinks. BPPi9 Beverage Pool Pallet Robust heavy duty pallet designed for repeated use. Safety anti-slip strips and grommets ensure safe goods handling. Ease-of-use extra wide openings between central blocks, make it easy for forklifts to enter and leave the pallet. Options anti-static ESD, RFID inserts, screen printed ID, and other colours for large orders. Keg S9 Pallet Special design specifically designed for handling 50-litre barrels (8 per pallet). Rackable high racking capacity of up t o 1500kg. Safety safety rim, keg locators and rubber blocks on the base ensure safe handling. Options RFID inserts and screen printed ID, and other colours for large orders. 13

14 Square pallets Bulk storage and distribution. Versions available suited to transporting 200 litre drums and storing big IBC bags safely in racks or transporting loads in shipping containers. Key features Unique square design with same width and length. Key benefits Strength exceptionally robust design for heavy handling and repeated use. Rackable offers easy racking up to 1250kg. Safety 7mm rim around the pallet perimeter provides built-in safety. Specification Full perimeter design manufactured from PPC. Available in two sizes 1200mm x 1200mm and 1140mm x 1140mm. Available with closed or open deck. Versions available on 3 or 6 runners. Coloured black as standard. Options lips, RFID inserts, screen printed ID, anti-static ESD, anti-slip features and nonperimeter version. 14

15 Spill control pallets Safe storage of liquids and hazardous substances. Used in the automotive, chemical, electronics, marine and waste management industries. Key features Specially designed to contain leaks and spillages. Key benefits Economic avoid costs associated with environmental damage and employee illness. Corrosion-resistant unaffected by most chemicals and rust-free. Safe pallets comply with latest legislation, including Controls of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2011, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA), and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). Specification Products in the spill control range include: Retenkit floor tiles that protect floor and feet from acids, alkalis and seawater. Sump pallets that offer easy placement and have supportive grills. Drum top bund pallets with circular recesses that provide safe storage of drums and their contents. 15

16 Display pallets Point-of-sale displays in supermarkets, garden and hardware stores and other retail outlets. Key features Specially designed to fit a 7mm plastic or cardboard sleeve to form a box. Key benefits Hassle-free product can be transferred directly to the shop floor, saving the hassle of unpacking. Environmental savings generates minimum packaging waste. Attractive plastic pallets look attractive on the shop floor encouraging impulse purchases. Specification Pallet measures 800mm (L) x 600mm (W) x 130mm (H). Manufactured from recycled black HDPE as standard or virgin HDPE. Available with open or closed top deck, with or without edge lips. Nests up to 78 pallets high, saving space in storage and transportation. Stacks for use with pallet loading cassettes and automated systems. Colour options and moulded inserts available for large orders. 16

17 Design & Development If our off-the-shelf plastic pallets do not meet your requirements, we will help you find a solution. Our close partnerships with a number of manufacturing factories across Europe means that we can cater for all types of bespoke design and customisation specifications with effective consultancy and technical support. After taking a brief, we will put our experience and knowledge to good use and strive to find the most economical solution to meet your needs. We have access to some of the most sophisticated software and CAD equipment, enabling us to create innovative product designs. All of our bespoke products are manufactured using state-of-the-art moulding equipment. Where modifications are required, we will work with you to meet your exact brief. If you would like to discuss a brief for the design and development of a bespoke plastic box, give us a call. 17

18 Selecting a pallet Before selecting your plastic pallet, spare a moment to consider the following: Pallet capacities Pallet specifications normally have three stated capacities: STATIC load is the maximum weight that the pallet can withstand when placed on a level solid surface. DYNAMIC load is the maximum weight that the pallet can accommodate when being moved by a forklift. RACKING load is the maximum weight that the pallet can accept. All plastic pallets have a safety margin to ensure that they can be loaded to these maximums, however these capacities assume that the load is evenly spread. If your load is concentrated in or across the centre of the pallet, this should be allowed for. Style Pallets are available in three styles: nestable, full-perimeter or non-perimeter. Descriptions of all three styles can be found on pages 7 to 9. Choice of deck Pallets are available with open or closed decks. Open decks allow easier draining when wet and easier manual handling. Closed decks offer superior hygiene, protection from splash up and are easier to clean. 18

19 Optional lips Normally, the lips on the edge of the pallets are 6mm high and 3mm wide, running in two short sections, nominally 300mm, on each side. On non and fullperimeter pallets, when moved in stacks of empty pallets, these lips locate into the pallet above, making the stack very stable. Depending on the size of the goods loaded on full pallets, the lips can help to locate and hold the load. Materials Plastic pallets are manufactured from polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), high or medium density. Specification will depend upon the proposed application. PE has good shock absorbing performance, even in very low temperatures, whereas PP has improved stiffness even at higher temperatures, providing excellent performance on racking. If your pallets are to have direct contact with food, or if high performance is required, virgin materials (rather than recycled) are recommended. They also look better, if that is a consideration. However, recycled materials offer a more economic and environmentally friendly alternative. Operating temperature If pallets are being used in extreme temperatures, it can adversely affect the loading capacities and performance. Because there are so many variables involved, it is important when specifying your pallet to state if it will be used in extreme operating temperatures. Anti-slip surfaces In some exceptional circumstances, anti-slip surfaces may be required to reduce product movement. Anti-slip strips and pads are available as an option on some models. ESD & conductive products Static electricity can be very damaging to micro electronics, and sparks arising from static can be a major hazard in areas dealing with explosive materials. In these circumstances, pallets can be supplied that are specially treated to be anti-static, have electro static discharge (ESD) properties or alternatively are conductive. 19

20 Don t forget our plastic boxes We don t just stock plastic pallets. We supply a full range of boxes, crates and trays. Goplasticboxes.com was established in 2008 and today we offer expert knowledge and advice across our range of more than 115 plastic containers, crates and trays, in addition to larger pallet boxes and box accessories. Our product range includes five distinct box 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 close links with a number of other plastic box manufacturers throughout Europe. If you ve been using corrugated boxes or boxes made from other materials out of habit, we can help you make a smooth and cost-effective transition to plastic boxes. 20

21 Ask the experts Still not sure which type of plastic pallet is best suited to your business? Give us a call or us for expert advice, like these customers. Given our specific requirements for transporting wetlap pulp, Goplasticpallets.com was quick to respond to our enquiry and in finding a solution. Our new plastic pallets deliver on all levels. They are impervious to moisture, easily cleaned and, most importantly, reusable. Taking into account the excellent working life of plastic pallets, we feel we have made an investment for the future. Andrew Folkard, Supply Chain Centre Manager for M-real. We produce a lot of display stands for supermarkets and DIY stores and most of them are made to fit certain size pallets. Transporting display stands on wooden pallets requires delicate handling to stop the display moving. Goplasticpallets.com s new plastic display pallet alleviates this problem and also makes the construction of the cardboard display much simpler and cheaper. The slot around the top of the pallet is deep enough to hold the display securely in place. Keith Jenkins, Senior Estimator for Proteus Packaging. We have worked with Goplasticpallets.com on a number of projects that have involved using plastic pallets in automated systems. The team at Goplasticpallets.com is very knowledgeable and takes care in recommending the best pallet to suit each application. Keith Washington, Senior Project Development Manager for System Logistics. We're delighted with our order and the high level of customer service we received. MD Jim Hardisty was very professional and I'd happily recommend Goplasticpallets.com to others in the motor racing industry. From a top F1 Team. From our initial enquiry right through to delivery, Goplasticpallets.com provided excellent advice and first class customer service, we would have no hesitation in working with them again. Anu Sondhi, General Manager for Rumaillah Warehouse Equipment. 21