Plastic Pallet Application & Usage in Malaysia

Plastic Pallet Application & Usage in Malaysia

Plastic pallets have become increasingly popular across various Malaysian industries due to their durability, hygiene, and long-term cost savings compared to wooden pallets. With rapid growth in logistics, e-commerce, warehousing automation, and export compliance, plastic pallets are now widely used for domestic handling and international shipping.

---

1. Why Malaysian Industries Use Plastic Pallets

✔ 1. Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Plastic pallets do not absorb moisture, oil, or chemicals.

• Ideal for food processing, pharmaceutical, and FMCG industries that require cleanroom or HACCP compliance.

✔ 2. Export-Friendly

• ISPM-15 (heat treatment/fumigation) is not required, unlike wood pallets.

• Saves time and cost for Malaysian exporters.

✔ 3. Longer Lifespan

• Very long service life (5–10 years), especially HDPE or PP materials.

• Resistant to termites, fungus, and rotting — important in Malaysia’s humid climate.

✔ 4. Strong & Consistent Quality

• Uniform size and weight.

• Suitable for automation, ASRS, conveyors, and racking systems.

✔ 5. Safety

• No nails, splinters, or sharp edges.

• Safer for workers and goods.

---

2. Common Applications of Plastic Pallets in Malaysia

A. Warehousing & Logistics

Most manufacturing and distribution facilities use plastic pallets for:

• Racking storage

• Bulk storage

• Internal material handling

• Forklift and stacker operations

• Automated warehouse systems

Common pallet sizes:

• 1200 × 1000 mm

• 1200 × 1200 mm

• 1100 × 1100 mm (Asian standard)

---

B. Export Shipping

Malaysian exporters prefer plastic pallets because:

• They comply with ISPM-15 exemption.

• Lightweight export pallets reduce shipping cost.

• No fumigation documents needed for EU, US, Middle East, or Asia.

Industries that export using plastic pallets:

• Electrical & electronics

• Automotive parts

• Rubber and latex products

• Food, beverages, and bottled goods

• Furniture

• Chemicals

---

C. Food & Beverage Industry

Malaysian F&B manufacturers (bottling plants, cold storage, poultry, ready-to-eat processing) use plastic pallets because:

• Easy to wash and sanitize

• Doesn’t harbour bacteria

• Suitable for cold rooms and freezers

Special pallets:

• Hygienic pallets (solid deck)

• Freezer-grade pallets

• Heavy-duty racking pallets

---

D. Pharmaceutical & Medical Manufacturers

GMP pharmaceutical factories require hygienic handling systems.
Plastic pallets meet:

• Cleanroom hygiene standards

• Low dust

• Chemical resistance

• Compatibility with automated systems

---

E. Retail, Hypermarket & E-commerce Distribution

Retail supply chains in Malaysia use plastic pallets for:

• Indoor product movement

• Store-to-store transfer

• Display pallets (for supermarket promotions)

• Distribution center operations (Tesco, 7-Eleven, Aeon Big, J&T Warehouse, Ninja Van)

Benefits:

• Consistent sizes for automated conveyors

• Neater stacking for high cube utilization

• No infestation risk

---

F. Chemical & Hazardous Material Industry

Chemical factories, oil & gas suppliers, and lubricant distributors prefer plastic pallets because:

• Excellent chemical resistance

• Stronger load capacity

• Pair well with spill containment pallets

• Do not react with oils, solvents, acids, or alkalis

Often used together with:

• Spill containment pallet

• Drum pallets

• Chemical storage racking

---

G. Agriculture & Fishery

Used for:

• Transporting fruits & vegetables

• Cold storage

• Fish processing and freezing

• Crate stacking and movement

Reason:

• Moisture-resistant

• Does not rot in wet environments

• Easy to wash

---

3. Popular Types of Plastic Pallets in Malaysia

1. Heavy Duty Racking Pallet

• 1,000–1,500 kg racking load

• Suitable for warehouse racks

2. Export One-Way Pallet

• Light weight (3–8 kg)

• Cost-effective for shipments

3. Nestable Pallet

• Space-saving design

• Suitable for internal logistics and hypermarkets

4. Hygienic / Cleanroom Pallet

• Smooth deck

• For food, pharma, and high-hygiene environments

5. Drum & Chemical Pallet

• For storing 200L drums

• May include built-in spill containment

6. Pallet Box / Bulk Containers

• For automotive parts, agriculture, recycling, and E&E industries

---

4. Emerging Trends in Malaysia

✔ Growth in E-commerce Logistics

J&T Express, Shopee, Ninja Van, DHL and others are adopting more plastic pallets in warehouses.

✔ Automation (ASRS) Increasing

Standardized plastic pallets are required for:

• Conveyor lines

• AGV/AMR robots

• Automated pallet storage

✔ Government pushing for hygiene & safety in F&B and Pharma

More Malaysian factories are switching to plastic pallets to meet compliance.

---

5. Should Your Company Use Plastic Pallets?

Choose plastic pallets if you need:

• Clean and hygienic operations

• Long-term reusable pallet fleet

• Export without fumigation

• Racking storage

• Wet or chemical exposure

• Improved warehouse safety

Wood pallets are still useful for:

• Very low-cost shipments

• Heavy machinery transport

• Rough outdoor handling