Glossary and FAQ
Plastic pallet glossary
All the terms you come across when choosing a plastic pallet, explained briefly and clearly. Followed by the questions we are asked most often.
A to Z
Anti-static pallets
Plastic pallets with anti-static additives. These prevent the pallet from becoming statically charged and attracting dust, and reduce the risk of malfunctions in sensitive electronics.
Block pallet
A sturdy pallet for industrial use that you can pick up with a forklift from all four sides. See block pallets.
Carbon footprint
The total environmental impact of a pallet over its entire life cycle (raw material, production and transport), expressed in CO2 equivalent. This is recorded in an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
Click-on runners
Separate runners that you click under a nestable pallet with 9 feet without tools. You transport the pallets nested and make them more stable on site. See runners.
CP pallet
A chemical pallet in one of the nine CP sizes (CP1 to CP9) of the European chemical industry. See CP pallets.
Dynamic load
The maximum weight a pallet carries while it is moving, for example on a forklift or pallet truck.
ESD-safe pallets
Pallets with conductive additives, such as carbon black, that safely dissipate electrostatic discharge. Important where there is a risk of explosion and for sensitive electronics.
Export pallet
A light pallet for a single trip, often nestable. Plastic export pallets are exempt from ISPM 15. See export pallets.
Feet
Blocks on the underside of the pallet, usually 9 of them. Pallets with feet are often nestable and can be entered from all sides.
H1 pallet
A hygienic plastic pallet in Euro pallet size, originally a pool pallet for the meat industry. See hygienic pallets.
HDPE and PP
The two plastics our pallets are made of: high-density polyethylene (HDPE, recycling code 2) and polypropylene (PP). Both are easy to recycle. Read more about code 2 in recycled PE-HD 2: what is it exactly?
ISPM 15
The international standard for wooden packaging material in export. Plastic pallets are exempt from it. See ISPM 15 and export.
Load capacity
The maximum weight a pallet can safely carry. There are three values: static, dynamic and racking load. See the load capacity of pallets.
Nestable pallets
Pallets that slide into each other when empty, so a stack of empty pallets takes up much less space. See nestable pallets.
Perimeter base
A pallet with a base that runs all the way round: runners on all four sides. Examples are the CP6 and CP9.
Racking load
The maximum weight a pallet carries in pallet racking, when it rests only on the two beams and without decking.
Rounded edges
Rounded corners and edges prevent damage to packaging, transport equipment and people when the pallet is handled.
Runners
The continuous bars on the underside of a pallet. They determine stability and suitability for roller conveyors and racking. There are versions with 3, 5 or 6 runners. A pallet with 6 runners is also said to have a perimeter base.
Static load
The maximum weight a pallet carries when it stands still on a flat floor, for example in block stacking.
Top deck
The upper surface of the pallet, on which the load rests. There are two variants. An open deck has a grid structure: it is lighter, and moisture and air can pass through. A closed deck is flat and solid: it is more hygienic and better for small packaging.
TPE anti-slip
Thermoplastic elastomer: a rubber-like material that is incorporated into the deck of the pallet for extra grip. See anti-slip pallets.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are plastic pallets made of?
Q-Pall makes its pallets from recycled polyethylene (HDPE, recycling code 2) and polypropylene (PP). Only the hygienic pallets are made of virgin plastic.
How are plastic pallets produced?
By high-pressure injection moulding. Molten plastic granulate is pressed into a steel mould. This creates a complete, dimensionally stable pallet in one go.
How many types of plastic pallets are there?
Q-Pall has around 130 models in nine sizes, from 600 x 400 mm to 1300 x 1100 mm, in light, medium and heavy. See the full range.
Why are plastic pallets safer to use?
They have no nails, splinters or loose boards. They do not absorb moisture, do not go mouldy and are free of pests, so no ISPM 15 treatment is needed. Thanks to their fixed dimensions, they cause fewer disruptions in automated systems.
Why are plastic pallets cost-effective?
The purchase price is often higher than for wood, but a plastic pallet lasts much longer. So calculate the cost per trip. On top of that, there is less damage to loads and machines, no repair or treatment costs, and residual value when the pallet is recycled. Read more in our price guide.
How do plastic pallets reduce CO2 emissions?
A lower tare weight means more load per trip and less fuel. Local production shortens the transport distance. And because the pallets last a long time and can be recycled afterwards, less new raw material is needed.
Can you put a company logo on the pallets?
Yes, by hot stamping, screen printing or an insert in the mould. Your own RAL colour is also possible for larger projects. See customisation.
Where can I buy plastic pallets?
Directly from Q-Pall, or through one of our international dealers. For large volumes, contact us directly.
What does a plastic pallet cost?
The price depends on the size, the weight and therefore the amount of material, the quantity and the distance to our nearest factory. For many models, we show a from-price. You will find an overview in our price guide.