used plastic crates

Types of used plastic crates

Used plastic crates have different shapes and sizes to meet the needs of various industries. These include

Standard stackable plastic crates

These standard ones are all-purpose and widely used. They have been designed to stack with one another in an orderly fashion while at the same time allowing for the easy and safe carrying of products through their comfortable handling features.

The dimensions of these varieties are approximately 600 x 400 x 220 mm. This means that one plastic crate can easily be stacked on top of another without taking up too much vertical space. They are commonly made from durable recycled polypropylene plastic that is resistant to wear and tear.

Produce crates

These are durable, ventilated plastic containers used in the food industry, especially for fresh products. Produce crates have holes on the sides to allow air circulation within the crate and prevent fruits and vegetables from going bad.

The dimensions of produce crates vary according to the type of produce, but common sizes are 600 x 400 x 200 mm and 300 x 200 x 150 mm. The larger size is ideal for storing larger foods like cabbages and watermelon, while the smaller one is ideal for smaller foods like carrots and tomatoes.

European pallets

The euro plastic crate is compatible with standard pallet dimensions, making them ideal for bulk transport. These crates are mostly used when transporting goods across large distances since they fit perfectly on Euro pallets and can be stacked efficiently in warehouses and trucks.

These crates are often produced in standard EU dimensions such as 400 x 300 x 200 mm and 600 x 400 x 200 mm.

Hobby gardening crates

Hobby gardening crates assist in small-scale gardening and home plants. These plastic baskets have drainage holes to ensure proper water flow for plant and soil health. Produce crates are useful for carrying tools, seeds, pots, and gardening equipment and can also be used for transporting the plants and flowers.

The sizes of these plastic crates can vary, but common dimensions are 300 x 200 x 100 mm and 590 x 390 x 210 mm.

Storage and organizing crates

Storage crates aid in organizing tasks in homes and offices. These versatile containers are ideal for decluttering spaces, tackling messy areas in homes, and increasing efficiency in workplaces.

They have been designed for easy stacking and use in both open and closed storage systems, including shelves and cupboards. They also have been designed to protect stored items from dust and other forms of damage.

Storage crates come in various sizes, including 300 x 400 x 130 mm and 400 x 300 x 120 mm.

Designs of used plastic crates

Used plastic crates come in a multitude of designs. These include:

Stackable crates

Stackable crates can be defined as the plastic boxes that still retain their space efficiency when being thought of in terms of vertical storage. These boxes include features such as stackable feet and bodies that enable one crate to sit perfectly on top of another. This design maximizes use for limited space, for example, for warehousing or retail counters.

Foldable crates

The foldable plastic crate is the ideal space-saving solution. These crates have collapsible sides, making them easy to store when not fully loaded. It is very handy when one needs to pack things for short-term events or transport.

Ventilated crates

Ventilated plastic crates are used mainly for agricultural practices, particularly during the storage and transport of perishable agricultural products such as fruits and greens. These crates are designed with several holes or slits along the side and bottom to promote airflow, thereby reducing the chance of spoilage.

Heavy-duty crates

These heavy-duty crates are still used in environments where the load is potentially weighty, such as in the case of construction materials and in the transportation of machinery. These crates are manufactured from thick, robust plastic that is resistant to warping, cracking, or breaking under stress. Such a design ensures that the products transported are secure and that the structure of the crate lasts for many years.

Ceramic-like plastic crates

Ceramic-like plastic crates are made of lighter plastic materials but are designed to resemble wooden or metal crates for aesthetic purposes. This type of crate is commonly used in retail and marketing environments where a certain style or theme is preferred. It is hard to tell that the crate is actually made of plastic due to the many textures and finishes it has.

Specifications and maintenance of used plastic crates

Some typical features of used plastic crates may include a high degree of interchangeability with one another, resistance to numerous chemicals, temperature changes, and the ability to be recycled when their lifespan eventually ends. Below is a list of some these features as well as some maintenance tips.

• Material: Used plastic crates are often made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP). These plastic materials are very hard wearing and resistant to chemicals.
• Size: Common size specifications of applied plastic workstations are as stated in the paragraphs above, although certain varieties have been known to exist in measurement extensions. Standard sizes available are typically 600 mm and 400 mm in length and breadth for rectangular crates and 200 mm and 300 mm for smaller, more square-like versions.
• Load capacity: The maximum weight the crate can hold is called the load capacity. Generally, ventilated crates have lower load-bearing capacities than heavy-duty versions due to their lighter construction materials.
• Stackability: This is the ability of plastic crates to be stacked one on top of the other without slipping or toppling over. Stackable crates with design features such as stacking lugs tend to be easier to store because they take up less space when stacked.
• Ventilation: Crates with ventilation slits are ideal for transporting or storing items that require airflow, such as food items. Slit ventilation prevents overstuffing and enables even cooling and ripening.

Maintenance and repair of used plastic crates

• Repair: When any used plastic crate has a small problem, such as a crack or a broken part, the repair can be done by using strong glue meant for plastics or by putting in plastic welds to strengthen it.
• Storing crates: When not in use, plastic crates should be stored in a dry, shaded area to prevent UV damage. Foldable crates can be reduced in size for easier storage.
• Cleaning crates: To ensure used plastic crates are reusable, they should be washed regularly. Warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth should be used for this. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may scratch the surface or weaken the plastic material.
• Inspection: Regularly check the occasionary end plastic crates for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, fading, or difficulty in closing the foldable crates. An old plastic crate that has been worn out may require safety laws.

Some factors that plastic crate buyers should consider when choosing directly used plastic crates

Recycling, as is commonly known, is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and products. While it is a valuable endeavor, over the past several years, the term has extended to include the use of second-hand items, especially plastic items. This is mainly because used plastic items, especially plastic crates, are cheaper and can comfortably serve their intended purpose. Below are some factors that should be considered when buying used plastic crates.

• Condition: The state of the used plastic crates is the single most important factor to consider as it directly affects their usefulness. Look for signs of cracks, warping, or severe discoloration. Minor scratches or dents may be considered, but they shouldn't impact stackability or integrity. An assessment of the condition may be done by personally inspecting the items or requiring detailed images or descriptions from the vendor.
• Size: Used plastic crates are available in all sizes. The right size should be the right size for the intended use. For light storage and transportation, smaller sizes may be appropriate. On the other hand, larger sizes are more appropriate for heavy storage or large items. In this case, both the seller and buyer must agree on a specific size before any transaction can take place.
• Compatibility: To ensure perfect stackability or interchangeability, ideally, the used plastic crates should be of the same brand as the new plastic crates to be utilized. If new plastic crates of a specific brand are not available, then try to find used plastic crates that are compatible with the old plastic crates. This way, the used plastic crates can fit into the old plastic crates to maximize space.
• Hygiene: A major disadvantage of used plastic crates, especially in food industries, is hygiene. To ensure hygiene, used plastic crates should be bought from reputable places that take hygiene into account. Also, a plan should be put in place to clean and disinfect the plastic crates frequently. When hygiene is a major concern, further ventilation or used plastic crates that had previously been used for non-food-related products should be considered.
• Quantity: The number of plastic crates should also be taken into account when buying used ones. Having a large number of crates in the same condition and size makes them more practical for a specific need. When purchasing a variable number of crates, their distinctiveness in function and form should be considered; that is, a lot of them should be similar for compatibility in the system.

Q&A

Q1. Is it harmful to use plastic crates that have been previously used?

A1. It is generally safe to use plastic crates that have been previously used as long as they are properly washed before use. Used plastic produce crates are the most hygienically cleaned crates because they come from reputable suppliers who clean and sanitize them.

Q2. What is the average life of a plastic crate?

A2. The average lifespan of a plastic crate is 6-10 years. However, the durability of a plastic crate will depend on a number of factors, including the usage intensity, the type of plastic material it is made of, and the environmental conditions to which it is exposed.

Q3. What are used plastic crates generally made of?

A3. Most used plastic crates are made of high-density polyethylene (HDP). HDPE was chosen because of its high impact resistance, strength, and chemical-proof properties. It is also lightweight but strong enough for heavy pulls.

Q4. Can used plastic crates be recycled?

A4. Yes. Used plastic crates can be recycled. The first step of the recycling process plastic produce crates undergo is cleaning. After being cleaned, the plastic material is melted down and then reformed into new crates or other plastic products.