Cleanliness and safety are non-negotiable in the world of food logistics. As the industry faces heightened safety standards and the ongoing need for increased efficiency, reusable packaging such as plastic pallets and plastic totes will play an increasingly larger role in the supply chain, especially as companies continue focusing on sustainability and waste elimination. Plastic pallets and totes provide enhanced durability and reusability and are a suitable option for manufacturers seeking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high hygiene standards.
As more companies continue prioritizing sustainability, reusable plastic pallets and totes offer a way to reduce waste and support a more circular system.
However, safety must always remain top-of-mind. Here are ways to take safety into account when determining the right pallet and tote.
Learn about the design
If you’re not familiar with the design of plastic pallets and totes, seek out someone who can serve as a resource, as it plays a key role in maintaining sanitary conditions in food plants. Wood pallets can be dangerous when they begin to splinter and break down, leading to puncture wounds, cuts and abrasions and other hazards. Plastic pallets, in comparison, feature smooth surfaces, minimal cavities, and rounded edges that remain safe throughout the pallet’s lifespan and can prevent water and other debris from accumulating.
Further, plastic pallets are designed to keep both equipment and plants clean, by reducing the risk of wood chips, debris and dust associated with wood pallets.
The design of plastic pallets and totes is also relevant given recent technological innovations, such as the rise of automation, which is impacting performance and sustainability.
For example, a recent World Metrics report notes that approximately 25% of warehouses globally have adopted some form of automation, with nearly 30% of these facilities incorporating robotics. Plastic pallets feature a uniform design and durability that make them particularly suited to automated material handling and storage systems, helping companies optimize their operations.
Select the right material
Concerns about allergens or contamination are also driving change in industries like food, beverage and pharmaceuticals. Plastic’s non-porous surface, lightweight construction and absence of nails or splinters make it a safer and more hygienic alternative.
Selecting the right material is as important as the design. Advanced materials used in plastic pallets are not only durable but also meet stringent food safety standards established by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). These standards emphasize sanitary transportation practices and foodborne illness prevention and require proper cleaning, maintenance and storage of food-contact surfaces, including pallets. FDA-compliant materials are available in reusable pallets.
Unlike wood pallets, which can absorb moisture and other materials, plastic pallets are easy to clean and sanitize, significantly reducing the contamination risk across the supply chain – a major improvement welcomed by industries where food safety is crucial to successful operation. And operator safety is another overlooked benefit. Plastic pallets are easier to handle both manually and in automation, especially in fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environments.
Train employees on proper pallet and tote handling and maintenance
Another way to not only take safety into account but ensure it is practiced is training employees on proper pallet and tote handling and maintenance as a way to ensure products remain in optimal condition and continue supporting sanitary operations. Get employees involved and create champions. Educate employees on proper pallet handling, cleaning and maintenance protocols to ensure the pallets remain in use. Taking care of these valuable assets is crucial for long-term success.
In conclusion, reusable packaging such as plastic pallets and plastic totes will continue playing an increasingly large role in the supply chain. Safety, however, should never be far from mind as you consider how to incorporate reusable packaging into your operations. Be sure to educate yourself on material design; pay close attention to the type of material featured; and always train employees on proper pallet and tote handling and maintenance.
