Plastic pallet boxes

Food-grade plastic pallet boxes and bulk containers

Plastic pallet boxes, also called pallet bins, bulk containers or combo bins, are used to handle, store and transport bulk products, goods that are difficult to palletize or large quantities of material. All models offered by Agrico Plastics are food grade and can also be used in agricultural operations, food processing plants and commercial or industrial applications.

Depending on the model, pallet boxes are available with solid or vented walls and with single-wall, insulated double-wall or triple-wall polyethylene construction. They may have straight or tapered walls and a rigid or collapsible design.

Several options can make them easier to use, including a drain for faster discharge, an access door for reaching the contents, a lid for product protection and casters or a cart for moving the container through a plant.

The right choice depends primarily on the product being handled, the handling equipment, the washing process, the available space and how the pallet boxes will be stacked or returned empty.

Which type of plastic pallet box should you choose?

Important criteria before purchasing

The product being contained

A solid-wall pallet box is generally better suited to fine materials, wet products and applications requiring greater product retention. A vented pallet box promotes airflow, water drainage and drying.

You should also determine whether the product requires a lid, drain, access door or insulated construction.

Material handling

Pallet boxes are designed to be handled with a forklift or, depending on the base configuration and operating environment, a pallet jack. Fork entry, base configuration and handling equipment must be compatible with the material-handling operations and constraints of your warehouse or distribution centre.

A pallet box on casters may be preferable when it must move frequently through a plant or between workstations. For other models, a suitable material-handling cart can make the pallet box easier to move without modifying it.

Stacking

A stackable pallet box cannot necessarily support every load. Stacking capacity depends on the model, uniformly distributed load, temperature, storage duration and operating conditions.

The load rating when supported on the floor must not be confused with the load that can be handled or stacked. The manufacturer’s technical data must be validated for the intended application.

Washing and drainage

In food-processing environments, the choice between solid and vented construction directly affects washing, draining and drying time.

A drain can be added to certain solid-wall models, but its location must be specified according to the product and cleaning method. A vented pallet box provides natural drainage but is unsuitable when the contents must be fully retained or protected.

Empty returns

When pallet boxes are returned empty over long distances, the space they occupy can become a significant cost. Tapered-wall nestable models, collapsible pallet boxes and certain straight-wall models can reduce empty-return volume, but they do not meet the same operational needs.

A nestable pallet box fits inside another when empty. A collapsible pallet box generally retains straight walls during use, then folds or comes apart for the return trip. The right choice depends on the available space, handling frequency and operational requirements.

Accessories and modifications

Agrico Plastics also offers lids for pallet boxes, drain options and a cart for pallet boxes. Depending on feasibility, modifications may include access doors, casters, drains and other adaptations. Special dimensions require an evaluation for custom fabrication.

Compatibility must be verified using the exact pallet box model. General dimensions alone are not always sufficient to confirm that a lid, cart or accessory will fit.

Frequently asked questions about plastic pallet boxes

What is the difference between a pallet box, pallet bin and bulk container?

In common industry use, these terms generally describe a large plastic container with a base that allows it to be handled by forklift. The preferred term varies by company, industry and region.

Are all these plastic pallet boxes food grade?

All models presented in this category are food grade and can also be used in industrial applications. The selected model, accessories and operating conditions must still be suitable for the product being handled and the facility’s food-safety program.

Can a pallet box be stacked while loaded?

Many models can be stacked while loaded, but the allowable load depends on the pallet box, total weight, load distribution and operating conditions. Review the technical specifications for the selected model before stacking.

Can a drain or casters be added?

Yes, on certain models. The pallet box must be evaluated to confirm the feasibility, location and compatibility of the modification.

How do I choose the right pallet box?

Start by comparing the wall construction, dimensions, capacity, handling method, cleaning requirements and stacking conditions. For a specific application, Agrico Plastics can help identify compatible models and prepare a quote.