Open Deck vs. Closed Deck Pallets

If you take a quick look at our complete range of standard plastic pallets, you will find many models, with different specifications. If you are working as a buyer for a newly formed company, you may have no guidance for choosing between open deck vs. closed deck pallets.

This where the team of packaging experts at Logistic Packaging steps in to help you. In this article, we will explain the distinct benefits of both types of pallets, so that you may make an informed choice.

Open Deck Pallets

Open deck plastic pallets have a grid structure on the base, with many perforations. This helps reduce the weight of the pallet. Thus, open deck pallets are often used when companies need to reduce the overall weight of their shipments to optimize transportation costs.

The main benefits of open deck vs. closed deck pallets are:

1. Adequate Ventilation

Open deck pallets are often used by agribusinesses to transport fresh produce. Even when they are stacked, the pallets allow proper ventilation to keep the produce fresh and extend their shelf life.

This is also an essential benefit for transporting bread and bakery products. Paired with special crates for bakery, with perforated sides and bottoms, the open deck plastic pallets keep these sensitive products fresh and fluffy during the journey from oven to store shelf.

2. Proper Drainage

The perforated base of open deck plastic pallets is also useful for draining any spillage and liquids. Thus, these pallets are adequate for transporting stacks of special containers for fresh fish with spillway and drainage.

They are also a good option when transporting bottled drinks. If one or several bottles in the stack breaks, the liquid will drain quickly, without damaging the other items.

3. Cost-Effective

Open deck pallets are faster to produce and more affordable. They can be a good option for companies that need a large batch of new pallets quickly. However, the price and convenience should not overrule the packaging application.

Always discuss with our packaging consultants to make sure that the products you order truly fit your needs.

Closed Deck Pallets

The closed deck plastic pallet is usually the heavyweight champion of the category. These pallets can be reinforced, with double deck or metal bars in the skids to withstand extremely heavy weights.

However, even a standard closed deck plastic pallets offers these benefits:

1. Adequate for Transporting Heavy Loads

The average closed deck plastic pallet can withstand a static load of 4,500 kg or more. This is why companies working in automotive, industrial manufacturing and long-distance distribution industries use closed deck plastic pallets.

They are ideal for loading heavy items or creating large and compact stacks of products.

2. Optimal Hygiene

Open deck vs. closed deck pallets choices are sometimes based on the ability to clean and sanitize the pallet properly. Closed deck pallets are the winners in this case. They feature a smooth surface, that does not allow dirt and dust to accumulate in difficult to clean areas.

We even offer a special range of cleanroom closed deck pallets, which have a very simple design, specifically to facilitate cleaning and sanitizing.