Not all pallets are the same. From materials to design to dimensions, pallets have a variety of specifications. Some of the most common types of pallets include: food grade pallets, industrial pallets, Hygenic pallets, and export pallets.
- Food-grade pallets. These pallets are used when there’s contact with food, and they are most commonly found in food processing and pharmaceutical industries. Plastic food-grade pallets must be made with FDA-approved plastics. Wood food-grade pallets need to be clean and have no breakage or visible repairs. Many food-grade pallets are vented, although specialty spill-proof pallets are sometimes used as well.
- Hygienic pallets. Unlike the majority of pallets on the market, hygienic pallets have a smooth instead of vented surface. They’re primarily used for food and pharmaceutical products with very strict sanitation requirements. These are almost exclusively plastic pallets.
- Industrial pallets. These pallets can be used with both light and heavy products and are found primarily in a warehouse setting. They can have visible damage or missing nails or screws and still be approved for use. Industrial pallets also usually have two or four way entries for forklifts, and they have either lumber or plywood surfaces. They can be custom engineered to carry heavy loads and can be made from either wood or plastic. Most industrial pallets are vented, too.
- Export Pallets. Export pallets are made primarily for one-way shipping or exports because they rarely last beyond two or three uses. Specialty sizes include the 1200 X 800 Euro pallet. Treated or molded wood are the most common materials for export pallets. Plastic pallets have a growing market share due to import restrictions on the delivery side. This pallet type is almost always vented.
Call Amy for more information 704-809-1100.