Plastic pallets have become a crucial asset for business owners across various industries. They offer numerous advantages over traditional wooden pallets, such as being more durable, lightweight, and resistant to pests.

However, like all materials, plastic is not immune to environmental challenges. Understanding how to keep plastic pallets safe in hot weather is essential for longevity and performance.

Let’s explore the types of plastic used for pallet building, the effects of extreme heat on plastic pallets, and effective strategies to protect your pallets from high temperatures.

Types of Plastics Used for Pallet Building

Certain plastics have unique properties that make them suitable for pallet construction. Here’s a look at some of the most used materials by pallet suppliers.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is a popular choice for plastic pallets due to its exceptional strength and durability. It can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty applications and has good thermal resistance, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is another widely used plastic in pallet production. Known for its robustness and excellent chemical resistance, PP is an ideal material for heavy-duty plastic pallets. It can endure high temperatures without compromising its structural integrity, making it a reliable choice for hot weather conditions.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Businesses love PVC for its versatility and affordability. While it’s not as heat resistant as HDPE or PP, it offers reasonable durability and is effective in less extreme conditions. Businesses often choose PVC for applications that require cost efficiency.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is renowned for its toughness and impact resistance. It combines the strengths of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene to produce a durable and resilient material. While ABS can handle moderate heat, it’s generally not recommended for prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.

Some Plastics Are More Heat-Resistant Than Others

It’s essential to recognize that not all plastics have the same level of heat resistance. HDPE and PP tend to perform better in high-temperature environments than PVC and ABS. Business owners should consider the needs of their operations and select the most suitable material for their plastic pallets to maintain optimal performance.

Can Plastic Pallets Melt in Hot Weather?

Extreme heat can cause plastic to melt if the temperature exceeds the material’s melting point. However, this fact does not necessarily mean that your plastic pallets will completely disintegrate in hot weather.

First Alliance Logistics Management designs our plastic pallets to withstand a certain amount of heat while maintaining their structural integrity. Most high-quality plastic pallets have a melting point of around 130–140 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly higher than the average summer temperature. That said, it’s crucial to take precautions to prevent your pallets from reaching their melting point.

How Hot Weather Can Affect Plastic Pallets

High temperatures can affect plastic pallets in several adverse ways. Business owners should remain aware of these potential issues to mitigate risks and ensure the safe use of their pallets. Here are the top four ways that hot weather can affect plastic pallets.

Impacts Load Stability

Extreme heat can affect the structural integrity of plastic pallets, making them more flexible and less stable. The loss of structural integrity can compromise the safety and stability of your loads, potentially leading to accidents or damage during transportation and storage.

Potential Fire Hazard

Plastic pallets, particularly those made from less heat-resistant materials, can become a fire hazard in hot weather. As the temperature rises, the risk of the pallets igniting increases, posing a significant threat to your warehouse and inventory.

Brittle and Prone to Cracking

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause plastic pallets to become brittle and prone to cracking. It reduces their load-bearing capacity and can result in pallet failure, leading to costly product damage and delays.

Tinted Pallets Can Lose Their Color

Colored plastic pallets aren’t immune to the effects of heat. Prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can cause the colors to fade, making the pallets look worn and less professional.

This lack of color can impact the appearance and branding of your business. It can also impact your supply chain management if you rely on color-coded pallets as an organizational tool.

Ways To Keep Plastic Pallets Safe From Extreme Heat

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to protect your plastic pallets from the damaging effects of hot weather. The following suggestions will help protect your pallet investments and maintain business operations during extreme heat waves.

Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight and in the Shade

Whenever possible, store your plastic pallets in shaded areas to minimize direct exposure to sunlight. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related damage and extend the life span of your pallets.

Use a Thermal Pallet Cover

Thermal pallet covers are an effective solution for protecting pallets from extreme heat. They provide an additional layer of insulation, helping to maintain a stable temperature and prevent heat-related degradation.

Keep Your Warehouse Climate-Controlled

Maintaining a climate-controlled warehouse environment is an excellent safeguard for your plastic pallets. A controlled environment guarantees a consistent temperature, reducing the risk of heat-related issues and preserving the integrity of your storage materials.

Choose Plastic Materials That Can Withstand Hotter Climates

As mentioned earlier, some plastics are more heat-resistant than others. Choosing heavy-duty plastic pallets made from materials like HDPE or PP can offer extra protection against high temperatures and improve overall performance.

Source Your Plastic Pallets From a Trusted Supplier

Maintaining the quality and reliability of your plastic pallets begins with choosing a reputable supplier. Trusted suppliers offer high-quality products that withstand various environmental conditions, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your pallet investments.

First Alliance Logistics Management: Plastic Pallet Solutions You Can Trust

At First Alliance Logistics Management, we understand the challenges business owners face when maintaining the integrity of their plastic pallets in hot weather. We design our heavy-duty plastic pallets to endure extreme conditions and deliver consistent performance. No matter what type of plastic pallet you need, we have the solutions to keep your inventory safe and secure.

Knowing how to keep plastic pallets safe in hot weather is critical for business owners. The information above will help you protect your plastic pallets and keep them in top condition, even in the hottest climates.

Contact us by phone at (866) 621-6592 or visit our website to learn more about our plastic pallet production. With a combined supplier network of 200+ pallet manufacturing, recycling, and repair companies, we are your one-stop shop for pallet sourcing logistics.