The 16 key questions you need to consider when buying plastic pallets

Pallets are an essential tool in every logistics manager’s or supply chain professional’s toolkit. Across the UK, millions of pallets are being used on a daily basis to store and transport a wide range of different products, materials, ingredients and components. While wooden pallets have been the traditional “go-to” choice, more and more businesses are now switching to plastic pallets to benefit from increased efficiency across their applications, improve health and safety, achieve a better long-term return on investment, and make substantial sustainability gains.

At goplasticpallets.com, our knowledgeable team works closely with both new and existing customers who are looking to make the switch and integrate plastic pallets into their operations. However, as we offer the UK’s largest range of plastic pallets, it is fair to say that not one size, or model, fits all. This is why our experts are armed with a number of different questions to ensure our clients choose a pallet that matches their exact requirements. In this blog post, we share the key questions you need to answer when choosing a plastic pallet:

1. What do you need plastic pallets for and how do you intend to use them?

We are starting with the most important question, which will help to steer the entire conversation and selection process. To choose the right pallet, it is vital to understand your requirements and the applications you have in place.

2. What type of goods will you be storing or transporting?

The weight, size and nature of your products will determine whether you need light, medium, or heavy-duty pallets, as well as the material they are made from. More on that later.

3. What size of pallet are you currently using?

We stock the UK’s largest range of different sizes, so we can guarantee the best fit – including 1200mm x 1000mm, 1200mm x 800mm, 1140mm x 1140mm, 1200mm x 1200mm, and many more. Read our Complete Guide to Plastic Pallet Sizes for more information.

4. Are your pallets compatible with your existing racking and storage systems?

In the same vein as the previous question, it’s imperative that we have as much information as possible to ensure you get your hands on the perfect pallet. Our experts will need to learn more about your existing infrastructure.

5. Do you use automated systems or conveyor belts as part of your material handling?

If yes, then the structure and specification of your pallet becomes even more important. Plastic pallets ensure absolute consistency in dimensions, weight and runner configuration to guarantee compatibility with your equipment. The APB 1210 Pool Open 5R is a popular choice for many of our customers operating automated systems within their facilities.

6. What kind of material handling equipment (MHE) do you use?

It is important to ensure that the pallet design is compatible with your forklifts, pallet trucks, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

7. Is the base configuration important to you?

Runner configuration plays a key role in how your pallet performs. It affects everything from racking and stacking to compatibility with forklifts and conveyor systems. We offer pallets that feature three, five and six runners.

8. Do you need an open or closed deck pallet?

Both open and closed deck pallets have their own benefits: Open deck pallets offer improved ventilation, easy drainage and are often more cost effective. Closed deck pallets offer enhanced protection and have a smooth, easy to clean surface. We have explored this topic in more depth, here.

9. Are you trying to reduce your environmental footprint?

For businesses prioritising a sustainable supply chain, recycled plastic pallets are a far better choice than their wooden counterparts. They reduce deforestation, have a significantly longer lifespan, and, once they reach the end of their working life, they can be recycled into new plastic products – contributing to the Circular Economy.

10. Do you operate in food, pharmaceutical or other hygiene-critical industries?

If so, this will likely influence the type of plastic pallet that’s suitable for your application. For hygiene-critical environments, we typically recommend virgin plastic pallets, which offer the highest standards of cleanliness and are incredibly easy to clean. We cover many of our leading hygienic pallets in this blog, written especially for the pharmaceutical sector.

11. Do you export goods internationally?

Unlike wooden pallets, plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM15 regulations, meaning they do not need heat treatment or fumigation before being sent overseas. This not only helps streamline the shipping process but also reduces admin and associated costs. This article explains why you should definitely be using plastic pallets for exports instead of wooden ones.

12. Do you have a transport network that delivers full pallets and returns empties?

If so, you may want to consider nestable pallets. These are designed to stack inside one another when not in use, saving vital space on return journeys – a smart way to reduce fuel costs and cut carbon emissions. Our definitive guide to nestable pallets will provide further guidance.

13. Do you need your pallets to be colour-coded?

Colour coding helps with warehouse organisation, hygiene segregation, and visual checks for cross-contamination.

14. Would custom branding or numbering add value?

Customisation can improve asset tracking and promote your brand throughout the supply chain. We customise hundreds of pallets each week from our headquarters in Eastbourne, before delivering them to some of the UK’s biggest businesses.

15. Will your pallets be used for in-store displays?

Display pallets should not only be strong, but also visually presentable – with optional colour coding or branding. More retailers are now opting for specialist display plastic pallets within their stores.

16. How important is next-day delivery or availability?

If you’re scaling quickly or responding to seasonal demand, availability and fast delivery may be critical.

Do you need help answering these questions? Our experienced team is on hand to talk you through each of these considerations and help you choose the perfect plastic pallet for your specific application. Whether you’re switching from wooden pallets for the first time or upgrading your existing plastic models, we’ll ensure you get a solution that meets your operational needs, budget, and sustainability goals.