SacramentoPallet Co.

Clean & Durable

Plastic Pallets

Durable, hygienic, and maintenance-free. Ideal for pharmaceutical, food processing, and export applications.

When Plastic is the Right Choice

Plastic pallets excel in environments where hygiene, consistency, and durability are critical. They won't splinter, absorb moisture, or harbor bacteria — making them ideal for food, pharmaceutical, and cleanroom applications.

While the upfront cost is higher than wood, plastic pallets offer significantly longer lifespans (10+ years vs. 3-5 years for wood) and require zero maintenance. They're also exempt from ISPM 15 regulations, simplifying international shipping.

We offer both new and recycled plastic pallets in a variety of configurations — nestable, stackable, rackable, and export-grade. All our plastic pallets are made from recyclable materials and can be recycled again at end of life.

Plastic pallets are also the preferred choice for automated warehouse systems. Their precise, uniform dimensions ensure reliable performance on conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and robotic handling equipment where even small dimensional variations can cause jams and downtime.

Key Advantages

Hygienic

Non-porous surface is easy to clean, sanitize, and doesn't harbor bacteria or pests. FDA and USDA compliant options.

Consistent

Uniform weight and dimensions every time — ideal for automated systems and conveyors. No warping or swelling.

Durable

10+ year lifespan with zero maintenance. Won't splinter, crack, or absorb moisture. Impact-resistant polymer construction.

Export Ready

No heat treatment or fumigation required for international shipping (exempt from ISPM 15). Ship globally without compliance delays.

Lightweight

Up to 50% lighter than equivalent wood pallets, reducing shipping costs and worker fatigue. More payload per truckload.

Sustainable

100% recyclable at end of life. Many options available made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Closed-loop lifecycle.

Types of Plastic Pallets

Each type is engineered for specific use cases. Choose the configuration that matches your operational needs.

Nestable

Stack inside each other when empty, saving up to 70% storage space. Nine-leg design allows nesting from any direction. Lightweight and easy to handle.

Weight10-18 lbs
Dynamic LoadUp to 2,500 lbs
Static LoadUp to 10,000 lbs
Nesting Ratio3:1 (3 pallets in space of 1)

Best for: Export, return logistics, storage savings

Stackable

Designed to stack on top of each other when loaded, with reinforced corners and edges. Perfect for warehouse storage and standard racking systems.

Weight30-50 lbs
Dynamic LoadUp to 5,000 lbs
Static LoadUp to 25,000 lbs
Racking LoadUp to 2,200 lbs

Best for: Warehouse storage, racking, heavy loads

Rackable

Engineered for use in selective, push-back, and drive-in racking systems. Highest load ratings and structural reinforcement with steel inserts.

Weight40-65 lbs
Dynamic LoadUp to 5,000 lbs
Static LoadUp to 30,000 lbs
Racking LoadUp to 2,800 lbs

Best for: Automated warehouses, racking systems

Wood vs. Plastic Comparison

Not sure which material is right for your application? Here's a side-by-side comparison.

Feature
Wood Pallets
Plastic Pallets
Upfront Cost
$5 - $20
$15 - $70
Lifespan
3-5 years
10+ years
Cost Per Use (Closed Loop)
$1.50 - $4.00
$0.50 - $1.50
Weight (48x40)
35-50 lbs
15-30 lbs
ISPM 15 Required?
Yes (for export)
No (exempt)
Hygiene
Porous — absorbs moisture
Non-porous — washable
Repairability
Easy and cheap to repair
Must replace entire unit
Automated Systems
Variable dimensions
Consistent — ideal
Environmental Impact
Renewable, recyclable
Long life, recyclable
Splinter Risk
Yes
None

Ideal Industries for Plastic Pallets

Food & Beverage

FDA-compliant, washable, and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and bacteria. Perfect for food processing plants, bakeries, breweries, and cold storage facilities.

Pharmaceutical

GMP-compatible with smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be steam-cleaned and sanitized. No splinters, no contamination risk, no pest concerns.

Retail & Display

Clean, uniform appearance makes plastic pallets ideal for retail store displays and customer-facing logistics. Consistent dimensions for automated store systems.

Chemical & Hazmat

Resistant to acids, solvents, and corrosive chemicals. Non-absorbent surfaces prevent contamination accumulation. Easy to decontaminate after spills.

Export & International

ISPM 15 exempt — no heat treatment, no fumigation, no stamps required. Ship internationally with zero compliance paperwork for the pallet itself.

Automated Warehouses

Uniform dimensions and weight ensure reliable performance on conveyors, AS/RS systems, and robotic handlers. Eliminates jams caused by warped or inconsistent pallets.

Available Standard Sizes

We stock the most common plastic pallet sizes and can source specialty sizes on request.

48" x 40"

GMA Standard — most popular

48" x 48"

Drum and square-load applications

42" x 42"

Telecom and paint industries

48" x 42"

Chemical and military spec

40" x 40"

Dairy and dairy products

48" x 36"

Beverage industry standard

44" x 44"

Oil and chemical drums

36" x 36"

Small-format and retail

Plastic Pallet FAQ

Are plastic pallets more expensive than wood?

Upfront, yes — typically 2-4x the cost of a wood pallet. However, plastic pallets last 10+ years vs. 3-5 for wood, and require no repairs. In closed-loop systems where pallets are reused many times, the per-use cost of plastic is often lower than wood.

Can plastic pallets be repaired?

Unlike wood pallets, plastic pallets generally cannot be field-repaired when damaged. However, they are far more resistant to the types of damage that commonly affect wood pallets (splitting, cracking, moisture damage). Damaged plastic pallets can be recycled into new plastic products.

Are plastic pallets food-safe?

Yes. Our plastic pallets are made from FDA-compliant materials (typically HDPE or PP). They have non-porous surfaces that resist bacteria, mold, and moisture, and can be washed and sanitized between uses.

Do you sell used/recycled plastic pallets?

Yes. We carry a selection of used plastic pallets in good condition at significant savings vs. new. Availability varies — contact us with your requirements and we'll let you know what's in stock.

Can plastic pallets be used in freezer environments?

Yes. Our plastic pallets are rated for temperatures from -40°F to 150°F. They won't become brittle in cold storage or warp in heated environments. This makes them ideal for cold chain logistics.

What colors are available?

Standard colors include black, blue, and gray. Custom colors (red, green, yellow, white) are available for orders of 500+ pallets. Color coding can help with product segregation, facility identification, or customer branding.

Extend Your Investment

Plastic Pallet Care & Maintenance

Plastic pallets require far less maintenance than wood, but following these guidelines will maximize their already-long lifespan.

Regular Cleaning

Wash plastic pallets with standard pressure washers and mild detergent. For food-contact applications, use FDA-approved sanitizers. Plastic's non-porous surface allows for complete sanitization — unlike wood, there are no microscopic pores where bacteria can hide.

Inspect for Cracks

While plastic pallets are highly durable, check periodically for hairline cracks near fork entry points and load-bearing surfaces. Small cracks can propagate under repeated stress. Catching them early helps you retire pallets before they fail under load.

Avoid Impact Damage

Plastic pallets are resilient but can crack from sudden point impacts — especially at low temperatures. Train forklift operators to approach cleanly without dragging forks. In freezer environments, allow pallets to warm slightly before subjecting them to impacts.

UV Protection

Prolonged outdoor UV exposure can degrade some plastic materials over time, causing discoloration and brittleness. If outdoor storage is required, choose pallets with UV stabilizers in the resin compound, or store under shade structures.

Plastic Pallet ROI Analysis

Higher upfront cost, lower total cost. Here is how the math works for a closed-loop operation using 200 pallets.

Wood Pallets (5-Year Cost)

Initial purchase (200 × $7)$1,400
Replacement purchases (Years 2-5)$4,200
Repair costs$2,100
Disposal / recycling$600
5-Year Total$8,300

Plastic Pallets (5-Year Cost)

Initial purchase (200 × $35)$7,000
Replacement purchases (Years 2-5)$0
Repair costs$0
Cleaning costs$200
5-Year Total$7,200

* Example assumes a closed-loop system with 200 standard pallets. Wood pallets replaced every 18 months on average. Actual costs vary by usage intensity and environment.