Fifty years ago, nearly all pallets were made out of wood. Then came plastic pallets, which offered more flexibility and durability.
Today, foam pallets are beginning to displace both wood and plastic pallets as the pallet of choice among warehousing and manufacturing operations worldwide. The reason why has to do with the many benefits of foam pallets over the competing materials.
Moisture Proof
One of the biggest and most obvious advantages is that foam pallets don’t absorb moisture. Made from polystyrene foam, these pallets repel water, unlike wooden pallets that can be damaged or weakened if left exposed to the elements or after spending weeks in a damp cargo ship’s hold.
Shock Absorbant
Another important benefit of foam pallets is that they can absorb the impact of a collision or blow so that that the force is distributed throughout the surface of the pallet, not to the products it holds.
Unlike wooden or plastic pallets, that can splinter or fracture with even the smallest impact, foam pallets can withstand a relatively high amount of force without endangering the load they carry.
Food Safe and Hygienic
Foam pallets are covered with a polystyrene coating that makes them safe for use in food and beverage operations and other jobs requiring hygienic transport conditions.
They also are lightweight, weighing about 5.4 kg compared to the 20 to 24 kg a wood pallet weighs. This is especially important if you are paying for transport by weight rather than size. Generally, the weight of a foam pallet will depend on the its rated strength capacity. But even foam pallets graded for heavy loads are substantially lighter than their plastic or wooden counterparts.
Safety First
Anyone who has worked with wooden pallets knows that they present a big risk of splinters, cuts or other injuries. But foam pallets have a smooth surface that provides no risk of injury from splinters, rusty nails sticking out, rotting or weathering or other dangers.
Foam pallets also are temperature resistant. Because they are made from durable polystyrene, most foam pallets are rated for use in temperatures ranging from -40 C to 80 C. They also have insulating properties that help keep temperature-sensitive products — such as frozen food or other cold-chain cargo — from spoiling.
They special surface of foam pallets also are washable. They are easy to keep clean using either a pressure washer or a steam cleaner. They can even be washed with good, old-fashioned soap and water.
Clean Room Able
Many high-tech industries today require the use of clean rooms, which could never accommodate wooden pallets or, in some cases, even plastic pallets. But most foam pallets are clean room safe because they conform to HAACPP standards, are non-odorous, and non-magnetic. Plus, they are pollution-free and are 100% recyclable, making them good for the planet as well as your business!
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