Pallet ABC: Everything you wanted to know about pallets

Our plastic pallets are manufactured from high-quality polymers, specifically a mix of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (HDPE). As a standard, we utilize recycled materials (such as PE-HD #2), unless safety requirements dictate otherwise.

ESD stands for Electrostatic Discharge. This is a physical process where friction causes a static charge to build up, which then suddenly discharges via a spark.

1. Why is ESD a risk with plastic pallets?

Standard plastic acts as an insulator, allowing static electricity to accumulate through minimal friction. Without the proper measures, this entails two major risks:

• Explosion hazard: In environments with flammable substances or gases, a single spark can have disastrous consequences.
• Damage to electronics: Sensitive electronic components can defect or malfunction due to the discharge.

2. The solution: ESD-safe pallets from Q-Pall

To eliminate these risks, we manufacture special ESD-safe pallets. During the production process, we add specific additives to the polymer (HDPE or PP), such as conductive carbon black.

This renders the pallet conductive rather than insulating, allowing static charge to be safely dissipated to the ground. The resistance levels are precisely tuned to your specific safety requirements.

Need advice? Contact us to discuss the specific resistance requirements for your application.

Plastic is naturally an insulator, meaning friction can cause a static charge to build up. While this is less dangerous than an ESD discharge, it is highly undesirable for many logistics processes.

1. What are the disadvantages of static charge?

A statically charged pallet acts like a magnet for dirt. This creates two primary problems in the supply chain:

• Hygiene & quality (dust): The charge attracts dust and dirt from the environment. This can affect the quality of the packaging or the product, which is unacceptable, especially in 'clean' environments.
• Shocks & electronics: Employees may experience unpleasant shocks upon contact, and sensitive electronics can be disrupted.

2. The solution: Antistatic additives

To prevent this, Q-Pall can optionally provide your pallets with synergistic antistatic additives.

These additives are mixed into the plastic during production and ensure that the surface resistance is lowered. As a result, static charge cannot build up, keeping the pallet clean (dust-repellent) and safe to use.

Do you experience dust accumulation or static issues in your warehouse? Contact us to discuss the possibilities for antistatic additives.

Clickable skids are detachable runners specially developed for our Q-Pall Light Series. They transform a lightweight, nestable pallet into a more stable skid pallet, without compromising on operational efficiency.

1. What is the major advantage of clickable skids?

The unique advantage lies in the savings on transport and storage costs. Because the skids are supplied separately, you benefit from the best of both worlds:

• Transport (volume): You transport the pallets 'bare' and nested inside each other. This saves considerable loading meters in the truck compared to pallets with fixed skids.
• Usage (functionality): On location, you simply click the skids underneath the pallet. This makes the pallet more stable, stackable, and better suited for conveyor belts.

2. Simple assembly

Technical knowledge is not required. The skids are designed in such a way that you can quickly and easily click them under the pallets from the Light Series yourself. This offers maximum flexibility in your logistics process.

Do you want to calculate how much space you can save with this system? Contact us for tailored advice.

Skids, often referred to in logistics as runners, determine the stability and usability of a pallet. They ensure the connection with the floor, racking, or conveyor system.

Which configuration do you need?

The choice depends on your storage system and the vulnerability of your load. These are the three most common variants:

• 3 Skids (longitudinal)
  Ideal for: High racking & automation.
  This is the standard for racking systems. Pallets with three longitudinal skids rest stably on the beams and are perfectly suited for automated conveyor systems.
• 5 Skids (perimeter base)
  Ideal for: Flexible logistics & pallet Jacks.
  This configuration often forms a 'frame' around the perimeter but leaves the center open. This makes it easier for forklifts and pallet jacks to pick up the pallet from all sides, speeding up the process in block stacking scenarios.
• 6 Skids (cross deck)
  Ideal for: Block stacking & pressure distribution.
  This is the heaviest and most stable variant with a full cruciform base.
  • Maximum pressure distribution: The large surface area at the bottom prevents the pallet from pressing into the underlying load. This prevents damage to boxes or bagged goods.
  • Robustness: Due to maximum rigidity, this variant is superior for intensive block stacking.

Are you unsure which base structure fits your warehouse system? Contact us; we are happy to advise you on the right configuration.

Racking Load (internationally known as Racking Load) is the maximum weight a pallet can bear when placed in a pallet racking system without decking or mesh shelves.

1. Why is this the most important value?

With this load, the pallet rests solely on the two beams of the rack (beam racking). The pallet effectively "hangs" freely in the center. This demands the utmost from the structural rigidity. Exceeding this weight leads to dangerous deflection or breakage.

Dynamic Load is the maximum weight a pallet can bear while it is in motion. This is the relevant value for internal transport using a forklift or pallet jack.

The static load is the maximum weight a plastic pallet can bear when placed on a flat, stable surface. Because the pallet is fully supported in this case, this figure is almost always higher than the dynamic or racking load.

1. When is static load important?

This value is the leading factor in two specific situations in your warehouse:

• Floor storage: When pallets with goods are placed loosely on the floor.
• Stacking: When loaded pallets are stacked on top of each other. Here, the static load becomes crucial.

2. Calculation for stacked pallets

If multiple pallets are stacked, the total weight determines the load on the bottom pallet.

Example: You stack 3 pallets of 500 kg each on top of one another. The bottom pallet then bears the weight of the two pallets standing on it (1,000 kg). The static load capacity of the bottom pallet must therefore be at least 1,000 kg.

Are you unsure if your current pallets are suitable for stacking? Contact us for a calculation of the load capacity in your situation.

The load capacity indicates the maximum weight a plastic pallet can safely bear. This is the most important specification for your choice, as overloading can lead to damage or unsafe situations.

1. What determines the load capacity?

The construction and the material used determine the strength of the pallet. A smartly designed plastic pallet combines a low tare weight with a high load capacity. However, a pallet with a higher load capacity is not by definition 'better'; it is about ensuring the specifications match your intended use.

2. The three types of load

Load capacity is never just one fixed number. In technical specifications, we distinguish between three situations:

• Static load: The maximum load when the pallet is stationary on the ground (e.g., during storage or stacking).
• Dynamic load: The maximum load during transport with a forklift or pallet jack.
• Racking load: The maximum load when the pallet is placed in a rack, supported by beams.

Note: The values for these three situations differ significantly per pallet.

Are you unsure which load capacity is required for your logistics process? Contact us; we are happy to help you find the right match between load and pallet type.

The carbon footprint of a plastic pallet expresses the total environmental impact in kilograms of CO2 equivalent (kg CO2 eq.). To make this impact transparent for you, official Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) documents are available for all Q-Pall pallets.

1. What does this emission consist of?

Greenhouse gas emissions occur at various stages of the life cycle. The greatest impact usually arises during:

• Raw material extraction: Obtaining the base material.
• Production: Energy consumption during the injection molding of the pallets.
• Transport: Logistics from raw material to factory and from factory to customer.

2. How Q-Pall reduces CO2

We minimize these emissions at every step of the process. By making intensive use of recycled plastics and organizing the 'end-of-life' process (full recycling of old pallets), we significantly lower the ecological footprint compared to wooden alternatives or virgin plastic.

Do you want to dive deeper into our sustainability strategy? Read all about our vision on recycling and reduction in our Orange Values.

When selecting a plastic pallet, the choice of the top deck is decisive for functionality. You can choose between an open structure (gridded) for weight savings or a closed deck for hygiene and load capacity.

1. Open top deck

A pallet with an open structure contains holes or grids in the deck.

• Advantage: Less material usage makes the pallet lighter and often more cost-efficient.
• Application: Ideal for export, general logistics, and situations where every kilogram counts.

2. Closed top deck

These pallets have a completely solid surface, often with a smooth finish.

• Advantage: Higher load capacity and superior hygiene. The solid deck prevents dirt or liquids from seeping through to goods underneath.
• Application: Essential for the meat processing industry, pharmaceuticals, and environments with strict hygiene requirements (HACCP).

Are you unsure which type of deck best fits your logistics process? Contact us to review the specifications for your application.

Yes, it is possible to fully customize your plastic pallets with your company logo or in your own corporate color. This not only increases brand recognition but also acts as a preventive measure against theft and loss in the supply chain.

1. Applying logo and text

To place your logo or ownership mark, we use various techniques, depending on the desired look and durability:

• Hot stamping: The logo is pressed into the plastic using heat (highly wear-resistant).
• Screen printing: For detailed, colored logos.
• In-mould: The logo is processed directly into the mold during the casting process (permanent relief marking).

2. Pallets in color (RAL)

We can produce pallets in almost any desired color. However, the choice of material is decisive here:

• Virgin material: Any specific corporate color is possible.
• Recycled material: Due to the dark base color of the recyclate, light or specific colors are often limited (usually black or anthracite).

Do you want to know the costs for personalizing your batch? Contact us to discuss your wishes and the technical possibilities.

An anti-slip pallet is specially developed for slippery packaging or unstable loads. The increased friction level of the top deck prevents goods from shifting during transport (dynamic load) or empty pallets from sliding away when stacking.

1. The material: TPE Polymer

Whereas standard pallets made of PE or PP can sometimes be too smooth, anti-slip pallets use a specific material to guarantee grip: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer).

The unique properties of TPE polymers are:

• Rubber-like grip: It combines the properties of rubber with the benefits of plastic, ensuring a high-friction contact surface.
• Wear resistance: TPE is tough and retains its friction properties even with intensive use and temperature fluctuations.
• Stability: It prevents dangerous situations caused by sliding loads in trucks or warehouses.

Do you struggle with sliding loads or are you looking for a specific anti-slip solution? Contact us to see which type of pallet best secures your load.

The specifications of pallet dimensions go beyond just length and width. For automated systems and handling equipment, the height, ground clearance, and position of the blocks are crucial.

Technical legend

01 & 02. Length and width: The basic dimensions (e.g., 1200 x 800 mm).

03. Height: Usually varies between 120 and 160 mm. This directly affects the load capacity: the higher the construction, the stronger the pallet often is.

04. Ground clearance: The free space between the top deck and the floor (standard 89, 95, or 100 mm). This is essential for the forks of a pallet jack.

05. Blocks (Support beams): The width of the blocks is critical for conveyor systems. Center blocks often must not be wider than 150 mm.

06. Entry width: The distance between the blocks. This must comply with the ISO 6780 standard to be accessible for all forklifts and pallet jacks.

Do you have specific requirements for your conveyor belts or warehouse cranes? Contact us to verify the exact dimensional tolerances.

The rounded edges of our plastic pallets are a deliberate design feature. Unlike wooden pallets, which often have sharp sawn corners, plastic pallets are designed to minimize damage to your load and equipment.

Why are round corners important?

The rounded finish offers protection on three levels:

• Protection of packaging material: Sharp corners often cut through strapping or shrink wrap. Rounded edges prevent this, keeping your load more stable.
• Preservation of equipment: Forklifts and pallet jacks slide along the pallet more easily. This prevents impact damage to both the forks and the pallet itself during entry and exit.
• Safety for personnel: No sharp splinters or corners that employees can cut themselves on during manual handling.

Do you want to switch to pallets that cause less damage to your product flow? Contact us for a model that fits your packaging process.

The price of a plastic pallet is not a fixed figure, but a sum of specifications. Although the initial purchase price is often higher than wood, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is frequently lower due to the long lifespan.

1. The 4 price-determining factors

The final cost price per pallet is determined by:

• Material: Virgin material (new) is more expensive than recycled plastic.
• Weight & type: A heavy-duty pallet contains more raw material (and is therefore more expensive) than a lightweight export pallet.
• Volume: For larger purchases (full truckloads), the price per unit drops significantly.
• Logistics: Transport costs weigh heavily on the final price.

2. The Q-Pall location advantage

Transport is a major cost item and an environmental burden. Q-Pall minimizes this by producing at multiple locations in Europe. We deliver from the factory closest to your delivery address. This results in lower transport costs and significantly reduced CO2 emissions.

Do you want to know exactly where you stand? Request a quote for an accurate price calculation including transport to your region.