A plastic crate is a rigid, lightweight container made from injection molded thermoplastics like high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Typically rectangular or square in shape with handles on the long sides, plastic container are durable, affordable and corrosion-resistant. They are primed for repeated handling, stacking and transporting a wide range of goods.
Early Uses And Developments
Plastic container first emerged in the late 1950s as an alternative to wooden boxes. Early versions were made of polypropylene and polystyrene. Through the 1960s, improved plastics and injection molding allowed crates to become stronger, lighter and cheaper to produce than wood. Their corrosion resistance also made them well-suited for shipping produce, meat and other perishable items. By the 1970s, plastic container had largely replaced wooden boxes in many industries.
Versatility Across Industries
Today, plastic container fulfill a staggering number of applications thanks to their versatility and durability. In food production and distribution, they transport fresh and packaged goods from farms to warehouses to stores. Manufacturing relies on plastic container to move parts and products between assembly lines and facilities. The healthcare sector depends on them for transporting supplies, samples and sterilized equipment. Other major uses include shipping toys, electronics, automotive components and more.
Reusable Design Saves Costs And Resources
Unlike disposable cardboard boxes, plastic container are built for repeated reuse. Their durable construction allows thousands of uses over several years, lowering long-term costs. Manufacturers use plastic container as returnable shipping containers, eliminating waste from single-use packaging. Retailers benefit from reusable plastic display crates that stock shelves efficiently. Their reuse also helps reduce landfill waste and prevent plastic from polluting the environment after brief use from single-trip containers.
Global Plastics Production
The widespread adoption of plastic container worldwide has contributed significantly to global plastics production. A 2018 study estimated over 25 billion plastic container were in circulation globally. Their low cost and durability compared to alternative packaging materials has cemented plastic container as a mainstream solution. Asia is a manufacturing hub, with China alone producing an estimated 10 billion crates annually by some counts. Europe and North America also have sizable production capacities. The global plastic crate was valued at over $3 billion USD in 2020 and continues expanding to meet growing demand.
Impacts And Plastic Crates
While plastic container deliver many logistical and financial benefits, their extensive use also contributes to global plastic waste issues if not managed responsibly. Approximately 10-15% of plastic container are estimated to be lost to waste streams annually through breakage or lack of returns from customers. Improperly disposed crates can pollute soils and waterways if not recycled. Greenhouse gas emissions from plastic crate manufacturing are also a sustainability concern.
However, developing closed-loop recycling systems are helping address these challenges. Manufacturers have initiated plastic crate reuse programs, collecting used units for cleaning, repair and redeployment to reduce waste. Some have also incorporated recycled plastic content into new crate designs. Moving forward, further promoting recycling over disposal will be critical to leveraging plastic container sustainably.
Technology improvements continue expanding plastic crate applications. Stackable designs that interlock for compact storage are popular in densely-packed warehouses. Heavier-duty crates serve industrial needs. RFID tracking capabilities allow real-time locating of assets. Antimicrobial additives are used in food-grade versions. Multi-color customizable crates facilitate product identification and organizational schemes. As e-commerce grows, collapsible “nestable” crates optimized shipping and storage densities are gaining adoption. Overall demand looks set to rise with plastic container remaining mainstream and essential packaging infrastructure.
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile