RIVERSIDEPALLET CO.
Products

PlasticPallets

Hygienic, durable, and endlessly recyclable. The modern choice for industries that demand the highest standards.

Order Plastic Pallets

Request pricing for our plastic pallet range.

US/Canada: (555) 123-4567

US: 92501 | CA: K1A 0B1

Why Plastic?

When your application demands more than wood can offer.

Hygienic

Non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth. Easy to wash and sanitize. FDA compliant for food contact.

Durable

Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and insects. No splinters, no nails. Won't rot or degrade.

Lightweight

Up to 30% lighter than wood equivalents. Reduces shipping costs and makes handling easier.

Long-Lasting

Expected lifespan of 10+ years with proper use. Significantly higher reuse cycles than wood.

Consistent

Manufactured to exact specifications every time. No variation in weight, dimensions, or capacity.

Recyclable

At end of life, plastic pallets can be ground down and reformed into new pallets. 100% circular.

Ideal Applications

Food & Beverage

FDA-compliant surfaces, easy washdown, no contamination risk.

Pharmaceutical

Clean-room compatible. No particles, no wood fibers, no insect risk.

Automated Warehousing

Consistent dimensions ensure perfect compatibility with AS/RS systems.

Export Shipping

No ISPM-15 treatment required. No fumigation fees. No border delays.

Material Types

We offer three distinct plastic formulations, each optimized for different applications and budgets.

Most Common

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE is the industry standard for plastic pallets. It delivers an excellent balance of strength, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness. HDPE pallets are FDA-approved for direct food contact and can withstand temperatures from -40°F to 160°F.

  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • FDA-approved food-safe material
  • 100% recyclable at end of life
  • Best balance of cost and performance
High Performance

PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene pallets are lighter than HDPE while offering superior heat tolerance — up to 230°F. This makes them the preferred choice for pharmaceutical, chemical, and high-temperature processing environments where autoclaving or steam sterilization is required.

  • Lighter than HDPE
  • Higher heat tolerance (up to 230°F)
  • Ideal for pharmaceutical environments
  • Autoclave and steam sterilization safe
Eco Option

Recycled Blend

Our recycled blend pallets are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic — diverted from landfills and given a second life. They deliver the same structural performance as virgin material pallets at a lower cost and with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

  • 100% post-consumer recycled plastic
  • Same structural performance
  • Lower cost than virgin material
  • Smallest environmental footprint

Cost Analysis: Plastic vs Wood Over Time

Plastic pallets cost more upfront, but the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Year 1

Wood Cheaper by 40%

Wood pallets have a significantly lower purchase price. At year one, wood is the clear winner on upfront cost. However, wood pallets may already need minor repairs and heat treatment for international use.

Year 3

Costs Break Even

By year three, most wood pallets need replacement or significant repair. Treatment, labor, and disposal costs add up. Plastic pallets are still on their first lifecycle with zero maintenance costs.

Year 5

Plastic Saves 25%

Wood pallets are now on their second or third replacement cycle. Factor in purchase, repair, treatment, and disposal costs — plastic has saved you 25% compared to the cumulative wood spend.

Year 10

Plastic Saves 50%

After a decade, you are still on the original plastic pallet. No replacements, no repairs, no heat treatments, no disposal fees. Wood would have been replaced 2-3 times by now, totaling double the cost.

Analysis based on average market pricing for standard 48x40 pallets in comparable applications. Actual savings vary by use case, volume, and handling conditions.

Care & Maintenance

Plastic pallets are low-maintenance by design, but a few simple practices will maximize their lifespan.

Pressure Wash for Sanitization

Plastic pallets can be fully sanitized with a standard pressure washer. Use hot water (up to 180°F) for food-grade applications. Unlike wood, plastic won't absorb water or harbor bacteria after washing.

Inspect for Cracks Quarterly

While plastic pallets are extremely durable, they can develop stress cracks over time — especially at fork entry points. A quarterly visual inspection catches issues before they become safety hazards.

Avoid Dragging on Rough Surfaces

Dragging pallets across concrete or asphalt wears down the bottom deck and feet. Always lift pallets with a forklift or pallet jack. This single habit can add years to your pallet lifespan.

Store Stacked in a Dry Location

While plastic pallets are waterproof, storing them in a dry, covered location prevents dirt buildup and keeps them ready for use. Nestable pallets should be stacked nested to save floor space.

Replace at First Structural Crack

A cracked pallet is a safety risk. If you notice any structural crack — not just surface scratches — remove the pallet from service immediately. Plastic cannot be field-repaired like wood.

Recycle Damaged Pallets Through Us

Don't send broken plastic pallets to landfill. We accept returns of damaged plastic pallets and recycle them into our recycled blend product line. It's free, it's easy, and it's the right thing to do.

Available Configurations

Every warehouse, supply chain, and application has different needs. We stock five distinct pallet configurations.

Nestable

Space Saver

Designed with tapered feet that allow empty pallets to stack (nest) inside each other, reducing storage footprint by up to 70%. Ideal for businesses with limited warehouse space or for return logistics where empty pallet volume is a concern. Available in standard 48x40 and Euro sizes.

Stackable

General Purpose

Flat top and bottom deck design allows loaded pallets to be stacked safely on top of each other — no racking required. The most versatile configuration for general warehousing, floor stacking, and container loading. Supports loads up to 5,500 lbs in static stacking.

Rackable

Warehouse Ready

Reinforced with internal steel or extra-thick plastic supports to handle the span and load demands of warehouse pallet racking systems. Rated for 2,200-2,800 lbs in racking applications. Essential for any business using selective, drive-in, or push-back racking.

Export

International

Lightweight, cost-effective pallets designed specifically for one-way international shipping. No heat treatment required (unlike wood), no fumigation certificates, no ISPM-15 compliance headaches. Simply load, ship, and forget — no return logistics needed.

Display

Retail Ready

Premium finish with smooth edges and clean aesthetics, designed to go straight from the truck to the retail floor. Available in custom colors to match brand guidelines. Anti-slip top surface keeps products secure during display. Perfect for Costco, Sam's Club, and big-box retail.

Technical Specifications

Complete specifications for our most popular plastic pallet models.

Specification
Nestable
Stackable
Rackable
Export
Dimensions
48" x 40"
48" x 40"
48" x 40"
48" x 40"
Weight
15-18 lbs
22-28 lbs
35-50 lbs
12-15 lbs
Static Load
5,000 lbs
10,000 lbs
10,000 lbs
3,000 lbs
Dynamic Load
2,200 lbs
5,500 lbs
5,500 lbs
1,500 lbs
Racking Load
Not rated
Not rated
2,200-2,800 lbs
Not rated
Material
HDPE / PP
HDPE
HDPE + Steel
Recycled HDPE
Temp. Range
-40F to 160F
-40F to 160F
-40F to 160F
-20F to 140F
Fork Entry
4-way
4-way
4-way
2-way or 4-way
Nesting Ratio
1:6 (6 per stack height)
N/A
N/A
1:5
FDA Approved
Yes
Yes
Yes
On request
Color Options
Black, Blue, Gray
Black, Blue
Black
Black
Anti-Slip Surface
Optional
Standard
Standard
Optional

Load capacities vary by manufacturer and specific model. Contact us for certified specification sheets for any product in our lineup.

Why Choose Our Plastic Pallets

Beyond the material itself, here is what sets our plastic pallet program apart.

No ISPM-15 Treatment Required

Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15 phytosanitary regulations because they are non-organic. This eliminates the cost and hassle of heat treatment, fumigation certificates, and customs inspections for international shipments.

Zero Splinters and Nails

Plastic pallets have no nails, staples, or sharp edges. This means fewer workplace injuries from splinters, punctures, and cuts. It also eliminates the risk of product damage from protruding fasteners hitting goods during transport.

Impervious to Moisture

Unlike wood, plastic does not absorb water. This means no mold, no rot, no bacterial growth, and no weight gain from moisture exposure. Plastic pallets are the only choice for wet environments, cold storage, and outdoor exposure.

Exact Same Weight Every Time

Wood pallets vary by 10-20% in weight due to moisture and natural variation. Plastic pallets weigh exactly the same every unit, every time. This precision matters for accurate load weights, shipping costs, and automated handling equipment.

Chemical Resistant

HDPE and PP plastics are resistant to acids, bases, solvents, and most industrial chemicals. Spills wipe clean without absorption or staining. This makes plastic pallets essential for chemical manufacturing, laboratories, and industrial cleaning environments.

Insects Cannot Survive

Wood pallets can harbor insects, larvae, and eggs in their grain. Plastic is completely inhospitable to pests. This eliminates biosecurity risks and is why many food processing facilities have switched entirely to plastic pallet programs.

100% Recyclable at End of Life

When a plastic pallet reaches the end of its service life, it is ground into pellets and remanufactured into new pallets or other products. Nothing goes to landfill. Our recycled blend line is made entirely from reclaimed end-of-life pallets.

Custom Colors and Branding

Plastic pallets can be manufactured in any color. Use color coding to organize inventory by product line, destination, or department. Add your company logo molded directly into the pallet surface for permanent identification.

Compatible with RFID and Tracking

Plastic pallets can embed RFID tags, barcodes, and GPS trackers directly into the pallet body during manufacturing. This enables real-time asset tracking, automated inventory management, and supply chain visibility throughout the logistics cycle.

Plastic Pallets Gallery

See our plastic pallet range in real-world applications.

Nestable plastic pallets stacked for efficient storage

Nestable Pallets Stacked

HDPE rackable pallets in a warehouse racking system

Rackable in Warehouse

Blue stackable plastic pallets ready for food distribution

Food-Grade Stackable

Export plastic pallets loaded for international shipping

Export Ready Pallets

Recycled blend plastic pallets in production

Recycled Blend Production

Custom color plastic pallets with company branding

Custom Branded Pallets

Plastic vs Wood: Head-to-Head

An honest comparison to help you make the right choice for your specific application.

Factor
Plastic
Wood
Upfront Cost
Higher — 3-5x initial investment
Much lower per unit
Total Cost of Ownership (10yr)
Lower — no replacement/repair costs
Higher — replacements add up
Hygiene / Sanitation
Non-porous, easy to pressure wash
Porous, absorbs bacteria
Lifespan
10+ years, 200+ trips
3-5 years, 15-30 trips
Weight
15-50 lbs depending on type
40-70 lbs average
Repairability
Cannot be field-repaired
Easily repaired with basic tools
International Shipping
No treatment required, no ISPM-15
ISPM-15 treatment mandatory
Environmental Impact
Recyclable, not biodegradable
Renewable, biodegradable, recyclable
Dimensional Consistency
Exact same specs every unit
Natural variation between units
Automated Systems
Perfect for AS/RS and conveyors
May jam or cause issues

Our recommendation: Plastic pallets are the superior choice for closed-loop systems, food and pharmaceutical environments, automated warehouses, and international shipping. Wood pallets remain the better option for open-loop, one-way shipping where cost per trip is the primary concern.

Industries We Serve

Plastic pallets are the preferred choice for industries where hygiene, consistency, and longevity matter most.

Food & Beverage Processing

FDA-approved surfaces that meet HACCP standards. Easy to sanitize between loads. No splinters or nails to contaminate products. Required by many major food processors and retailers.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Clean-room compatible with zero particulate shedding. Autoclave-safe polypropylene options. No insects or biological contamination risk. Meets FDA and cGMP requirements.

Cold Storage & Frozen Goods

Plastic pallets perform flawlessly from -40F to 160F without cracking or warping. No moisture absorption in freezer environments. Will not grow mold or rot in high-humidity cold rooms.

Chemical & Hazmat

HDPE is resistant to acids, caustics, solvents, and most industrial chemicals. Easy decontamination after spills. Spark-resistant options available for flammable material handling environments.

Automated Warehousing (AS/RS)

Exact dimensional consistency ensures flawless operation in automated storage and retrieval systems. No jams from splinters, broken boards, or protruding nails. Consistent weight for accurate conveyor operation.

Dairy & Meat Processing

Non-porous surface prevents bacterial harboring critical for USDA-inspected facilities. Withstands daily pressure washing and chemical sanitization without degradation. The industry standard for dairy and meat plants.

Retail Display & Merchandising

Custom colors, smooth surfaces, and professional appearance make plastic pallets perfect for retail floor display. Anti-slip tops keep products secure. Available with company logos molded in.

Electronics & High-Value Goods

Anti-static plastic options protect sensitive electronic components. Clean, particle-free surfaces prevent scratches on finished products. RFID tracking compatibility for asset management of high-value loads.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

No risk of product contamination from wood dust, splinters, or insects. Smooth surfaces prevent damage to packaging and labels. Clean presentation meets the high standards of cosmetics brands.

Healthcare & Medical Devices

Sterilizable surfaces for medical device transport and storage. No biological contamination risk. Consistent sizing for hospital automated systems. Meets strict healthcare supply chain requirements.

Pricing Information

Plastic pallet pricing varies by type, material, and volume. Here are typical ranges for our most popular models.

Standard 48x40 Plastic Pallets

Nestable (HDPE)

Lightweight, space-saving design

$18 - $30

Stackable (HDPE)

General purpose, floor stacking

$28 - $45

Rackable (HDPE + Steel)

Reinforced for racking systems

$45 - $85

Export (Recycled)

One-way international shipping

$12 - $20

Display (Custom Color)

Retail-ready finish and branding

$35 - $65

Polypropylene (High Temp)

Autoclave-safe, pharmaceutical grade

$55 - $95

Volume Pricing

1 - 49 palletsStandard list pricing
50 - 199 pallets5% off list price
200 - 499 pallets10% off list price
500 - 999 pallets15% off list price
1,000+ palletsCustom contract pricing

Leasing Program Available

Not ready to invest in purchasing? Ask about our pallet leasing program. Lease plastic pallets on a per-trip or monthly basis with no upfront capital expenditure. We handle maintenance, replacements, and end-of-life recycling. Pay only for what you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our plastic pallet program.

How long do plastic pallets actually last?

In a well-managed closed-loop system, plastic pallets typically last 10-15 years and can complete 200+ trips before showing signs of wear. Some of our customers are still using pallets they purchased over a decade ago. The key to longevity is avoiding dragging on rough surfaces and removing pallets with structural cracks from service promptly.

Can plastic pallets be used in pallet racking?

Only rackable-grade plastic pallets are rated for pallet racking systems. These pallets are reinforced with internal steel tubes or extra-thick plastic supports to handle unsupported span loads. Our rackable models are rated for 2,200-2,800 lbs in standard selective racking. Never use nestable or lightweight pallets in racking, as they can fail under load.

Are plastic pallets really FDA approved for food contact?

Yes. Our HDPE and PP plastic pallets are manufactured from FDA-compliant resins that are approved for direct food contact applications. They meet FDA Title 21 CFR requirements. However, it is important to note that FDA compliance applies to the material itself. Proper cleaning and handling practices must still be followed for food safety.

What happens if a plastic pallet cracks?

Unlike wood pallets, plastic pallets cannot be field-repaired. A cracked plastic pallet must be removed from service immediately as it poses a safety risk. We accept damaged pallets for recycling through our take-back program at no charge. The plastic is ground into pellets and reformed into new pallets or recycled-blend products.

Do plastic pallets work in freezer environments?

Absolutely. HDPE plastic pallets are rated for temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike wood, plastic does not absorb moisture in freezer environments, which means no ice buildup, no warping, and no mold growth. Plastic pallets are the industry standard for cold storage, frozen food distribution, and blast freezer operations.

Can I get plastic pallets in custom sizes?

Yes, but custom sizes require a minimum order quantity since they involve new tooling (molds). Minimum orders for custom-sized plastic pallets typically start at 500-1,000 units to justify the tooling investment. Lead times are 8-12 weeks for first orders with new tooling. After the initial order, reorders use the same mold and ship in 2-4 weeks.

How do I clean and sanitize plastic pallets?

Plastic pallets can be sanitized using pressure washing with hot water (up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit), chemical sanitizers (bleach, quaternary ammonium, peracetic acid), or steam cleaning. Polypropylene pallets can also be autoclaved. The non-porous surface means bacteria cannot penetrate the material, making sanitization much more effective than with wood.

Is it true that plastic pallets do not need ISPM-15 treatment?

Correct. ISPM-15 phytosanitary regulations only apply to wood packaging materials because wood can harbor insects and plant diseases. Since plastic is a non-organic material, it is completely exempt from ISPM-15 requirements. This means no heat treatment, no fumigation, no IPPC stamps, and no risk of border rejections for international shipments.

Ready to Switch to Plastic Pallets?

Whether you need nestable export pallets or heavy-duty rackable platforms for automated warehousing, we have the right plastic pallet solution. Request a sample, a quote, or a consultation today.

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US/Canada: (555) 123-4567

US: 92501 | CA: K1A 0B1