A paper pallet is a small, flat platform used for shipping a variety of products. Unlike traditional wood or metal pallets, paper pallets are made from paper board or molded paper pulp. Many are configured with holes built into the sides, which allows forklifts and other hoisting devices to easily load goods into or out of a truck or warehouse. These pallets can be found in a wide variety of shipping, industrial, and manufacturing settings, where they can be used to ship or store almost any type of lightweight product. In some regions, a paper pallet may also be referred to as a paper or cardboard skid.
Manufacturers rely on three basic types of paper pallet construction. The first features a honeycomb structure made from paper or cardboard, and closely resembles the interior of of residential wood door. The second consists of corrugated fiberboard made from molded paper pulp. Finally, these pallets may be made using sheets of paper laminated together to form a stiff board, similar to the construction of a plank of laminate flooring.
Each paper pallet is designed to meet the strict dimensions standard in the shipping and transportation industry. Most feature a square or rectangular shape, with holes positioned between the top and bottom layers to allow forklift access. These pallets may incorporate a stringer design, in which a few individual planks are used to make up the top and bottom plates, or a block pattern, which features a solid top and bottom for added strength.
Paper pallets offer a number of important advantages to businesses and shipping companies. They are one of the most lightweight pallet options on the market, which helps to reduce the cost and difficulty of moving these pallets. They are also largely made from recycled materials, and can be easily recycled once they have reached the end of their useful life. Paper pallets are also relatively economical compared to wood or metal, and are easily disposed of in retail stores, which often have difficulty getting rid of more traditional pallets. These units also allow companies to meet the strict sanitary standards imposed by trade organizations, which can be hard to accomplish using wood or plastic pallets.
One of the major drawbacks associated with the paper pallet is its susceptibility to moisture. If these pallets get wet, they may become damaged and ultimately fail. They also aren't as strong as wood or metal, and also offer less protection to the goods they are used to transport.
