One of the most important factors that determine the performance of plastic pallets, plastic crates and plastic containers is the raw material used. Load capacity, impact resistance, temperature resistance, hygiene level and service life are all directly linked to material selection.
As Doğan Plastik, we offer material options suited to the needs of different industries and applications. We evaluate the raw materials used in production by quality, performance and intended use; we focus not only on cost, but on the mechanical, economic and operational performance the product will deliver in its working environment.
This article covers plastic pallet raw materials, recycled plastics, PP, HDPE, rPP and rHDPE grades, and where each can be preferred.
Why Does Material Selection Matter for Plastic Pallets?
Not every plastic pallet or container is used under the same conditions. In some applications low weight and economic cost come first, while in others the following criteria stand out:
- High load capacity
- Impact resistance
- Low-temperature performance
- Hygiene
- Food-contact suitability
- Long service life
- Chemical resistance
- Colour options
Selecting the right plastic raw material therefore affects not only product cost, but also total service life and operational efficiency.
ECO Series Raw Materials
The ECO series is formulated by combining different recycled plastic raw materials in suitable ratios for economic, environment-oriented solutions. Used especially in light- and medium-duty plastic pallets, these materials aim to offer a balanced solution between cost and performance.
ECO series plastic pallets are generally produced in black and dark grey. Recycled material use contributes to the recovery of plastic raw materials while offering an economic solution for many standard logistics applications.
What Is PP Mix?
PP Mix is a blended raw material composed mainly of polyolefin-group plastics with a high polypropylene content. It is generally preferred in applications without high technical requirements, where cost advantage is a priority.
PP Mix material can be used in:
- Light-duty pallets
- Medium-duty pallets
- Standard warehouse operations
- One-way shipments
- General logistics applications
Material performance may vary depending on blend composition and the structure of the product to be manufactured.
Standard Recycled Raw Materials
Standard-class materials consist of recycled plastic raw materials selected according to defined quality criteria and returned to production.
These materials are widely used in plastic pallet models produced for standard logistics needs and held in continuous stock. Products made from standard recycled raw materials are mostly black or dark grey.
This group can offer a balanced solution between economic production and adequate mechanical performance.
What Are rPP and rHDPE?
Among the recycled raw materials widely used in plastic pallet production, rPP and rHDPE come first.
rPP – Recycled Polypropylene
rPP (Recycled Polypropylene) is recycled polypropylene raw material. Polypropylene offers an advantage in plastic pallet production thanks to its high rigidity.
Key properties of rPP:
- High rigidity
- Good mechanical strength
- Shape retention under load
- Favourable weight / strength ratio
- Suitability for industrial use
It can be preferred especially in plastic pallet applications where dimensional stability and rigidity are important.
rHDPE – Recycled High Density Polyethylene
rHDPE (Recycled High Density Polyethylene) is recycled high-density polyethylene raw material. HDPE-based materials can offer an advantage in demanding working environments thanks to their impact performance.
Key properties of rHDPE:
- High impact resistance
- Better performance at low temperatures
- Moisture resistance
- Long service life
- Suitability for demanding logistics environments
rHDPE can be preferred especially in cold stores, frozen-goods logistics and operations with a high impact risk.
Premium Raw Material Series
For applications that require higher quality and technical performance, Premium raw material options are used. The Premium series can use virgin, i.e. primary, raw materials as well as high-quality recycled materials from controlled sources.
Compared with standard recycled raw materials, these grades can provide more controlled physical and mechanical properties. Another important advantage of the Premium series is that different colour options can be applied. Depending on production needs, plastic pallets, crates or containers can be produced in different corporate or operational colours.
Differences Between PP and HDPE
The two most widely used base polymers in plastic pallet, crate and container production are PP and HDPE.
PP – Polypropylene
Polypropylene (PP) stands out with high rigidity and good mechanical strength.
Main properties of PP:
- High rigidity
- Good load-carrying performance
- Low weight
- Resistance to chemicals
- Dimensional stability
- Suitability for industrial applications
Thanks to these properties, it is frequently preferred in plastic pallet production.
HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) stands out with high impact resistance and performance at low temperatures.
Properties of HDPE:
- High impact resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Performance at low temperatures
- Flexible structure
- Long service life
- Easy-to-clean surface
HDPE is therefore preferred especially in the following products and applications:
- Plastic crates
- Plastic containers
- Hygienic pallets
- Food logistics
- Cold stores
What Is the Difference Between Virgin and Recycled Plastic?
Raw materials used in plastic products can generally be divided into two main groups: virgin raw material and recycled raw material.
What Is Virgin Raw Material?
Virgin plastic is a primary raw material that has not been used before and is obtained directly from petrochemical production processes.
Advantages of virgin raw material:
- Homogeneous structure
- More controlled technical properties
- Consistent colour
- Controlled mechanical performance
- Options suitable for food-contact applications
It is preferred especially for products that require high hygiene and quality standards.
What Is Recycled Raw Material?
Recycled plastic raw materials are obtained by sorting, processing and re-granulating plastics that have reached the end of their service life. Depending on the material source, certain differences in properties may be observed.
Today, advanced sorting technologies, filtration systems, material analysis methods and quality-control systems make it possible to produce recycled plastic raw materials that meet high quality standards.
In the right application, recycled material use can be both an economic solution and a contribution to resource recovery.
Food-Contact Plastic Pallets
In some industries, plastic pallets, crates or containers may need to come into direct contact with food products. In such applications it is important that the raw material used meets food-contact requirements.
Direct food-contact certification may not be necessary in every logistics pallet application. However, the following areas in particular may require more controlled raw materials:
- Food production areas
- Hygienic production facilities
- Clean-room applications
- Pharmaceutical and medical production areas
- Operations with direct food contact
In these special applications, controlled raw materials such as virgin PP or virgin HDPE may be preferred. The regulatory and certification requirements of the industry in which the product will be used must be assessed separately.
Plastic Pallet Use in Cold Storage and Freezer Environments
Plastic pallets, crates and containers can offer significant advantages in cold-store and frozen-goods logistics. Plastic materials do not absorb moisture, are water-resistant, are easy to clean and have a low tendency to retain odour.
Selecting the right raw material is especially important for products used at very low temperatures. In such applications, HDPE and suitably specified rHDPE raw materials may be preferred because of their impact resistance and low-temperature performance.
Main applications where material selection directly affects product life:
- Frozen food warehouses
- Cold stores
- Meat and poultry products
- Fish and seafood
- Dairy products
- Cold-chain logistics
How Should Plastic Pallet Raw Material Be Selected?
To determine the right plastic pallet raw material, the operation in which the product will be used must be assessed in detail. The following criteria should be considered in material selection:
- Static load capacity
- Dynamic load capacity
- Rack load
- Impact risk
- Operating temperature
- Cold-store use
- Food-contact requirement
- Hygiene standards
- Frequency of use
- Pallet service life
- Product colour
- One-way or closed-loop logistics use
- Economic expectations
The most expensive raw material is not necessarily the right solution for every application. What matters is selecting a raw material with technical properties suited to the conditions in which the product will be used.
Doğan Plastik Raw Material and Product Solutions
As Doğan Plastik, we offer raw material options suited to different operating conditions in the production of plastic pallets, plastic crates and plastic containers.
We develop solutions for different needs, from economic recycled materials to virgin PP and HDPE options that require high performance.
Our goal is to assess the working environment, load capacity, temperature conditions, hygiene requirements and economic expectations together, and to match the right product with the right raw material.
In this way, more reliable, durable and efficient plastic handling solutions can be created for logistics, warehousing and production operations.
Talk to our team to choose the right product. We recommend size, load capacity and material for your pallet, crate and container needs.