Author: Le Van Thang, Director of ICD Vietnam – 15 years advising factories on pallet selection.
ICD Vietnam supplies 14 lines of injection-moulded plastic pallets in virgin HDPE, recycled HDPE and PP – sizes from 600×600 mm to 1200×1000 mm, dynamic load 500-2,500 kg and static load up to 6,000 kg (steel-core line). Stocked in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, delivered nationwide in 24-48h, with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15, so they ship to the EU, US and Japan with no heat treatment and no phytosanitary paperwork.
Choose plastic pallets when:
- High turnover, long service life: 50-100 trip cycles and a 7-20 year lifespan – lower cost of ownership than wood from year 2-3 onward.
- Cold storage, humid stores, food and pharma: waterproof, stable down to -40C, pressure-washable, HACCP/GMP compatible.
- Export to EU / US / Japan: ISPM-15 exempt (no fumigation), saving 1-5 USD per pallet in treatment cost and avoiding goods held at port.
Looking up industry terminology? Browse the Industry Library A-Z for packaging, warehousing and material handling terms.
1. The 14 plastic pallet lines at ICD
The 14 sub-categories below are grouped by foot structure and application. Click a line to see models, sizes and prices.
Quick decision framework by line:
- Industrial racking and reach-truck operations – warehouse storage pallets, virgin HDPE, dynamic load 1,500 kg.
- Cold rooms, seafood and produce needing drainage – open deck pallets, pressure-washable HDPE.
- Food, pharma and powder goods needing a flat closed top – closed deck pallets, HACCP/GMP grade.
- Hand pallet trucks and 2-bar beam racking – three-runner pallets, easy fork entry.
- Two-way logistics with empty return legs – nestable pallets, stack 20-30 high to save 70% of floor space.
- One-way export to EU/US/Japan – export pallets, ISO/EUR/GMA sizes, ISPM-15 exempt.
- Old concrete floors and damp areas – floor lining pallets, interlocking 600×600 mm modules.
- Heavy racking, AS-RS and AGV systems – steel-core pallets, static load up to 6,000 kg, tolerance +/-1 mm.
- Chemical, paint and oil plants needing leak capture – spill containment pallets, 60-250 litre sumps.
- Internal use, tight budget, no food-grade need – used pallets, 40-60% cheaper than new.
2. Specification comparison of the main lines
The table below summarises the key specs of ICD plastic pallet lines by common size, dynamic load, static load, racking load and best-fit application. Data from the 2026 product catalogue.
| Line | Common size (mm) | Dynamic | Static | Racking | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse storage | 1200x1000x145 | 1,500 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Virgin HDPE | Industrial racking, reach trucks |
| Open deck | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 1,000-1,500 kg | 3,000 kg | 800 kg | Virgin HDPE | Produce, seafood, damp stores |
| Closed deck | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 1,500 kg | 4,000 kg | 1,000 kg | Virgin HDPE | Food, pharma, powder goods |
| Three-runner | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 / 1200×800 | 1,000 kg | 3,000 kg | 800 kg | HDPE | Hand pallet trucks, beam rack |
| Nestable | 1100x1100x140 / 1200×1000 | 1,000 kg | 3,000 kg | 700 kg | HDPE | Two-way logistics, stacking |
| Export | ISO 1100×1100 / EUR 1200×800 / GMA 1219×1016 | 1,000 kg | 2,500 kg | 500 kg | Recycled HDPE | EU, US, Japan – one-way |
| Steel-core | 1200×1000 / 1200×800 | 2,000 kg | 6,000 kg | 2,000 kg | PP + steel | Heavy racking, AS-RS |
| Spill containment | 1300×1300 (1 drum) / 1650×1300 (2 drum) | 500 kg | 1,500 kg | N/A | Virgin HDPE | Chemicals, oil, paint |
| Used pallets | 1100×1100 / 1200×1000 | 800-1,200 kg | 2,000-3,000 kg | 500 kg | HDPE/PP | Internal use, tight budget |
Loads measured at room temperature 20-25C. Racking load applies to standard beam racks with two support bars.
3. Plastic pallet price list 2026
Plastic pallet pricing depends on three factors: material (virgin HDPE is 20-35% dearer than recycled), size (1200×1000 mm runs about 15-20% higher than 1100×1100 mm) and volume (orders from 20 units get an extra 10-15% discount). Prices below are per unit, ex-VAT, Vietnam domestic, 2026.
3.1. Warehouse storage and closed deck
| Model | Size (mm) | Static load | Unit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse virgin HDPE 1100 | 1100x1100x145 | 4,000 kg | 380,000d |
| Warehouse virgin HDPE 1200 | 1200x1000x145 | 4,000 kg | 450,000d |
| Closed deck virgin HDPE 1100 | 1100x1100x150 | 4,000 kg | 420,000d |
| Closed deck virgin HDPE 1200 | 1200x1000x150 | 4,000 kg | 490,000d |
3.2. Export and nestable
| Model | Size (mm) | Standard | Unit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export ISO | 1100x1100x120 | ISO 6780 | 220,000d |
| Export EUR | 1200x800x120 | EUR 1 | 195,000d |
| Export GMA | 1219x1016x120 | GMA (US) | 230,000d |
| Nestable 1100 | 1100x1100x140 | – | 280,000d |
3.3. Steel-core heavy duty
| Model | Size (mm) | Static load | Unit price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel-core PP 1200×800 | 1200x800x150 | 5,000 kg | 1,800,000d |
| Steel-core PP 1200×1000 | 1200x1000x150 | 6,000 kg | 2,800,000d |
Indicative 2026 prices, ex-VAT. Orders from 20 units: extra 10-15% discount. Contact us for an exact quote by volume.
4. Plastic vs wood and pressed-wood pallets – real 5-year cost
Many buyers pick wooden pallets or pressed-wood pallets for the lower upfront price. But once you total the cost of ownership (TCO) over 5 years – replacement, repair, cleaning and fumigation – virgin HDPE plastic pallets usually come out cheaper from year 2-3.
| Criterion | Softwood pallet | Pressed-wood pallet | Plastic virgin HDPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront price | 85,000-120,000d | 70,000-100,000d | 380,000-490,000d |
| Average lifespan | 1-2 years (3-5 trips) | 6-18 months (1-3 trips) | 7-10 years (50-100 trips) |
| Re-purchases over 5 years | 3-4 times | 4-6 times | 0 times |
| ISPM-15 treatment | 1-5 USD/unit/batch | 1-5 USD/unit/batch | Exempt (0) |
| Cleaning / washing | Hard to wash, absorbs water | Cannot be washed | Pressure-wash, sanitise |
| Cold storage | Limited, moulds | Not suitable | Good, down to -40C |
| Est. 5-year total / 100 units | 34-50 million d | 35-60 million d | 38-49 million d |
TCO based on 100 pallets at 1100×1100 mm, 10 trips/year, 800 kg average load, including fumigation twice a year for the export scenario.
The break-even point against softwood pallets falls around year 2-3. For frequently fumigated export freight it shortens to 12-18 months.
5. Plastic pallet applications by industry
Each industry has its own material, load and hygiene needs. Use the guide below to identify the right line before requesting a quote. Pair pallets with plastic crates for picking and packaging supplies such as stretch film for unit-load stability.
| Industry | Suitable line | Material | Specific need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food / beverage | Closed deck, open deck | Virgin HDPE | HACCP, GMP, sanitising |
| Pharma / medical | Closed deck, warehouse | Virgin HDPE (FDA-grade) | GMP, microbiologically clean |
| Electronics / FDI | Warehouse, cross-pattern, steel-core | Virgin HDPE or PP | Tolerance +/-1-2 mm for AGV/robot |
| Produce / seafood | Open deck, warehouse | Virgin HDPE | Fast drainage, -40C rating |
| Logistics / distribution | Nestable, three-runner, warehouse | Virgin or recycled HDPE | Stackable, 2/4-way entry |
| Chemicals / paint / oil | Spill containment, warehouse | Virgin HDPE | Leak capture, chemical resistance |
| Container export | Export ISO/EUR/GMA | Recycled HDPE (light) | ISPM-15 exempt, standard sizes |
6. Material comparison: virgin HDPE, recycled HDPE and PP
Virgin HDPE, recycled HDPE and PP (polypropylene) differ significantly in mechanical properties. Choosing the wrong material is the most common reason pallets crack or warp early, especially in cold storage and on racking.
| Criterion | Virgin HDPE | Recycled HDPE | PP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | High, consistent | Medium, variable | High, stiffer |
| Cold resistance | Good, down to -40C | Brittle below -5C | Cracks below -10C |
| Heat resistance | Up to 80C | Up to 70C | Up to 100C |
| Relative price | 100% (reference) | 65-80% | 90-110% |
| Cold storage fit | Best | Not suitable | Limited (above -10C) |
| Food-grade / HACCP | Yes (FDA-grade) | Not guaranteed | Yes (if virgin) |
Material choice in short:
- Virgin HDPE: choose for food-grade, cold storage, heavy loads or maximum lifespan. The safest pick for most applications.
- Recycled HDPE: only for internal stores with no food-grade need, room temperature and low turnover. Saves 20-35% upfront.
- PP: choose for high stiffness, better heat resistance and steel-core heavy duty. Avoid in freezers below -10C.
7. ICD Checklist – 5 questions before you buy
Answer these five questions before ordering to avoid buying the wrong line, wasting money or creating a safety risk.
1. What is the real load – dynamic or static?
Dynamic load is the weight while a forklift is moving the loaded pallet – this is the deciding figure. Static load is the weight at rest on a rack, always 2-3 times higher. A common mistake is to read a 4,000 kg static rating and assume a 3-tonne forklift is fine, when the dynamic load is only 1,500 kg. Confirm both figures before signing.
2. Storage environment: temperature, humidity, chemical contact?
Freezers below -5C require virgin HDPE – never recycled HDPE or PP. Chemical stores need the specific chemical confirmed to choose the right resistant grade. Outdoor storage needs UV-stabilised HDPE, not plain PP, which goes brittle and fades within 6-12 months.
3. Which forklift, and how many entry directions?
4-way electric reach trucks need cross-pattern or 4-way warehouse pallets. Hand pallet trucks need three-runner or nestable pallets for easy fork entry. AGV/robot systems need steel-core pallets with +/-1-2 mm tolerance. Confirm the fork spread (usually 150-175 mm) fits the pallet entries.
4. Are you exporting, and to which markets?
Export to the EU, US, Australia and Japan requires ISPM-15 certification for wood packaging (heat treatment or methyl bromide). Plastic pallets are fully exempt under the IPPC – no fumigation, no certificate. For frequent shipments, the saved treatment cost can offset the price gap within 12-24 months.
5. Upfront budget or 5-year lifecycle cost?
If the one-off budget is capped below 200,000d/unit, consider grade-A used plastic pallets or recycled HDPE. If you cost the whole lifecycle, virgin HDPE typically has a lower TCO from year 2-3 versus wood and pressed-wood, especially once ISPM-15 and breakage replacement are included.
8. Common mistakes when buying plastic pallets
After 15 years advising hundreds of industrial-park factories, these five mistakes repeat most often.
Mistake 1: Using PP or recycled HDPE in a freezer. Both turn brittle below -5C. Seafood plants that use cheap PP pallets at -18C often see feet crack within 2-3 months. Use only virgin HDPE rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Mistake 2: Reading static load instead of dynamic load. A 4,000 kg static rating does not mean the pallet handles a 3-tonne moving forklift load. On uneven floors the force can be 1.5-2 times the rated dynamic load. Keep at least a 20% safety margin.
Mistake 3: Buying recycled pallets for food or pharma. Recycled HDPE comes from mixed collected packaging and may contain contaminants. HACCP and GMP audits reject recycled pallets in production and packing areas. Use only virgin FDA-grade HDPE there.
Mistake 4: Glossy epoxy floors with glossy pallets. Smooth pallets on high-gloss chemical-resistant epoxy create very low friction, and pallets can slide when forklifts turn sharply. Specify an anti-slip surface or raised ribs for epoxy floors.
Mistake 5: Ignoring dimensional tolerance for AGV or AS-RS. Automated systems need +/-1-2 mm tolerance, but standard plastic pallets run +/-3-5 mm from moulding shrinkage. For automation use steel-core or dedicated AGV lines with a tolerance certificate.
9. Related plastic pallet articles
| What Is Pallet Pooling? | Where to Buy Export Plastic Pallets | Imported Malaysian Plastic Pallets |
| Used Plastic Pallet Buyback | Floor Lining Plastic Pallets | Pallet Rental Service Vietnam |
10. Frequently asked questions about plastic pallets
1. How long does a virgin HDPE plastic pallet last?
Virgin HDPE lasts 8-10 years in normal use (correct load, room temperature). PP lasts 5-7 years, recycled HDPE 3-5 years. This is why virgin HDPE usually has a lower TCO than wood from year 2-3 despite the higher upfront price.
2. What is the maximum load of a plastic pallet?
It depends on the line: standard pallets carry 800-1,500 kg dynamic and 2,000-4,000 kg static. Steel-core pallets carry up to 2,000 kg dynamic and 6,000 kg static. Always check the dynamic load, the figure that applies while the forklift is moving.
3. How do HDPE and PP differ for warehousing?
HDPE is tougher and more cold-resistant (down to -40C for virgin), ideal for cold storage and food. PP is stiffer with higher heat resistance (up to 100C) but brittle in sub-zero temperatures. For most warehousing, virgin HDPE is the safer choice.
4. Do plastic pallets need ISPM-15 for export?
No. ISPM-15 applies to wood packaging material only. Plastic pallets are fully exempt – no fumigation, no IPPC certificate. This is a major reason high-frequency exporters switch to plastic.
5. What is the 2026 price of plastic pallets?
Prices range from 95,000d (grade-B used PP 1100×1100) to 2,800,000d (steel-core PP 1200×1000, 6,000 kg static). Virgin HDPE 1100×1100 is typically 380,000-420,000d, and 1200×1000 about 450,000-490,000d. Orders from 20 units get a further 10-15% off.
6. Can plastic pallets be used in freezers (-18C)?
Yes, but only virgin HDPE, which stays tough down to -40C. Recycled HDPE and PP turn brittle below -5C to -10C. For freezer use, ask the supplier to confirm in writing that the product is virgin HDPE tested for sub-zero loads.
7. How many plastic pallets can be stacked?
Nestable pallets stack 20-30 high (saving 70% of floor space when empty). Warehouse and closed-deck pallets typically stack 5-8 high. Never stack loaded pallets beyond their static rating – the load accumulates on the bottom unit.
8. Which size fits a 40-foot container best?
A standard 40-foot container (2,352 mm internal width) fits 1100×1100 mm pallets two across (2,200 mm, leaving 152 mm clearance). 1200×1000 mm loaded lengthwise also fits. EUR (1200×800) export pallets allow more flexible stacking and often save space in reefer containers.
9. Are plastic pallets food-grade and HACCP-compliant?
Virgin HDPE meets FDA (US) standards and is accepted under HACCP and GMP systems. Recycled HDPE is not guaranteed because of mixed raw material. For food or pharma plants, ask for a Certificate of Conformance or material origin declaration.
10. How fast does ICD deliver?
In-stock items in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City ship in 24-48 hours. Large orders (over 500 units) or special lines (steel-core, large spill containment) take 5-7 working days. Nationwide delivery via logistics partners, with VAT invoice on delivery.
11. Contact and plastic pallet quotes from ICD
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd
Northern Vietnam: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Thon Bau, Thien Loc, Hanoi – 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Southern Vietnam: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City – 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
Zalo: Chat on Zalo
VAT invoice – In stock – Nationwide delivery 24-48h – 2-year manufacturer warranty
