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The french pallet box market: A changing sector
In a world where logistics and storage play a crucial role, plastic pallet boxes have become an essential and sustainable solution for many industries, whether industrial or agricultural. Today, the market is divided between French-origin HDPE pallet boxes and those manufactured in Europe. Depending on their origin, these boxes have specific technical characteristics as well as different levels of quality and finish.
A Specialist Market in Full Evolution
The pallet box market is experiencing continuous growth, driven by the modernization of logistics infrastructures and the search for more sustainable solutions. According to estimates, the industrial plastic packaging sector in Europe is expected to exceed 8 billion euros by 2027, with an average annual growth of 3.5%. This trend is explained by the need to optimize supply chains and the rise of the circular economy, which encourages the use of reusable and recyclable solutions.
At the same time, municipalities and businesses are strengthening their commitments to waste management, whether industrial or household waste. In 2022, waste management expenses in France, including collection, sorting, and treatment, reached 21.6 billion euros. Companies covered 39% of these expenses (8.5 billion euros), followed by households (33%, or 7.1 billion euros) and public administrations (28%, or 6 billion euros). Since 2000, these expenses have been largely financed by the increase in the household waste collection tax and fee (TEOM/REOM), which have almost tripled in 22 years (+4.7% per year on average).
In this context, the plastic pallet box industry plays a key role by providing solutions that meet the demands of various sectors. Models made of certified food-grade virgin HDPE are particularly appreciated for their durability and recyclability, unlike other alternatives containing materials such as steel or PVC, which complicate recycling.
The pallet box market is divided into two main families with different finishes:
Solid-wall pallet boxes
These monobloc models have smooth, non-porous walls that allow for quick elimination of liquids and dirt.
Easily cleanable, they can be reused quickly. They provide better protection against humidity, dust, and temperature variations.
They are preferred for storing industrial products, recycling, and applications requiring enhanced protection.
Ventilated pallet boxes
Popular in the agri-food, arboriculture, and market gardening sectors, they allow for the transport and storage of large quantities of food products (apples, pears, melons, carrots, etc.).
Thanks to their perforated walls, they offer better ventilation and liquid drainage, which are essential for preserving fresh produce.
Pallet boxes are standardized, making them easy to stack and transport by logistics professionals. With a high load capacity, they are an essential component of modern supply chains. Additionally, they can be customized with color and/or markings (laser engraving, in-mold inserts, etc.) for quick identification.
High-Tech french manufacturing
The production of pallet boxes relies on an injection molding process. Plastic granules are heated to 200°C before being injected into specific molds. Once cooled, the boxes undergo finishing touches, such as the addition of skids or feet, a step manually carried out by our partner.
Industrial facilities
Today, the manufacture of HDPE pallet-boxes relies on a fleet of high-capacity injection presses at several sites in Europe:
- France : 2 presses (4,500 and 5,000 tons).
- Italie : 3 presses.
- Autriche : 2 presses.
Each year, this setup allows for the production of 85,000 to 100,000 pallet boxes in France, 120,000 in Italy and 100,000 in Austria. This ensures high responsiveness to customer demand and fast delivery, key factors in maintaining uninterrupted business operations.
Tailored design for professional needs
The choice of box walls and footings depends on the industry and storage environment:
2 skids
Preferred in France, particularly in the food industry.
3 skids
Recommended for industrial and recycling applications, providing increased stability and safety for forklift handling.
4 feet
Popular in Italy, designed for use on sloped surfaces.
Customization options for specific needs
To address specific needs, especially in terms of security, the following options are available:
- Lid:Primarily used with solid-walled boxes to protect contents from external elements. Depending on the model, it can also provide watertightness.
- Customization: Laser marking or in-mold inserts for quick identification, ensuring boxes sent to third parties are returned.
- ADR Compliance : Suitable for transporting hazardous materials.
Versatile applications from agriculture to industry
Pallet boxes serve various industries, including:
- Orcharding: 120 x 120 cm ventilated models optimized for fruit storage.
- Vegetable and food processing: 690 L ventilated models, ideal for perishables.
- Industry and recycling: 650 L solid-walled models designed for heavy loads.
- Waste management and logistics: Reinforced models tailored to specific needs.
Comparison with Other Storage Solutions
| Solution | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Affordable | Susceptible to moisture and pests |
| Metal | Durable | Heavy, expensive |
| Cardboard | Economical | Low durability |
HDPE pallet boxes offer excellent resistance to impacts, weather conditions, and temperature variations. They are a reliable alternative to wooden pallet boxes, which deteriorate over time, and a lighter, more cost-effective option compared to metal boxes. They also outperform cardboard in durability and strength.
The smooth, non-porous surfaces of our partner’s pallet boxes prevent dirt accumulation and facilitate liquid drainage. Made from virgin HDPE, they are 100% recyclable, unlike composite solutions that combine multiple materials, making recycling more complex.
Strong environmental commitment
We follow an eco-responsible approach by offering a collection service for used boxes, ensuring 100% recycling. On average, every ton of recycled plastic saves 2.5 tons of CO₂, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the industry.
Additionally, during the production of pallet boxes, some manufacturing residues (plastic sprues, marbled boxes from color changes, packaging waste, defective parts, etc.) are generated. To minimize waste, our partner reprocesses these materials internally or works with specialized recyclers like Veolia.
Recycled polymers are then used to manufacture new eco-friendly products that retain the same durability and strength as virgin materials. Furthermore, strict traceability of raw materials ensures transparency regarding the origin of recycled content.
Why manufacture in France?
Producing in France for a French customer base offers several benefits:
- Lower carbon footprint by reducing transportation distances
- Support for local jobs and the regional economy
- Compliance with strict European quality and safety standards
- Greater responsiveness to customer feedback for continuous product improvement
In a world where logistics and storage must balance performance with sustainability, virgin HDPE pallet boxes stand out as a durable and reliable solution. Sturdy, 100% recyclable, and suitable for multiple industries, they represent a strategic investment for companies seeking efficiency and sustainability.
