Need Help? (866) 446-0872

Tag Archives: plastic pallets

One Way Solutions – Our 22nd Anniversary as Pallet Experts!

22 years of plastic pallet expertise

22 Years + Going Strong  

We are proud to announce that One Way Solutions has been in business for 22 years. As a third generation family run company, we pride ourselves on having a long and distinguished history as pallet experts serving all industries.

The knowledge and passion for pallets has been passed down over the decades in the Pigott family, and has now officially stood the test of time.

Things started back in the 1980’s, when the Pigott family was part of one of the very first plastic pallet companies called Nucon Corp.

During those early years, the Pigotts had to fight hard for proving the long term benefits and ROI of the plastic pallet, since it requires a higher upfront cost. (Did you know that plastic pallets can last 10 years or more, whereas wood pallets sometime only last one trip?)

Good thing they stuck with it. One Way was born in 2002 to serve the emerging needs of the material handling industry.

FUN FACT: we were founded at a time when new international regulations (later known as ISPM-15 regulations) would require wood export pallets to be either heat-treated or fumigated.

Who We Are + What We Stand For

Our team here at One Way takes a strong stance on providing companies like yours exceptional products, industry leading prices and outstanding customer service.

We know you have many options when it comes to pallets, and so we work hard to offer a variety of products that will suit your shipping and storage needs at the absolute best possible price.

Not only that, but if we don’t currently carry something you’re looking for, we will do the work to find it – or create it. That’s right, we even do custom pallets to your desired specifications.

We Strive To Make Service Our Strength

The core of our values has always been about relationships, and about connecting with people on a real level. No matter how many years we stay in business, we will never let it impact our commitment to offering the highest level of customer service out there.

You will always have a friendly face on the other side of the phone lines. (AKA no voicemail.)

You will always get the best possible price (we guarantee the lowest).

You will always have a team who is here to do the hard work for you.

So if you want to stop searching for a pallet partner who will be with you for the long haul, our team here at One Way is ready to step up and help you.

Let us know how we can support you!

* What’s one thing you are looking for MOST in a pallet provider?

* We’re here to grow with you, so tell us what you need most.

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know what issues you deal with when it comes to shopping for pallets online?

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic Plastic Pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs.

Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Plastic Pallet Recycling – Pallet Expert FAQ

Plastic Pallet Recycling – The Purpose

Are you considering recycling your old plastic pallets? You should, and here’s why. 

As your stockpile of old pallets grows, it also grows in value. Once you have enough plastic pallets that fit a full truckload, it’s time to consider taking advantage of its scrap value. (We will explain more below.)

Remember, because many higher quality plastic pallets can be processed for recycling; and sometimes they can even be recycled for good $ to help your bottom line.

So why not gain a little knowledge in this area so you can take advantage of the opportunity?

As Benjamin Franklin said it, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Plastic Pallet Recycling - An Investment In Knowledge

Plastic Pallet Recycling – An Investment In Knowledge

We’ve got you on this one. Below we will walk you through the process of recycling plastic pallets and include the option to turn retired plastic pallets into savings.

Plastic Pallet Recycling – The Process

There are options when for recycling your plastic pallets. If you want to recycle PE pallets, contact your local recycle stream and make arrangements.

It’s not as hard as it sounds and they will walk you through their process for providing the pallets and take the stress off of you figuring out what to do with them.

Better yet, a local molder who produces regrind is a great option to get rid of your old pallet pile. (Don’t worry, a simple Google search can help you find one.)

Plastic Pallet Recycling - Search For Local Molders

Plastic Pallet Recycling – Search For Local Molders

The cool thing about the regrind process is that it makes the most of the plastic pallet resin. The resulting excess material and rejected parts can be reclaimed and repurposed as regrind (which is either mixed with new resin, or used on its own).

If you really want to get into the dirty details, there is a whole process when the plastic is exposed to thermal and mechanical stress, it becomes weak and brittle. This degradation is called “heat history.”

Both the heat history of processing, and the grinding process itself may degrade physical, chemical and flow properties of the thermoplastic resin, and anything made from the regrind. (Source: Unilever)

This is why we leave it to the experts to decide.

Will Molders Recycle Any Plastic Pallets?

No, they won’t. Because reground materials are intended for use in the manufacturing of new products, molders will not accept inferior plastics, or plastics whose condition will make it unprofitable to use in regrind.

For instance, used pallets may become imbedded with foreign objects during over their useful lifetime. objects like rocks or metal fragments make it difficult for molders to reuse.

In some cases, reground material may have to be floated in water to separate the useful materials from rocks and metal. That takes time and handling – and costs money.

Speaking of experts and the process of offloading old pallets for profits, there’s one more option.

If we are talking about a lot of pallets (a minimum of one truckload), they are pretty easy to SELL for regrind. This is where it gets good….

Plastic Pallet Recycling – The Profits

We are happy to mention that One Way has its own grinding operation. That’s right, we are here to help you not only help you recycle your old plastic pallets, but actually make money from it.

Because shipping is expensive, this is why you want to make sure you can ship them back in full truckload quantities.

Plastic Pallet Recycling - It Can Help Save Money

Plastic Pallet Recycling – It Can Help Save Money

Here’s what it looks like.

We will buy your truckload of plastic pallets back at scrap value minus then freight costs, and then give you a material credit.

It’s a no brainer.

This is the best option if you want to truly make use of your old stock pile of pallets and have it help your bottom line. Agreed?

Share your Comments / Let us know how we can help!

We’d love to hear from you – and check our our article on other ways to save money on pallet shipping charges.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic Plastic Pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs.

Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Best Pallets For Handling CBD

Best Pallets For Handling CBD

CBD Food Products Legalization – It’s Coming

In December 2018, Congress legalized hemp-derived CBD.

But the FDA stopped short of allowing CBD to be added to food products and prohibited CBD’s addition to foods – for now.

The dawn of legal CBB food products is not far off. The FDA has scheduled a public hearing regarding how to handle the legalization of adding CBD to food and drinks on May 31st, 2019.

The goal of this hearing on CBD’s appearance in food products is to begin the collection of data that will help determine how the FDA can effectively regulate manufacturing, labeling, and production of CBD edibles and CBD beverages.

The Best Pallets For Handling CBD

CBD is here to say – are you using The Best Pallets For Handling CBD?

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known by its abbreviation CBD, is one of roughly 113 cannabinoids found in Cannabis. Unlike THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid that makes users feel “high,” CBD does not produce any psychoactive feelings of being “high” or “stoned.”

What are the Benefits of CBD?

OK, so food brands want to add CBD to food products. But why?

Cannabidiol can improve health in many different ways.

CBD is believed to have many beneficial applications to improve human health and wellness:
* Seizure Prevention: CBD is believed to reduce the incidence and intensity of seizures, making it a promising alternative for Epileptics and others suffering from seizures.
* Inflammation Reduction: CBD is believed to be an anti-inflammatory alternative and is known to reduce swelling.
* Pain Management: Cannabidiol is also used as an alternative pain management treatment – even for relieving migraine headaches!
* Mental Wellness: CBD is taken as an anti-depressant and is also used as a way to combat anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
* Digestive Wellness: CBD is often taken as an alternative treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease & Nausea.

“I want a new drug, one that won’t make me sick
One that won’t make me crash my car – Or make me feel three feet thick”
– Huey Lewis & The News

Best Pallets For Handling CBD Food Products

Best Pallets For Handling CBD Food Products – image thanks to https://vaping360.com/best-cbd-vapes/vape-oils/

Why should the Material Handling Industry Care About CBD?

Because CBD is used in both food and  pharmaceutical industries and will be consumed by living creatures, its handling will be subject to the exacting guidelines of the FDA.

Improper handling could destroy the CBD and the food products it’s used in – or make them unsafe and unfit for human consumption or personal use.

So it is no surprise that the best pallets for handling CBD medicines and CBD food products will be plastic FDA Pallets.

The Best Pallets for Handling CBD and Cannabis are Plastic FDA Pallets

Plastic pallets that meet FDA guidelines are best for handling CBD.

Strong, well-engineered pallets that are made from sustainable, virgin polyethylene resin are the best option for safe operation for freight handlers and also reduce the possibility of contamination.

Plastic Pallets Are Best For Handling CBD because:
* they will not splinter and create unsafe conditions for material handling professionals and CBD distributors.
* the virgin material used to make the pallets will not taint the purity of the CBD or the food products therein.
* the pallets have smooth, well machined surfaces that are easily cleaned, making them ideal for sustainable, long-term use in closed loop and point to point CBD processing, distribution, and manufacturing.

Our offering is excellent for CBD and Cannabis handlers – so check out our FDA Approved Pallets online!

The best pallets for handling CBD are FDA Approved

The best pallets for handling CBD are FDA Approved

CBD Handling & FDA Compliance may seem like the wild west –
we can help!

* What’s the greatest challenge you face as a material handling professional in the CBD and Cannabis industries?
* We’re here to help meet unique challenges in your warehouse!

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know what other tricks you’ve used to safely transport other food products from rapidly emergent new product categories.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic Plastic Pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs.

Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Euro Pallets

What Is A Euro Pallet

What Is A Euro Pallet?

History

The euro pallet is an important part of material handling history.

Its origin can be traced back to the 1960’s, when it was used to transport goods during railway transport. This pallet’s design allowed workers to load the pallet in 10% less time due to its cutting edge design and load capacity. These advantages established the Euro Pallet as an industry standard. In European markets, they were used almost exclusively for forklift and warehouse operations due to their optimal sizing.

The success of the Euro Pallet was followed by newly by imitations. Many imitators produced low-quality imitations using inferior grades of wood in attempt to copy the design of this successful pallet for a lower price. Due to the misleading nature of these inferior products, pallets that met the standards were identified with the logo “EUR” or “EPAL” to indicate that the pallet had met the license and certification of quality.


(seized pallets)

As time went on, word spread about his great pallet the europeans were using. As others around the world tried to get a hold of them, they realized that it did not work well in all of their applications. Especially when it came to certain International Organization for Standardization (ISO) shipping containers.

Evolution of Design

Due to the great success of this pallet design, there were a few similar products, that are named in the same family. On came the EUR-1, EUR-2, and the EUR-3.

All three of these EIR pallets are very close to the standard American 40 x 48 pallet.

The Eur-1 Pallet

The Eur-1 has the same dimensions dimensions as the EUR original (31.50 in × 47.24 in.)

The Eur-2 Pallet

The EUR-2 pallet measures in at a larger size (47.24 in x 39.37 in).

The Eur-3 Pallet

The EUR-3 has the same overall dimensions as The EUR-2, but the length and width are switched (39.37 in x 47.24 in).

Translation to American market and plastic

While European pallets are sized in mm, In the American markets pallets are sized in inches. In the American market 48 x 40 is the standard size in inches which is 1219 x 1016 mm. The EUR original is 1200 x 1000 mm which is 31.50 in × 47.24 inches.

Below is a chart with conversions from mm to inches with their production rank and the industries that use them most in the United States.

Our Euro Pallets

Here are some of the euro pallets we offer:

32 x 48 Nestable Euro Pal 2 Plastic Pallet # PP-O-32-N2
32 x 48 Nestable Medium Duty Ex-Pal Euro Plastic Pallet # PP-O-32-N
32 x 48 Rackable Euro Pal 2 Plastic Pallet # PP-O-32-R2A
32 x 48 Rackable Euro Pal 2 Polyethylene Plastic Pallet – Unassembled # PP-O-32-R2-PE
32 x 48 Rackable Euro Pal 2 Plastic Pallet # PP-O-32-R2A
32 x 48 Rackable Solid Deck Plastic Euro Pallet – 3 Runner # PP-S-32-E7
32 x 48 Heavy Duty Solid-Deck Stackable Euro Plastic Pallet # PP-S-3248-RC
32 x 48 Nestable Molded Wood Euro Pallet – Export Ready # PW-S-3248-NX
32 x 48 x 29 Fixed Wall Euro Bulk Container – Blue # CP-S-32-F

We offer many variations of the euro pallet, listed above are just a few of them.

Let me know how I can help!

* What’s the greatest challenge you face in your warehouse?
* We’re here to help meet unique challenges in your warehouse!

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know what other tricks you’ve used to save on freight – and check our our article on other ways to save money on pallet shipping charges.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic Plastic Pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs.

Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

How Are Plastic Pallets Made

How Plastic Pallets Are Made

How Are Plastic Pallets Made?

Plastic pallets are manufactured at an injection molding facility. But how do these individual designs come into existence, from planning to production? The path is complex, but entirely necessary to ensure that the product is a success.

Main Stages Of Pallet Production

The process of designing and creating a plastic pallet has three main stages:

* pallet design
* pallet molding
* the final production of the pallet

In order to create the perfect plastic pallet, all of the functional details and design features need to be planned out to satisfy the pallet’s end use and purpose.

For example, what material it will be made from, if it’s going to be light or heavy duty, stackable, rackable, or nestable?

Plastic Pallet Raw Materials Plastic Pellets Manufacturing - Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Banner-bg_3asih.jpg

Plastic Pallet Raw Materials Plastic Pellets Manufacturing

These are just a few of the things that are important to consider when creating each individual pallet.

Though there are many different ways that pallets can be molded, the most common method used in our plastic pallets is, high pressure injection molding.

WATCH VIDEO OF INJECTION MOLDING HERE:

Pallet Design

During the process of designing a plastic pallet, many things come into consideration. Things such as the purpose of the pallet and how it will be transported, stored, what industry will use the pallet.

All these considerations impact and contribute to the design, material, weight, and durability of a pallet. Once the design for the plastic pallet is in place, the mold will be made to make that exact design.

Additional Pallet Design Considerations:

* Open/Closed decks
* Ventilation
* Sanitization
* Runners vs no runners
* Two-Way vs 4-Way entry
* Industry standards
* FDA approved
* Fire retardant

Pallet Injection Molding

High pressure injection molding is the process in which virgin plastic and colorants are mixed and melted together in a barrel or mixing chamber, before being injected into the mold.

Plastic Pallet Injection Molding Heated Screw - https://www.batelaan.nl/wp-content/uploads/Spuitgieten..gif

Plastic Pallet Injection Molding Heated Screw

The mold is clamped together with mass pressure before being injected. By using high pressure injection molding, pallets injected inside the molds will have a faster production time than any other molding method.

Plastic Pallet Injection Mold Manufacturing

Plastic Pallet Injection Mold Manufacturing

By injecting the melted plastic resins into the molds, the finished pallets will come out with the most detailed and accurate design as possible!

Plastic Pallet Production

When using high pressure injection molding to create large quantities of high quality, plastic pallets, production times become more efficient. By increasing production speed and being able to produce plastic pallets in mass quantities as fast as possible, it reduces the risk of being scarce. Also, with a production process such as this, it is easy to customize and change designs and molds, making it possible to produce pallets for even the most specific needs!

Plastic Pallet Injection Molding Process - https://wiki.ece.cmu.edu/ddl/index.php/Injection_molding

Plastic Pallet Injection Molding Process

Share your Comments!

Let us know what you think of the plastic pallet production process!

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts in the comments below.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Effects of Plastic Properties on Pallet Characteristics

Plastic Properties Plastic Effects

Effects of Plastic Properties on Pallet Characteristics

Our Pallets are made from different plastics.

There are many types of plastic resins available for making pallets; the product’s intended use helps determine the ideal resin type to use for manufacturing.

The Two Popular Most Plastic Pallet Resins

Two plastic resins are the most common materials used to mold the majority of the pallets:

– High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
– Polypropylene (PP)

We’ll look at how the choice of these materials impacts four key properties.

Four Plastics Properties:

* Flex Modulus Of Elasticity
* Melt Flow Index
* Specific Gravity
* Izod Impact

Flex Modulus Of Elasticity

The Flex Modulus measures the strength of an adhesive and the stiffness during the initial steps  of stress analysis during a bending process. ASTM D790 is the standard test method for the Flex Modulus.

How to Test Flex Modulus

There are two ways to test Flex Modulus, but the main way is the three point bending test. In this method, two supports hold a sample of the plastic, while force is applied on a single point to induce deformation.

This property is important when deciding what kind of plastic pallet to use for your product. The higher the flex modulus, the stiffer the pallet. The lower the flex modulus, the more flexible it will be.

Melt Flow Index (MFI)

Melt Flow Index is a measurement of how quickly melted plastic flows through an injection molding screw into a mold that forms the plastic pallet. This test determines the viscosity of each material.

The higher the MFI value, the lower the viscosity.

So what’s better – a high or low Melt Flow Index?

Actually, ideal MFI values depend entirely on their application and are dependent on:
– the mold machine and molding screw
– mold design
– the final product

How to Test The Melt Flow Index

To test the MFI, the injection screw barrel is first preheated to the desired temperature. The operator then loads the sample material into the barrel.

Force is then applied to a piston tool to push the material through the heated barrel.

When the flow conditions are right, a timed sample is taken (usually at a ten minute interval).

Once the sample cools, it is weighed to determine the material’s MFI. So, the amount of the sample that flows in the ten minute window is considered the the MFI value.

Melt Flow Index Testing Schematic

Melt Flow Index Testing Schematic

Specific Gravity

The Specific Gravity of individual materials is measured by the density of the plastic compared to the density of water. Specific Gravity is very important metric in the plastic industry because plastic is sold at a cost per weight basis. This property impacts the price of each plastic significantly. Additionally, Specific Gravity measurements are used in production control.

How to Test Specific Gravity

Two sample weights are taken, the first weight is before water immersion and the second weight is taken during distilled water immersion.

Izod Impact

The Izod Impact is a gauge of the impact resistance and hardness of the material. This tests the hardness, strength and toughness of the plastic. The impact toughness will generally decrease the colder the temperature is.

How to Test Izod Impact

Using an Izod Impact tester, a pivoting arm is released from a specific height to swing down,  hitting and breaking the sample material. Afterwards, the energy that is absorbed by the sample is calculated from the height the arms swings to subsequent to hitting the sample.

Plastic Additives

Another property that can impact the characteristics of a plastic pallet is the inclusion of plastic additives. Different additives are used for different purposes; we’ll cover the common additives used in the pallet making process.

Plastic Colorant Additives

Colorant is the most common plastic pallet material additive. There are many reasons to add color to plastics, usually for specific products, material handling organization and sorting, or safety reasons. Besides the appearance, adding color does not change any physical characteristics of the plastics.

Plastics Strengthening Additives

Plastics used in many different industries are strengthened with additives.

Additives such as impact modifiers and reinforcements improve the strength and ability of the plastic to absorb impact without breaking and other stressors, even in the harshest environments.

Plastic Safety Additives

Especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, additives make sure plastics are safe and suitable for handling products controlled by the FDA. Additives make sure the chemicals/medicines being transported do not react with the plastic in the plastic pallets. Additionally, the additives keep food and beverage containers safe for use during transporting and storing.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) & Polypropylene (PP)

Now we’ll discuss the individual polymers, their specific properties, and how those properties affect plastic pallet characteristics starting.

HDPE

HDPE is an extremely durable petroleum based resin. HDPE’s corrosion and solvent resistance make it very easy to clean. HDPE is used in creating plastic bottles and containers.

It’s also used in many household applications like bottles for milk, juice, and cosmetics. Compared to other materials, HDPE is very cost effective for how durable it is, making it a great choice for plastic pallets.

What makes HDPE the most widely used material is its low price while still being a strong material.

HDPE Properties

* Flexural modulus of elasticity: 200,000
* Melting Temperature: 266 degrees Fahrenheit
* Specific Gravity: 0.96
* Izod Impact: 1.9

PP

Compared to HDPE, PP pallets are much more rigid, making them able to carry heavier loads. PP also maintains its rigidity in higher temperature environments and has good chemical resistance.

This particular resin is found in rigid and flexible packaging as well as large molded parts for automotive products. It’s more expensive than HDPE, but is often a better choice for certain products such as food packaging.

Properties of Polypropylene

* Flexural modulus of elasticity: 225,000
* Melting Temperature:  320 degrees Fahrenheit
* Specific Gravity: 0.91
* Izod Impact: 1.2

Combining HDPE & PP

Combining HDPE & PP allows molders to combine advantages of both polymers while keeping costs at a minimum.

Specifically:
* manufacturing pallets from recycled materials
* keeping the pallets durable and rigged
* Reducing material costs

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE is a resin made from low-density oil and has very low tensile strength compared to HDPE and PP. It also has the ability to withstand temperatures of 80 degrees celsius and is known to be nearly unbreakable.

LDPE Properties

  • Flexural modulus of elasticity: 200,000
  • Melting Temperature: 266 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Specific Gravity: 0.92
  • Izod Impact: no break

Material Issues?

Each material has different properties which lead to different characteristics. The characteristics of the plastics determine which pallet is right for certain products. There is no right or wrong pallet, that’s why will choose the materials for you to provide pallets that are best for your needs and surpass your standards.

Share your Comments!

What type of plastic pallets best suits your needs?

What are your opinions on the different pallet materials currently on the market?

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts in the comments below.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Custom Plastic Pallets

Custom-Plastic-Pallets

Custom Plastic Pallets for Critical Applications

Being in business means doing things YOUR way. 

You call the shots. You own your processes, operations, and equipment.

By now, you’ve likely “cracked the code” one might say; because you’ve figured out how to do things better, smarter, and faster.

And when it comes to running a warehouse, getting products and materials to the right place & out the door is the name of your game!  After all, maximum material handling efficiency is an ongoing goal.

In order optimize and increase the speed to get your product to the right place, maybe onto a  truck and out for delivery, you may develop mission critical needs that don’t work “with off the rack” traditional pallets designed to suit general applications – you need a custom plastic pallet.

And the plastic pallet experts at One Way Solutions are here to help.

Why Partner With One Way for Your Custom Plastic Pallet?

The answer is simple; it’s a no-brainer.

One Way offers *free* pallet design services. We’ll sketch up the perfect pallet for your operations and you’re under no obligation to order.

Custom Plastic Pallet Drawing

We’ll provide a drawing like this one, that details the pallet structure with dimensions and weights.

Custom Plastic Pallet Drawing

Custom Plastic Pallet Drawing

You’ll be able to envision exactly how this custom plastic pallet will suit your critical applications.

Based on your feedback, we’ll tweak the specifications to make it fit just right, and send you a revised drawing.

Custom Plastic Pallets That Don’t Break The Bank

Here’s another cool think about working with us on your custom plastic pallet.

We don’t require any mold or tooling investment. That’s money back in your pocket!

Whoa! Since no custom injection mold is required, our custom pallets are available in a comparatively short and industry-shattering 10 day lead time.

We’ll provide you a personalized quote for your custom plastic pallet at no charge.

Our goal is make the entire process quick, painless, and pleasant for everyone – because we are plastic pallet experts that are willing to go to the mat for our customers so you’ll honor us with your business on future pallet supply projects.

What Does a Custom Plastic Pallet Look Like?

Let’s paint a picture of your perfect pallet, constructed from carefully chosen components that match your critical application.

custom plastic pallet

Imagine piecing together a plastic block style pallet with your unique components using a custom made combination of the following component options:

  • Pallet stringer boards, up to 1″ x 4″ inches and 96″ inches in length
  • Pallet bottom boards, up to 1″ x 4″ inches and 96″ inches in length
  • Pallet Decks use 1/2″ sheeting (in practice them may be closer to 5/8″) and can be as large as 48″ x 56″ for a single piece smooth deck – 44″ x 56″ for ribbed decks.

Pallet Decks – Smooth or Ribbed

Smooth Decks – 48″ x 56″ Max

  • Smooth top decks are standard

The underside of the smooth pallet deck and pallet runners has a hidden waffle/grid bottom to provide additional stability and facilitate more efficient molding.

Waffle grid on underside of smooth pallet deck and pallet runners

Ribbed Decks – 44″ x 56″ Max

Ribbed Decks can also be provided on request, but please note the “low” part of the ribs are around 3/8” thick.  There’s also a pattern on the non-ribbed side, different than the waffle grid on the smooth decks, but it does have structural support. Ribbed deck has a max size of 44″ x 56″.

Here are examples of our stock plastic block pallets to demonstrate how pallet components can be configured for your unique needs: https://oneway-solutions.com/shop-plastic-pallets/custom-plastic-pallets.

Can I place a sample custom pallet order for testing?

Yes, absolutely! We accept smaller quantity custom pallet orders without a setup fee – so you only pay for pallets and shipping.

Let me know how we can help!

Interested In Custom Plastic Pallets?

Are you facing a continuous challenge in your warehouse?

Can a custom pallet could work for you? We make it easy to find out.

We’re here to help meet unique challenges in your warehouse so you can handle your operations more efficiently.

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you create the right plastic Custom Plastic Pallet and send you a quote.

Please contact us for a free quote and drawing for your perfect custom plastic pallet.

Share your Comments!

We’d love to hear from you – please let us know how custom built pallets have helped you overcome operational challenges in your warehouse.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Recycled Plastic Pallets And The Fight For Mother Earth

Plastic: The Good, The Bad and The Business

The world has come a long way from the 1960’s and the movie ‘The Graduate’. When giving the best advice for success to a recent college graduate, the successful businessman said, “I have one word, Plastics.” Today, plastic is where it shouldn’t be, in the ocean and on the beaches and it is killing animals as well as sea life and skewing the balance of nature, causing great harm to the environment and the future of a healthy earth States are banning plastic straws, restaurants are banning plastic silverware and cups, and grocery stores are banning plastics bags, offering only paper bags to its customers. With the anti-plastic movement coming to most neighborhoods near us, why oh why would the packaging industry want its customers to buy plastic pallets as opposed to the traditional wooden pallets?

Recycled Plastic Pallets

Well, it is important to know that plastic pallets are made from recyclable materials. Which can be reused, and reused, and reused, leaving a very limited harmful footprint on the environment. Ironically, plastic pallets are actually environmentally friendly and good for the green future of the earth. In 2008, an independent study done compared the environmental impacts of plastic pallets and multi-use wood pallet, finding the plastic pallet is far superior when it comes to the environment. In all measured areas, global warming, ozone layer depletion and acidification, (the decrease of acidic balance in the oceans), the plastic pallet was shown to have a much lower environmental impact. It is 100% recyclable, lighter, stronger and safer than the multi-use wood pallet, and it is far greener.
Recycled Plastic Pallets - Multi Colored Stacked Pallets

Recycled Plastic Pallets – Multi Colored Stacked Pallets

 

Recycled Pallet Life Cycle And Shelf Life

In another study, an analysis done by Environmental Resource Management (ERM), a global leader in environmental consulting services, measured the total life cycle impact of the plastic pallet and the multi-use wood. The plastic pallet was found to be the environmentally friendly solution. It leaves a much smaller environmental footprint, and it offers an alternative to depleting our forests to make wood pallets. Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design did a study that made a strong case for pallets long shelf life. Researchers found that the plastic pallet has 18 times the life span of the wood pallet.
Recycled Plastic Pallets - Typical Pallet Life Cycle

Recycled Plastic Pallets – Typical Pallet Life Cycle

Advantage of Recycled Plastic Pallets Over Wood Pallets 

Though 90 percent of the market still uses wood pallets, an analysis by FasTrack proved there is an advantage to using plastic pallets over wood ones. The plastic can be reused. Though wood pallets are cheaper, companies are now looking at plastic because they are reusable, with a consistent design. Also, they are cleanable and have environmentally friendly elements. The engineered solution, the plastic pallets can be specifically designed for all types of equipment, thus the product can be moved more easily. With all these benefits, plastic doesn’t seem to be such a dirty word anymore.
environmentally safe recycled plastic pallet
A 21 century technology to replace wood, the RM2 BLOCKPal pallet by One Way Solutions is extremely durable, environmentally friendly, and affordable.

Recycled Plastic Pallets: The Engineered Answer

We live in an age where all have to pay attention to saving the environment. From recycling what can be reused to stopping the careless use of plastics that are not reused, beyond what the private citizen can do, businesses need to be committed to keeping the earth green. The plastic pallet is the engineered answer to a problem in the packaging industry. Wood pallets deplete forests and do not have a long shelf life. Plastic pallets are made of recyclable materials, last a very long time, are reusable, and cost efficient. It appears the word for success in the 1960’s has returned to the 2010’s: Plastics. However, this time, plastics do not just make life easier they also help save the planet.

Share Your Comments!

What is your take on recycled plastic pallets? Are they serving your business while supporting the environment? To learn more about Plastic Pallet Recycling – Read this Article.

Trying To Choose The Right Recycled Plastic Pallet?

In case you didn’t know, we LOVE helping customer find the right plastic pallets to suit their needs. It’s in our DNA. Please contact us to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Plastic Pallet Materials

Plastic Pallet Materials

Plastic Pallet Materials

Plastic Pallets are made from a variety of different materials. Each have their own benefits and challenges. When selecting the right plastic material for your pallet’s application, there are two main and opposing aspects to consider; impact resistance & rigidity. In general, these aspects are inversely correlated.

In other words:

The more rigid a pallet is, the less impact resistance it possesses.

The less rigidity a pallet has, the more impact resistance it possesses.

Resistance and Rigidity

A pallet that is very rigid will typically have poor impact resistance. Similarly, a plastic pallet with high impact resistance will usually be less rigid.

Popular Plastic Pallet Materials

As is true for many of our blog features, there is no right or wrong pallet, only what is best for your conditions.

With that in mind, here are some of the more popular plastic pallet material types:

High Density Polyethylene Pallets (HDPE Pallets)

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This is by far the most common material used to mold plastic pallets. Milk jugs are the single largest use of HDPE and is known as a very versatile resin. It is also very inexpensive compared to other plastics, especially recycled resin. It offers plastic pallets a middle of the road compromise between impact resistance and rigidity.

HDPE Pallet Benefits:

  • Impact Resistance
  • Resistance to Freezing
  • Highly resistant to strong acids and bases.

In one sentence: HDPE is the most common, versatile, and cheapest material used amongst the different types

In one sentence: HDPE is the most common, versatile, and cheapest material used amongst the different types of plastics.

Pro Tip: HDPE pallets absorb little to no water, making them easy to clean and store!

Polypropylene Pallets (PP Pallets)

Polypropylene (PP): PP is the second most widely use resin used in plastic pallets. It is much more rigid but lacks the impact resistance of HDPE. It’s also usually more expensive that HDPE.

PP Polypropylene Pallet Benefits:

  • Stronger than HDPE
  • More Rigid than HDPE
  • Excellent crush recovery – more resilient!

In one sentence: PP costs more to produce and is not as commonly used, as much as HDPE.

Pro Tip: Polypropylene it is extremely resistant to chemical solvents, acids, and bases!

Polyolefin Pallets (PO Pallets)

Polyolefin (PO): PO is basically a catch-all for plastic materials that don’t fall into any of the other categories. For our purposes, PO is a proprietary blend of HDPE, PP, and cellulose that is found in many of our plastic pallets. It is sometimes referred to as ACM (Advanced Composite Material). The benefits are very high rigidity and low cost, but is difficult to mold, is very brittle, and cannot get wet. The cellulose expands and leeches the carbon black used to color the pallets. This type of plastic is often used in the production of one time use pallets or export pallets, this means that once they are sent out there will not be an expectation to have them returned.

PP Polyolefin Pallet Benefits:

  • Lower cost pallets
  • Good option if pallets do not need to be returned or reused (export, one way pallets)

In one sentence: PO is a plastic blend that is common, but cannot get wet and is harder to manufacture.

Pro Tip: Don’t expose polyolefin plastic pallets to water!

Fiberglass Pallets

Fiberglass is a recent entry in plastic pallet materials. There are only a couple manufacturers in the world with this capability and they employ proprietary methods. Typically, the pallets are coated with clear finish to seal in the glass fibers. This adds significant cost but produces a pallet that is extremely rigid and has high impact resistance. In addition, it has excellent fire retardant properties without any added fillers.

Fiberglass Pallet Benefits:

  • Extremely flex resistant
  • Extremely Impact-resistant
  • Naturally fire-retardant

In one sentence: Fiberglass pallets consist of a glass and plastic mixture, they are very strong, but can be very costly.

Pro Tip: Fiberglass pallets allow lots of stacking capabilities, so tack them up to utilize floor space!

Share your Comments!

What type of plastic pallets best suits your needs?

What are your opinions on the different pallet materials currently on the market?

We’d love to hear from you – please share thoughts in the comments below.

Need Help Selecting A Pallet?

Our Plastic Pallet Experts are happy to help you find the right plastic pallet and send you a quote that includes shipping costs. Please contact to find the perfect pallet at the best price.

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Plastic Pallets In Stock – Hello St. Louis

St. Louis Grand Opening!

Here at One Way Solutions, we are proud to announce the grand opening of our new St. Louis Warehouse! Our St. Louis warehouse will stock some of our best-selling, USA made pallets. In doing this we hope to outpace the constantly increasing demand for our plastic pallets! 

One Way Solutions Plastic Pallet Warehouse - St Louis

Now shipping from our new St. Louis warehouse!

Fully Stocked!

Our St. Louis warehouse will be housing many of our best selling plastic pallets, some of which will include:

PP-O-32-N2 32 x 48” Nestable Euro Pal 2 Plastic Pallet

PP-O-40-Eco1.3R 40 x 48” Rackable / Stackable Open Deck Plastic Pallet – 3 Runners – Black

PP-O-40-NL3.1 40 x 48” Nestable Plastic Pallet – Medium Duty

PP-O-45-NL 45 x 48” Nestable Plastic Automotive Pallet

PP-O-4545-N 45 x 45” Nestable Plastic Pallet

PP-S-40-R3 40 x 48” Solid Deck Rackable Plastic Pallet

General Sizing Options

At our new St. Louis warehouse we will be carrying different sizing options for the products listed above. Our sizing options are measured in inches and range from:

• 32 x 48” (Euro Pallets – fit smaller European sized trucks)

• 40 x 48” (Most popular size in the USA, most styles are offered in this size)

• 45 x 48” (Most popular in the automotive industry)

• 45 x 45” (Most commonly used to transport drums and chemicals. Also commonly used by the ocean freight industry)

Allowing our pallets to be available in different sizes is beneficial to our customers located in and outside of the US. Our different sizes allow our pallets to fit in different size transportation vehicles, ocean freights, and air freights. This is important to us so that our customers all over the world can purchase and utilize our pallets! 

Nestable and Rackable

Our St. Louis warehouse will contain different pallet options such as nestable and rackable plastic pallets. Nestable plastic pallets are designed in a way to stack more pallets at a safer height while also maintaining structure and balance. While our Rackable plastic pallets are designed to be more durable and reliable when stored on racks.

Positives of our Nestable Plastic Pallets:

  • Durable
  • Save floor space • Safer
  • Lighter in weight & density (reduces freight costs)
  • Improve stackability
  • Allow options for snap on runners

Positives of our Rackable Plastic Pallets:

  • Maximize floor space
  • FDA approved models available
  • Fire Retardant models available
  • Durable
  • Reliable
  • Safer

 

Our Promises to You!

At One Way Solutions we pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, quality products, great lead times, and exceeding customer expectations. These are goals and achievements we carry through to all of our shipping locations and warehouses. Our newest addition, being our St. Louis warehouse, will be held to the same standards to provide the best service imaginable!

  • Lead Times – we promise to ship your order within 2-5 business days after the order is placed (depending on location).
  • Customer Service – We promise to always provide the best customer service and be on site as soon as an issue occurs. Our customer service never expires!

Satisfaction Guaranteed

About Robin Kiefer

Robin Spencer Kiefer connects customers with solutions and products. Robin is the Digital Marketing Manager of One Way Solutions.

Location