The pharmaceutical industry requires strict hygiene and cleanliness standards, especially during the manufacturing process and when transporting products to stockists. At goplasticpallets.com, we provide high-grade plastic pallets and pallet boxes that meet these rigorous demands. Our hygienic plastic pallets and pallet boxes – made from virgin materials – are specifically designed for applications across the pharmaceutical supply chain, from the controlled environment of cleanrooms to production lines and product distribution. With surfaces that are easy to clean and resistant to contamination, our pallets ensure safe and efficient logistics within the pharmaceutical sector.

The Cabka hygienic range

Our Cabka hygienic pallets are designed to meet the highest hygiene regulations, making them ideal for sensitive industries like the pharmaceuticals sector. These hygienic pallets feature a completely smooth and closed surface that minimises the potential for any bacterial growth. This closed design is essential in cleanrooms and other areas demanding strict hygiene.

As the exclusive UK supplier of Cabka products, we offer a diverse range of hygienic pallets designed with versatility and cleanliness in mind. Let’s take a closer look at the key models we provide, each made from virgin HDPE, and tailored to meet the unique needs of pharmaceutical businesses:

  • Cabka Hygienic 1210 9F: This 1200mm x 1000mm pallet with nine feet is a robust choice. Dynamic load capacity of 2,500kg.
  • Cabka Hygienic 1210 5R: Also sized at 1200mm x 1000mm, this pallet features five runners. Dynamic load capacity of 2,500kg, and racking load capacity of 1,250kg.
  • Cabka Hygienic 1210 3R: The 1210 3R is a fantastic option for industries requiring a premium hygienic pallet with three runners. Dynamic load capacity of 2,500kg, and racking load capacity of 1,250kg.
  • Cabka Hygienic 1208 9F: This is a Euro-sized model (1200mm x 800mm) with nine feet, weighing 17kg. Dynamic load capacity of 1,000kg.
  • Cabka Hygienic 1208 3R: Another compact option in the 1200mm x 800mm range, this pallet has three runners, providing stability while remaining lightweight. Dynamic load capacity of 2,000kg, and racking load capacity of 1,000kg.

Our Cabka hygienic pallet range is available in a variety of colours including blue, grey, red, green, yellow, and white. This colour-coding allows for easy segregation of different types of products, supporting pharmaceutical companies in maintaining clean and organised workspaces. For example, blue pallets might be designated for raw materials, while red pallets could be used for finished goods. If you need any more information on our hygienic pallets, here’s everything you need to know.

Hygienic sleeve-packs for ultimate cleanliness and space-saving

When it comes to folding pallet boxes, our hygienic sleeve-packs are the obvious choice for logistics and supply chain managers across the pharmaceutical sector. Made from three plastic components – a hygienic pallet base, a fully sealed 5mm sleeve, and a secure lid – these sleeve-packs are easy to assemble and disassemble. The drop-down door increases efficiency when loading and unloading. They’re ideal for pharmaceutical companies transporting and storing ingredients, packaging and finished products, ensuring they remain protected from contamination throughout the supply chain.

Our top hygienic sleeve-pack options include:

  • 1208 Hygienic High 3R: With a high sleeve and three runners, this model offers both height and stability, making it suitable for bulky pharmaceutical items that require hygienic handling. Size: 1200mm x 800mm x 1195mm.
  • 1208 Hygienic Low 3R: A lower sleeve option with three runners, this is a versatile sleeve-pack that provides hygiene and efficiency for smaller pharmaceutical products. Size: 1200mm x 800mm x 940mm.
  • 1210 Hygienic High 5R: Featuring a high sleeve and five runners, this model offers enhanced stability and is ideal for larger pharmaceutical shipments where cleanliness is a priority. Size: 1200mm x 1000mm x 1200mm.
  • 1210 Hygienic Low 5R: With a low sleeve and five runners, this sleeve-pack provides a stable, space-efficient solution for hygienic storage and transport of pharmaceuticals. 1200mm x 1000mm x 940mm

When empty, these sleeve-packs can be easily disassembled and folded down to a height of just 230mm, which helps to save vital space when not in use.

High-quality recycled plastic pallets

While hygienic pallets made from virgin plastic are essential in areas of direct contact with pharmaceutical products, recycled plastic pallets can also play a role in the pharmaceutical supply chain. These pallets are commonly used in transportation stages where direct contact with ingredients, packaging, and packed finished products does not happen. Recycled pallets provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for pharmaceutical logistics, especially when products are securely packaged.

Top options for recycled plastic pallets in pharmaceutical logistics include:

  • APB 1210 Pool Closed 3R: This long-lasting pallet has a closed top deck with three runners, providing a sturdy base for transporting packaged pharmaceuticals. Made from recycled plastic, it’s both eco-friendly and efficient, with a design that offers robust support for handling and storage.
  • APB 1210 Pool Closed 5R Black: With five runners, this closed-deck pallet is ideal for heavy-duty use. Pharmaceutical companies often use this pallet for transporting bulk items across longer distances, thanks to its durability and stability.
  • SF 1210 M3R: Featuring three runners, this recycled plastic pallet combines a lightweight structure with the strength needed for medium duty applications and exports.

Nestable pallets for space efficiency

The feet of nestable pallets fit inside one another, allowing them to stack compactly when empty. This space-saving feature makes them ideal for those pharmaceutical companies managing high volumes within limited storage areas. Many logistics and supply chain managers across the pharmaceutical sector are also successfully using nestable pallets to reduce transportation costs for return journeys.

Are you ready for some maths? You can typically load a 13.6m trailer with up to 1,450 nestable plastic pallets (each 1200x1000mm stack will be 50/55 units), compared to just 400/450 wooden pallets (in stacks of 15/18). Read our definitive guide to nestable pallets here.

Nestable plastic pallets are also a popular choice for exporting goods overseas because they are crucially exempt from ISPM15 regulations. ISPM15 affects all wood packaging material for export, such as pallets, pallet collars, crates, packing cases and dunnage. It includes anything used to ship goods made from hardwood (raw wood) and softwood. Using plastic pallets for exports means one less regulatory hoop to jump through. For more information, read our informative article, “A role for plastic pallets in regulatory compliance”.

Two popular nestable pallets we recommend for pharmaceutical companies are:

  • Cabka 110 PE 9F: This 1200mm x 1000m model is ultra-lightweight (6kg) and durable. The Cabka 110 PE 9F is an excellent choice for transporting shipments to stockists, helping pharmaceutical companies to achieve long-term cost efficiencies and reduce their environmental impact.
  • Cabka 790 PE 9F: Slightly smaller, this 1200mm x 800mm pallet is also nestable and provides excellent cost savings on return journeys. Pharmaceutical companies can use this pallet to streamline operations, particularly during periods of high inventory turnover.

Helping the pharmaceutical industry to be more sustainable

Although hygienic pallets in the pharmaceutical industry are typically made from virgin plastic to meet strict industry standards, they are designed with sustainability in mind. These pallets are 100% recyclable, meaning they can be reprocessed at the end of their life cycle (typically between 10 to 15 years) to create new plastic pallets, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. Meanwhile, any pallets required across the supply chain that do not come into direct contact with products are often manufactured from recycled plastic.

Conclusion

Choosing the best pallets and pallet boxes for the pharmaceutical industry involves careful consideration of hygiene standards, durability, and logistical requirements. Whether you need hygienic pallets or sleeve-packs for cleanroom environments, recycled plastic pallets for distribution, or lightweight nestable pallets for easy handling and stress free exports, goplasticpallets.com offers a wide range of solutions to meet the demands of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Contact our expert team today to discuss the best options for your business needs. Call our team on 01323 744057 or email sales@goplasticpallets.com.