Definition
A strong, coarse paper made from wood pulp, commonly used as a protective layer between products and pallets or between layers of palletized goods. Kraft paper prevents product surfaces from being scratched, stained, or contaminated by direct contact with the pallet deck. It is also used as slip sheets and as a dunnage material. Kraft paper is recyclable and provides an inexpensive protective barrier in pallet shipping applications.
Related Terms
Slip Sheet
A thin sheet of solid fiberboard, corrugated board, or plastic used as a pallet substitute. Slip sheets are placed under a unit load and handled by forklifts equipped with special push-pull attachments that grip the protruding edge of the sheet. Slip sheets are much thinner, lighter, and less expensive than pallets, and they save significant space in shipping containers. However, they require specialized handling equipment and are not compatible with standard pallet jacks or racking.
Dunnage
Loose materials or custom-cut pieces of wood, foam, or other materials placed around and between cargo to prevent damage during storage and transport. In the pallet industry, dunnage refers specifically to wood pieces used to brace, cushion, or separate products on a pallet or inside a shipping container. Like pallets, solid wood dunnage used in international shipping must comply with ISPM-15 requirements.
Top Cap
A flat sheet of corrugated board, plastic, or plywood placed on top of a palletized load before wrapping or strapping. Top caps distribute downward pressure from stacked loads, protect the top layer of products from dust and moisture, and provide a stable surface for stacking additional pallets on top. They are an inexpensive way to increase the stacking strength of a unit load and are widely used in distribution centers and warehouses.
Pallet Wrap
A general term for materials used to secure and protect goods on a pallet during storage and transportation. The most common form is stretch wrap (stretch film), a highly stretchable plastic film that is wrapped around the loaded pallet to hold items in place. Other forms include shrink wrap, which is heated to form a tight seal, and pallet netting, which provides ventilation for products that need airflow. Proper pallet wrapping is essential for load stability and product protection.
Explore More Pallet Industry Terms
Our glossary contains 165+ terms covering everything from pallet construction to compliance regulations and industry organizations.