Plastic Pallets
Durable, hygienic, and built for demanding environments. HDPE and PP plastic pallets offer unmatched consistency, chemical resistance, and a long service life with zero maintenance.
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Why Choose Plastic?
Plastic pallets are the premium choice for hygiene-critical, high-volume, and long-life applications.
Hygienic
Non-porous surface resists bacteria, mold, and odors. Easy to wash and sanitize — meets FDA and USDA requirements.
Durable
Withstands hundreds of use cycles without degradation. No splintering, cracking, or nail failures — ever.
No Nails or Splinters
Eliminates product damage and worker injury from protruding nails, splinters, and loose boards. Safer for your team.
Chemical Resistant
HDPE and PP resist acids, alkalis, solvents, and cleaning chemicals. Perfect for pharma, chemical, and food industries.
Consistent Weight
Every pallet weighs exactly the same — critical for automated systems, weight-based inventory, and airfreight calculations.
No Fumigation Needed
Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15 requirements. No heat treatment or fumigation needed for international export.
Weatherproof
UV-stabilized plastics resist sun, rain, snow, and temperature extremes. Store and use outdoors without deterioration.
Fully Recyclable
At end of life, plastic pallets are ground and remolded into new pallets or other products. Zero waste to landfill.
Nestable, Stackable & Rackable
We carry three main categories of plastic pallets, each designed for different operational requirements.
Nestable Pallets
Save up to 70% storage space
Designed with tapered legs or a nine-foot bottom structure that allows pallets to nest inside each other when empty. Ideal for return logistics, export shipments, and operations where storage space is at a premium.
- Stack ratio of 8:1 or better
- Lightweight — reduces shipping costs
- Perfect for one-way export shipments
- No fumigation or HT stamp required
Stackable Pallets
Maximum load stability
Flat-bottom design that stacks evenly and securely. These pallets provide excellent stability in multi-level storage and are compatible with automated conveyor systems and AS/RS warehouses.
- Flat bottom for maximum stability
- Compatible with conveyors and AS/RS
- High static load capacity
- Uniform dimensions across all units
Rackable Pallets
Built for pallet racking systems
Reinforced structural design engineered specifically for pallet racking applications. Internal steel reinforcement bars and heavy-duty runners provide the rigidity needed for safely spanning rack beams with heavy loads.
- Internal steel reinforcement
- Up to 2,800 lbs racking capacity
- Heavy-duty runner design
- Suitable for selective and drive-in racks
HDPE vs. Polypropylene
Both materials offer excellent performance. The right choice depends on your specific temperature, chemical, and load requirements.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
The most common material for plastic pallets. HDPE offers excellent impact resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. It performs well across a wide temperature range and is fully recyclable.
PP (Polypropylene)
Polypropylene pallets offer higher temperature resistance than HDPE, making them suitable for autoclaving and hot-wash sanitization. Slightly stiffer than HDPE with excellent fatigue resistance.
Where Plastic Pallets Excel
Food & Beverage
FDA-compliant, washable pallets for food processing, cold storage, and beverage distribution. No harboring of bacteria or pests.
Pharmaceuticals
Cleanroom-compatible pallets meeting cGMP standards. Non-shedding, chemical resistant, and easy to sanitize between uses.
Automotive
Durable pallets for heavy components, paint shops, and cleanroom assembly areas. Resistant to oils, coolants, and solvents.
Electronics
Anti-static and ESD-safe options available for sensitive electronic component handling and semiconductor manufacturing.
Chemical & Hazmat
Chemical-resistant pallets for acids, alkalis, and solvents. Spill containment options available for hazardous material storage.
Export & Airfreight
Lightweight nestable pallets save on shipping costs. No ISPM-15 fumigation required — faster customs clearance globally.
Plastic vs. Wood: Quick Comparison
Available Sizes & Dimensions
We stock plastic pallets in all standard North American and European sizes, plus several specialty dimensions for niche applications. Custom sizes are available on request with minimum order quantities.
48" x 40"
GMA Standard
The most widely used plastic pallet size in North America. Compatible with all standard racking, truck trailers, and warehouse equipment. Available in nestable, stackable, and rackable configurations.
48" x 48"
Square/Drum
Square format designed for drums, barrels, and oversized loads. Popular in chemical, petroleum, and paint industries. Excellent stability for round containers and cylindrical products.
47.24" x 31.50"
Euro (EUR1)
European standard dimensions for international trade and EU-compatible logistics systems. Required for many European distribution centers and retail supply chains.
42" x 42"
Telecom/Paint
Industry standard for telecommunications equipment and paint containers. The symmetrical design provides equal strength from all sides, ideal for square and round products.
48" x 45"
Automotive
Automotive industry standard size optimized for parts containers and engine components. Widely used in just-in-time manufacturing and assembly line supply systems.
Custom Sizes
Made to Order
Cannot find the right size? We work with multiple manufacturers to source or produce custom-dimensioned plastic pallets for specialized applications. Minimum order quantities apply for non-standard sizes.
Total Cost of Ownership: The Real Math
Plastic pallets have a higher upfront cost than wood, but when you calculate cost per trip over the entire lifespan, plastic often comes out significantly cheaper. Here is a real-world cost comparison based on actual customer data.
Cost Per Trip Analysis
Consider a closed-loop operation where pallets are shipped out and returned. A Grade B wood pallet costs $6 and lasts approximately 15 trips before needing replacement, giving a cost per trip of $0.40. The same operation using a rackable plastic pallet at $45 that lasts 200 trips delivers a cost per trip of just $0.23 — a 43% savings over the lifetime of the pallet.
The savings compound further when you factor in hidden costs that wood pallets incur. Wood pallet debris causes product damage, warehouse cleanup, and potential worker injuries from splinters and nails. Industry studies estimate that wood pallet-related product damage costs the average warehouse $3 to $5 per pallet per year in damaged goods, cleanup labor, and disposal fees.
Plastic pallets also reduce labor costs by eliminating the need for pre-shipment inspections for nails and splinters, saving approximately 15 to 30 seconds per pallet in high-volume picking operations. Over thousands of pallets per month, that labor savings alone can offset a significant portion of the higher upfront cost.
Plastic Pallet
Wood Pallet (Grade B)
Cleaning & Sanitization
One of the greatest advantages of plastic pallets is how easy they are to clean and sanitize. Unlike porous wood, plastic surfaces do not absorb liquids, bacteria, or odors, making them ideal for hygiene-critical operations.
Pressure Washing
Standard high-pressure water cleaning at 40-60 PSI effectively removes dirt, dust, and surface contaminants. Suitable for most warehouse and distribution applications. Takes approximately 30 seconds per pallet.
Chemical Sanitization
HDPE and PP resist all common sanitizing agents including quaternary ammonium, chlorine bleach, peracetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide solutions. Approved for food-contact surface sanitization protocols.
Steam Cleaning
High-temperature steam kills 99.9% of bacteria, mold, and viruses without chemical residue. Safe for PP pallets rated for temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Not recommended for HDPE above 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Automated Wash Systems
Inline pallet washing machines process 100 or more pallets per hour with consistent cleaning quality. Combined wash, sanitize, and rinse cycles ensure compliance with the strictest hygiene standards. We can recommend wash system manufacturers.
Certifications & Regulatory Compliance
Our plastic pallets meet or exceed the industry's most demanding regulatory standards. Whether you operate in food, pharmaceuticals, or international logistics, we have certified solutions ready to ship.
FDA Compliant
Our food-grade plastic pallets are manufactured from FDA-approved virgin HDPE and PP resins. They are safe for direct and indirect food contact applications and meet all FDA 21 CFR requirements for food contact surfaces.
ISPM-15 Exempt
Plastic pallets are completely exempt from ISPM-15 phytosanitary requirements because they cannot harbor insects or plant pests. This eliminates fumigation requirements and simplifies customs clearance for international shipments.
USDA Accepted
Our plastic pallets are accepted by the USDA for use in meat, poultry, and egg processing facilities. The non-porous surface prevents bacterial harboring and meets USDA sanitation requirements.
cGMP Compatible
Designed for use in current Good Manufacturing Practice environments including pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device production, and cosmetics. Consistent dimensions and zero-shedding surfaces meet cGMP facility requirements.
NSF Certified
Select models carry NSF International certification for food equipment and components. NSF certification provides third-party validation that the pallets meet strict standards for material safety, cleanability, and design.
Fire Rating Options
Fire-retardant (FR) plastic pallets are available for environments requiring UL 94 or FM Approval ratings. FR additives are compounded into the resin during manufacturing for permanent fire resistance throughout the pallet life.
Plastic Pallet Questions Answered
How long do plastic pallets last?
In a well-managed closed-loop system, plastic pallets typically last 10 years or more, with many lasting 200 or more trip cycles. Some operations report plastic pallets still in service after 15+ years. Unlike wood, plastic does not weaken from moisture absorption, and there are no nails or boards to work loose over time. The primary wear factor is impact damage from forklifts.
Can plastic pallets be repaired?
Plastic pallet repair options are limited compared to wood. Minor damage like small cracks or broken tabs can sometimes be welded using plastic welding equipment, but major structural damage typically means the pallet must be recycled. The good news is that damaged plastic pallets are 100% recyclable — they are ground into regrind material and molded into new pallets or other products.
Are plastic pallets heavier or lighter than wood?
It depends on the design. Lightweight nestable plastic pallets weigh as little as 15 lbs — significantly less than a standard 37 lb wood pallet. Rackable plastic pallets with steel reinforcement can weigh 45 to 60 lbs, comparable to or heavier than wood. The key advantage is that every plastic pallet of the same model weighs exactly the same, which simplifies weight calculations for shipping and inventory management.
Do plastic pallets work with automated warehouse systems?
Yes, and this is one of their strongest advantages. Plastic pallets offer dimensional consistency that automated systems require — every pallet is exactly the same size, weight, and shape. They work seamlessly with AS/RS (automated storage and retrieval systems), conveyor systems, robotic palletizers, and AGVs (automated guided vehicles). Many automated warehouse operators exclusively use plastic pallets.
What happens to plastic pallets at end of life?
Plastic pallets are 100% recyclable. At end of life, they are collected, ground into small pellets, and either remolded into new pallets (closed-loop recycling) or used as feedstock for other plastic products like pipes, automotive parts, or construction materials. EcoPallets Pro operates a full take-back program — we will pick up your end-of-life plastic pallets at no charge.
Are plastic pallets safe for food contact?
Our food-grade plastic pallets are manufactured from FDA-approved virgin HDPE resin and are certified safe for direct and indirect food contact. The non-porous surface does not harbor bacteria, mold, or odors, and can be thoroughly sanitized between uses. They are accepted by the FDA, USDA, and major food industry auditing bodies including SQF, BRC, and FSSC 22000.
Upgrade to Plastic Pallets
Whether you need 50 nestable pallets for export or 10,000 rackable pallets for your warehouse, we have the inventory and expertise to deliver.