A recycled plastic pallet is an environmentally friendly option that any company trying to achieve better sustainability numbers can opt for. But is a recycled plastic pallet as reliable as a new plastic pallet?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Are recycled plastic pallets as strong as new ones?’
At Plymouth Pallet & Drum, our 35 years of experience and expert service has enabled us to become a respected name in pallets, packaging, storage containers and more. We supply Euro Pallets, Standard British Pallets, Heat Treated Pallets, Plastic Pallets, Plastic Drums, Packing Cases, Storage Containers, and Tanks.
What is the weight capacity for a recycled plastic pallet?
The weight bearing capacity of a recycled plastic pallet can vary depending on the type of load. Below is a general estimate:
Static load:
The maximum weight a pallet can support when stationary on a flat, even surface. This is typically the highest rating.
- New plastic pallets can range from 2,000 kg to over 10,000 kg (10 tonnes) for very heavy-duty models.
- Recycled plastic pallets can potentially achieve impressive static loads, ranging from 1,500 kg to 7,000 kg (7 tonnes), with some heavy-duty, reinforced recycled options matching or exceeding 10,000 kg.
Dynamic load:
The maximum weight a pallet can support when in motion (e.g., being lifted or moved by a forklift). This is always lower than the static load.
- New plastic pallets range from 800 kg to 2,500 kg.
- Recycled plastic pallets generally perform relatively well, with capacities from 700 kg to 2,000 kg, and reinforced models capable of 2,500 kg or more.
Rack load:
The maximum weight a pallet can support when stored on a conventional racking system, where it’s only supported at its ends (the most demanding load scenario).
- New plastic pallets can range from 500 kg to 1,500 kg, with specialized models potentially reaching 2,000 kg.
- Most strong recycled pallets, especially those with internal steel reinforcements, can achieve rack loads of 500 kg to 1,250 kg, with top-tier reinforced models reaching 1,500 kg or more.
Is a recycled plastic pallet as strong as a new plastic pallet?
Not exactly. A recycled plastic pallet will not have the same level of strength as a new plastic pallet. This is due to the recycling process itself, regardless, here is a deeper look into the difference between the two pallets:
New plastic pallets
- A new plastic pallet is made from new, raw materials, that have never been used or recycled before. This means the material has a consistent molecular structure and very few impurities.
- New plastic pallets, because of the aforementioned molecular structure, generally exhibit optimal mechanical properties. This includes a higher tensile strength, impact resistance, and rigidity.
- Because the material quality is consistent, new plastic pallets offer predictable performance.
- New plastic pallets often have a longer lifespan, wich can range around 10 to 15 years, depending on usage and storage conditions.
Recycled plastic pallets:
- The recycling process itself can cause some degradation to the pallet’s molecular structure. Each recycling cycle can introduce impurities, shorten polymer chains, and reduce the material’s overall integrity.
- Unless the recycling process is heavily monitored, the quality of recycled plastic can vary significantly. As the source of the waste, the consistency of the recycling process, and the types of plastics blended are all factors that can affect the produced pallet.
If low-quality plastics are used, the produced pallet can have less uniform strength and performance.
- Recycled polymer materials can have reduced mechanical properties (e.g., lower tensile strength, elongation, and impact resistance) compared to their virgin counterparts.
- Due to potential impurities and weaker structural integrity, recycled plastic pallets may have a slightly shorter lifespan, which can range from 7 to 10 years.
Why use recycled palettes if they aren’t as strong?
Recycled pallets, aren’t dramatically weaker than a new palette, and can either be used for specific stocks, or reinforced in other cases.
Furthermore, recycled pallets help to meet sustainability goals. By recycling a palette, the waste is diverted to landfills, helping to conserve energy and reducing demand for new raw materials.
In addition to this, some manufacturers operate closed-loop systems where old plastic pallets are recycled back into new pallets, maintaining a degree of quality control over the recycled material.
It’s important to remember that recycled plastic pallets provide more than enough strength for certain applications and as a result are cost effective whilst being sustainable.
Generally, depending on the stock being placed on the pallet, a new plastic pallet may be preferred in instances where the highest strength and hygiene standards are required.
Which industries benefit from using recycled plastic pallets?
Many industries benefit from using recycled plastic pallets, ranging from food and beverage industries to the automotive industry and many more. Below is a brief overview of the multiple industries they can help:
- The food and beverage industry can opt for recycled plastic pallets due to their simple accessibility to sanitise, making them hygienic. In addition unlike wood, they will not splinter and contaminate the contents of the pallet.
- The medical and pharmaceutical industries benefit once again due to the hygienic nature of recycled plastic pallets. Along with this, they generally don’t react with the chemicals used in pharmaceuticals.
- Certain recycled pallets can be optomised to prevent static charges to acuumalate, this makes these pallets useable for the electronics industries. Certain electronics can be damaged by static, which is why they must be transported in a specific way.
- The automotive industry benefits from recycled plastic pallets as they can withstand the weight of heavy parts that need transportation through the production process.
Cost difference (general estimates in £)
Of course, regardless of the industry, its always better to keep costs down without sacrificing quality or safety. Recycled plastic pallets provide these benefits. Below is a general estimate of costs between the two types of plastic pallets. Please note that prices can vary significantly between suppliers.
- Recycled plastic pallets:
- Lightweight/export: £10 – £25
- Medium duty: £25 – £50
- Heavy duty/rackable: £50 – £80+
- Often 20% to 50% cheaper than new equivalents.
- New plastic pallets:
- Lightweight/export: £15 – £35
- Medium duty: £40 – £70
- Heavy duty/rackable: £70 – £150+
- Higher upfront cost due to virgin resin and potential for specific certifications/colors.
What are the signs of a damaged recycled plastic pallet?
Even though recycled plastic pallets are highly durable, they can still become compromised over time. It’s crucial to identify damaged pallets to prevent product loss, equipment malfunction, and safety hazards.
Here are the key signs that indicate a recycled plastic pallet shouldn’t be used:
- Structural damage: Look for significant cracks, fractures, or missing/broken components like runners, deck boards, or feet.
- Deformation: Sagging, bowing, or twisting indicates a loss of stability and load-bearing capacity.
- Excessive wear: Deep gouges, significant abrasions, or a brittle appearance from UV degradation show the plastic has lost its strength.
- Unusual flexibility: If the pallet feels unusually flexible or “spongy” under load, its integrity is compromised.
- Contamination: Signs of chemical contamination (softening, bubbling, discoloration, or lingering odors) mean the pallet is unsafe.
Where to find plastic pallet options?
In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘Are recycled plastic pallets as strong as new ones?’ Whilst providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice regarding pallet choices and anything relating to the services we offer.
Got some questions? We’d be happy to answer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us with any enquiries you may have.
Contact us:
Phone
01752 340 771
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Address:
Tavistock Sidings/Coypool Road,
Plymouth
PL7 4NW