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Plastic pallet collars – robust pallet frames for storage, transport and reusable logistics

Plastic pallet collars are a flexible solution for extending pallets laterally and for organizing, storing or transporting goods within a load unit. Depending on the company and industry, these products are also referred to as pallet collars or pallet frames. They are suitable for cartons, containers, components, packaged goods and many other products, allowing existing pallets to be converted as required into open storage, picking or transport units.

Compared with traditional wooden pallet collars or wooden pallet frames, plastic pallet collars offer material-related advantages such as a splinter-free surface, low sensitivity to moisture and easy cleaning. Many versions are foldable and can be stored or returned in a space-saving manner when empty. Depending on the model, different formats, heights and hinge configurations are available.

Why plastic pallet collars are a practical choice

Plastic pallet collars combine flexible use with a robust and reusable design. As pallet frames or pallet collars, they provide lateral containment for the load unit and can help keep goods organized within the pallet footprint. Depending on the process, pallets can therefore be used temporarily either as an open loading platform or as a laterally enclosed storage and picking unit.

Advantages of plastic pallet collars

• lateral containment for cartons, containers, components and packaged goods
• low tare weight for easy handling
• splinter-free plastic surface that is easy to clean
• low sensitivity to moisture and reusable design
• modular use on suitable pallets
• foldable depending on the version
• more space-efficient empty return compared with rigid pallet boxes
• can be combined with suitable pallets, dividers, layer pads and other accessories
• alternative to traditional wooden pallet collars and wooden pallet frames

4 or 6 hinges – the folding principle makes the difference

Plastic pallet collars in the 1200x800 mm Euro format are available, among other options, with four or six hinges. The main difference lies not only in the number of hinges, but especially in the folding principle and the resulting dimensions of the empty folded collar.

4-hinge pallet collar – diagonally foldable

A 1200x800 mm plastic pallet collar with 4 hinges folds diagonally. This design is simple and easy to handle. Due to the diagonal folding principle, however, the folded collar is longer than its longest side and may extend beyond the footprint of a Euro pallet when placed on top of it.

The 4-hinge version can be particularly suitable when low tare weight, straightforward handling and a simple folding function are the main priorities, and when the overhang of the folded collar is not critical in the relevant storage or return-transport process.

6-hinge pallet collar – compact M-fold

A 1200x800 mm plastic pallet collar with 6 hinges, by contrast, can be folded into a compact M-shape. The two additional hinge points allow the length of the folded package to be reduced essentially to the length of the longest side panel. With a 1200x800 mm collar, the folded unit therefore remains approximately within the 1200 mm pallet length.

This allows the folded 6-hinge version to be placed neatly on a Euro pallet, bundled or prepared for empty return without the typical longitudinal overhang of a diagonally folded 4-hinge version. This is particularly useful in reusable logistics, interplant transport, supplier loops and processes in which empty collars are regularly collected and returned on pallets.

Applications for plastic pallet collars and pallet frames

Plastic pallet collars are used wherever goods on pallets need to be laterally contained, presented in an organized manner, stored or transported. They are suitable for both internal processes and shipping, distribution and reusable logistics. Depending on the application, several compatible collars can be stacked to increase the lateral height step by step.

Typical applications

• storage and transport of cartons, containers and components
• order picking and material staging
• extending pallets for higher load units
• internal material flow and production supply
• shipping, retail and distribution
• reusable systems and recurring circulation processes
• applications in industry, food, beverages, retail and logistics

Plastic pallet collars as an alternative to wooden collars

In many warehouses and logistics operations, pallet extension frames are commonly referred to as pallet collars. Traditional versions are often made of wood and are therefore also known as wooden pallet collars or wooden pallet frames. Plastic pallet collars perform a comparable basic function: they are placed on a suitable pallet, provide lateral containment for the load unit and create additional usable height.

A plastic pallet collar offers material-related characteristics such as a splinter-free surface, low sensitivity to moisture and easy cleaning. A wooden collar may offer other structural or economic advantages depending on the application. The most suitable version depends, among other factors, on the goods, circulation frequency, cleaning requirements, storage conditions, load and the relevant logistics process.

Hygienic, lightweight and space-saving in daily use

An important advantage of plastic pallet collars is their smooth and easy-care surface. Unlike wood, they do not produce wooden splinters. The plastic surface is relatively insensitive to moisture and can be cleaned using suitable methods. Plastic collars can therefore be of interest for applications involving recurring cleaning procedures or clean material staging.

For applications subject to regulated hygiene requirements, direct contact with unpackaged food, cleanroom use, pharmaceutical processes or GMP environments, the specific suitability of the material and product must nevertheless be verified separately.

Many versions can be folded when empty. As a result, they require significantly less space than rigid pallet boxes. The 6-hinge version offers the additional advantage of an M-fold, allowing the empty collar to be placed on the pallet with dimensions close to the pallet footprint and to be integrated particularly neatly into return flows.

Particularly suitable for

• food and beverage industry with packaged goods
• automotive industry and suppliers
• mechanical engineering and metalworking
• storage, shipping and distribution
• e-commerce and fulfillment
• reusable logistics and internal transport

Selecting the right pallet format for the process

For standard Euro load units, 1200x800 mm plastic pallets are particularly suitable. The Euro format can be integrated into many existing storage, conveyor and transport processes.

For smaller load units, 800x600 mm plastic pallet collars are also available for half pallets or Düsseldorf pallets. For round, compact or approximately square load units, 800x800 mm plastic pallets can also be an interesting alternative to the classic Euro format.

The technically and economically most suitable pallet and pallet collar format should be selected according to the goods, dimensions, weight, center of gravity, existing conveyor equipment, warehouse layout, transport route and return process.

Structuring the interior with dividers and layer pads

A pallet collar can be supplemented with additional components to create a load unit adapted to the application. plastic grid inserts and dividers can divide the interior into defined areas and create fixed positions for components, containers or different product variants.

For smaller or finer compartment structures, MINI lock-it© dividers are available. For larger and more robust subdivisions, MAXI lock-it© dividers can be considered.

plastic pallet layer pads, separator sheets and separating layers can additionally be used to separate several product levels, as inserts or to protect sensitive surfaces.

Stacking corners, support cradles and pallet chocks complement the system

With plastic stacking corners, another pallet can, in suitable systems, be positioned directly on top of a pallet collar without necessarily requiring a full-surface lid solely for the stacking function. The actual load-bearing capacity and stability of the complete load unit must always be checked.

For shafts, pipes, rolls and other round materials, support cradles can provide defined support points. For drums, reels, rolls, coils or other goods that may roll, plastic pallet chocks can also form part of a load-securing or positioning concept.

Modular, stackable and robust

Depending on their design, plastic pallet collars can be stacked modularly and combined with suitable pallets, layer pads, dividers, stacking corners or other accessories. This allows the load unit to be adapted to different product heights, item structures and logistics requirements.

Depending on the model, pallet collars are designed for different top loads. Individual versions in the range, for example, have a top load of up to 600 kg. However, this value describes only the intended load-bearing capacity of the respective pallet collar under suitable conditions. For the complete load unit, the pallet, load distribution, center of gravity, stacking height, conveyor equipment and load securing must also be taken into account.

Your advantages at a glance

• adjustable load height with compatible collars
• modular combination with pallets and accessories
• 4-hinge versions fold diagonally
• 6-hinge versions feature a compact M-fold with folded dimensions close to the pallet footprint
• space-saving storage and empty return
• robust and reusable construction
• suitable for different goods and logistics processes

Always consider load securing as a complete system

A pallet collar provides lateral containment for the load unit but does not automatically constitute complete or legally sufficient load securing. The pallet, goods, weight, center of gravity, friction, load distribution, vehicle, transport route and additional securing equipment must be considered together.

The measures required for a specific application must be checked against the applicable regulations, standards and technical requirements. Legal and technical requirements may vary depending on the country and mode of transport.

Request plastic pallet collars now

Are you looking for plastic pallet collars or pallet frames as a hygienic, robust and reusable solution for storage, transport, order picking and reusable logistics? We offer different formats and versions for a variety of pallet systems and logistics processes.

We can also assist you in choosing between a diagonally folding 4-hinge version and a 6-hinge version with compact M-folding. The decisive factors are not only weight and load, but also the required empty dimensions, how the folded collars are to be placed on the pallet, the return transport process and the overall logistics workflow.

You can find further solutions in the areas of plastic pallets, plastic grid inserts and dividers, pallet layer pads, stacking corners, support cradles and pallet chocks for load securing.