Definition
A thermoplastic polymer (HDPE) commonly used to manufacture plastic pallets. HDPE pallets are lightweight, moisture-resistant, impervious to insects and mold, and exempt from ISPM-15 phytosanitary requirements. They are commonly used in pharmaceutical, food processing, and clean-room environments where hygiene is paramount. HDPE pallets can be injection-molded or structurally formed and are fully recyclable at end of life.
Related Terms
Molded Pallet
A pallet manufactured by compressing and molding wood fibers, recycled plastic, or other composite materials into shape under heat and pressure. Molded pallets are lightweight, consistent in dimensions, nestable, and often exempt from ISPM-15 requirements since the manufacturing process eliminates pest risks. They are popular for export shipping, air freight, and applications where pallet weight is a major cost factor.
Nestable Pallet
A pallet designed so that empty pallets can nest inside each other, stacking compactly by overlapping rather than just sitting on top of one another. Nestable pallets typically have a nine-leg design without a bottom deck, allowing the legs of one pallet to fit into the spaces of the pallet below. This design dramatically reduces the storage and transportation space required for empty pallets — a stack of nestable pallets occupies about one-third the space of conventional pallets.
Export Pallet
A pallet specifically prepared for use in international shipping, meeting the ISPM-15 requirements for phytosanitary treatment and marking. Export pallets must be made from debarked wood, treated using an approved method (heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation), and stamped with the internationally recognized ISPM-15 compliance mark. Non-compliance can result in shipment rejection, quarantine, or destruction at the destination port.
Pallet
A flat transport structure, typically made of wood, that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other jacking device. Pallets are the foundation of modern material handling and logistics, enabling efficient storage, stacking, and transportation of goods. The most common pallet size in North America is the 48x40 inch GMA pallet.
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Our glossary contains 165+ terms covering everything from pallet construction to compliance regulations and industry organizations.