Tertiary packaging, usually unseen by consumers, is commonly removed by retailers before products are displayed for sale. An example of tertiary packaging is a pallet wrapped in stretch film, containing cardboard boxes (secondary packaging) to streamline efficient product shipment.
Pallets, also known as skids in certain regions, are the global standard for tertiary packaging. Engineered for easy mobility by forklifts, pallets play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of final products during transit, influencing overall manufacturing efficiency.
Pallets are essential for stacking, storing, protecting, and transporting materials, often managed by equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyors. They are loaded with products in secondary packaging at the production site, secured with shrink wrap, and then placed onto transport vessels such as semi-trailers or shipping containers.
In the United States, the standard pallet size is 48×40 inches, with each deck board typically measuring 3 inches wide and 5/16 inches thick. Other common standard pallet dimensions include the 42×42 pallet and the 48×48 pallet.
Pallets are crafted from various materials, such as recycled wood, plywood, and plastic. Various types of pallets, including block pallets, stringer pallets, double-face pallets, and solid deck pallets, cater to a range of packaging needs.
Pallets: Tertiary Packaging Basics
