Every business in the material handling niche is always looking to improve efficiency, enhance productivity, and optimize processes for increased profitability. Corrugated plastic containers do more than move parts, components, and raw materials around your manufacturing facility or warehouse. Corrugated plastic totes and their molded equivalents allow several components to be supplied most efficiently and cost-effectively, either manual or via an automated system such as conveyors, to reduce labor costs and maximize productivity.
This blog looks at the benefits that corrugated plastics offer in material handling applications.
What Is Corrugated Plastic, and How Is It Used?
Corrugated plastic or corriboard refers to plastic cardboard with three layers of high-impact polypropylene resin with a similar make-up. They come as a versatile, flexible, and impact-resistant polypropylene board ideal for making packaging containers and other applications. Corrugated plastics are more eco-friendly than some typical molded packaging that cannot be recycled. They are also easy to work with and can be stapled, stitched, and cut to the desired shape. Apart from packaging applications, corrugated plastics can also be used in several diverse applications, including:
- Signage
- Pet enclosures
- Hobby applications
- Medical
Advantages of using corrugated plastic sheets
Lightweight: It is exceptionally lightweight, making it easy to transport, store, lift, assemble and set up with no complications or complex equipment. Totes and other containers made with corrugated plastics are incredibly lightweight to reduce your handling costs.
Affordable: When compared with other plastics, it is cheaper to produce and purchase. As such, should your corrugated plastic container get damaged, replacing it won’t cost you much. Additionally, you also can order more pieces with a relatively modest budget.
Allows for modifications: The standard corrugated plastic can be modified with additives added into the sheet to ensure they meet the specific needs of your application and uses. These include flame-retardant additions, custom colors, corrosive inhibitors, and more.
Color and size option: Unlike other common plastic types, corrugated plastic sheets PP are available in various colors and thicknesses to fit your specific applications.
Non-toxic: Corrugated plastics are made from polypropylene which is completely non-toxic to humans and animals. Unlike other plastics with harmful BPA, corrugated plastics withstand extraordinarily high or low temperatures without releasing toxic chemicals that could harm people and the environment.
Weatherproof: Shipping processes require packaging materials that protect products from harsh conditions. Plastic corrugated boxes have sheets with a neutral PH factor that makes them resistant to several corrosive materials. At room temperature, liquids such as water, oil, and other solvents can affect corrugated plastics. Their safety-assuredness and high durability make this material ideal for shipping high-value items such as electronics.
Low maintenance: Corrugated plastics hardly require any retreatment and can be cleaned with a light hose to keep them spotless. They also don’t crack, or leak and their assembling processes are also straightforward and affordable.
Is Corrugated Plastic Sustainable?
Corrugated plastics are recyclable. Once you are finished using the material, it can be melted down and reformed into new sheets or other products. Some manufacturers can buy back used materials, which they will then recycle into new products.
How Durable Are the Products Made from this Plastic?
Corrugated plastics are designed to be durable and withstand environmental elements. The exact duration for specific applications depends on the type of usages and the environmental conditions where the material is being used. On average, corrugated plastic lasts between five to twelve years. However, it can last anywhere from 5 to over 20 years when used indoors under favorable conditions.
Discuss Your Project or Request a Quote
Flexcon specializes in retail and wholesale distribution of corrugated plastic containers designed for various material handling applications. The reusable corrugated plastic trays, containers, inserts, and totes from Flexcon are the most adaptable on the market. Flexcon’s Versatote line has a range of sizes, colors, dozens of styles, and we also make this product in custom sizes with a minimal upcharge. Custom sizes, accessories, features, colors, and sheets are available upon request. Our experts are here to answer your questions, design a custom bin for your business, or work with you on a quote. Contact us or give us a call to get started.