When businesses want to reduce packaging weight, optimise warehouse space or move away from conventional wooden pallets, Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets are two paper-based transport packaging options worth considering.
Although both solutions can support goods during transportation, they work differently.
A Paper Pallet provides a raised load platform similar in function to a conventional pallet, while a Slip Sheet is a thin kraftliner sheet designed for palletless handling.
Q – So, which option should you use?
A – The answer depends on your product, load requirements, material-handling equipment, warehouse operation and transport process.
This guide explains the difference between Eltete Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets and where each solution may be suitable.
Q – What Is a Paper Pallet?
A – An Eltete Paper Pallet is a paper-based load platform designed to support goods during handling, storage and transportation. Eltete can design Paper Pallets according to the specific requirements of the packaging application, including the product, handling method, destination, strength requirements, available space and cost expectations.
The strength of Eltete Paper Pallets comes from PallRun®, which combines laminated U-profiles with a kraftliner surface and paper cores.
Depending on the application, Paper Pallets can be supplied in different:
– Sizes
– Heights
– Load configurations
– Two-way or four-way designs
Eltete describes its Paper Pallets as lightweight, suitable for heavy loads, resistant to side impact and dragging, and suitable for export applications.
Q – What Is a Slip Sheet?
A – An Eltete Slip Sheet is a thin load-support sheet manufactured from multiple plies of strong kraftliner board.
Instead of placing products on a raised pallet structure, cartons, bags or other suitable products are placed directly on the Slip Sheet.
The solution is therefore commonly described as a palletless handling system.
Eltete Slip Sheets are designed to provide:
– High tear resistance
– Moisture resistance
– Low material usage
– Minimal storage-space requirements
– Recyclability
– Lightweight handling
Slip Sheets can be manufactured in different dimensions, strengths and models according to the requirements of the shipment.
Q – Paper Pallet vs Slip Sheet: What Is the Main Difference?
A – The main difference is the load-support structure and handling method.
A Paper Pallet provides a raised platform beneath the product.
A Slip Sheet removes most of that raised structure and replaces it with a thin kraftliner sheet.
This makes Slip Sheets particularly attractive when reducing packaging volume and optimising logistics space are priorities.
However, adopting Slip Sheets may require changes to the material-handling system.
Eltete states that Slip Sheets are compatible with standard forklifts fitted with Push-Pull attachments, RollerForks and suitable modern conveyor systems.
Therefore, choosing between the two solutions should not be based only on which one uses less material.
The complete logistics operation needs to be considered.
1. Load Platform
Paper Pallet
A Paper Pallet creates a structured platform beneath the products.
This makes it closer in concept to the conventional pallet format many logistics operations already recognise.
Eltete Paper Pallets can be customised according to the product dimensions, weight, handling method and destination.
1 – Slip Sheet
– A Slip Sheet is significantly thinner Instead of a raised pallet platform, the load sits on a laminated kraftliner sheet. This eliminates much of the physical volume associated with conventional pallet structures.
Key question:
Does your operation require a structured pallet platform, or can it move toward palletless handling?
2. Material-Handling Equipment
This is one of the most important differences between a Paper Pallet and a Slip Sheet.
1 – Paper Pallet
– Paper Pallets maintain the familiar pallet-style load format Depending on the pallet design and operation, they can provide a practical alternative where businesses still require a physical pallet underneath the shipment.
2 – Slip Sheet
– Slip Sheet handling works differently Eltete identifies several handling options, including:
– Push-Pull forklift attachments
– RollerForks
– Suitable conveyor systems
A Push-Pull system grips the Slip Sheet tab and pulls the complete unit load onto a handling platform.
Eltete also notes that suitable attachments can be connected to standard forklifts.
For businesses considering Slip Sheets, the handling process should therefore be evaluated before implementation.
3. Storage Space
Slip Sheets have a major structural advantage when empty packaging storage is limited.
Because they are thin sheets, many Slip Sheets can occupy significantly less storage volume than an equivalent number of raised pallets.
Eltete specifically highlights minimum storage-space requirements as one of the advantages of its Slip Sheet system.
Paper Pallets are also lightweight paper-based alternatives, but they still have a three-dimensional pallet structure.
Therefore:
If empty packaging storage space is the primary concern, Slip Sheets can provide the more compact solution.
4. Packaging Weight
Reducing unnecessary packaging weight can contribute to a more efficient logistics system.
Eltete Paper Pallets are designed as lightweight alternatives to conventional pallet solutions and can help reduce transportation weight, including in applications such as airfreight.
Slip Sheets reduce the load platform even further.
Instead of transporting a complete raised pallet structure beneath every load, only a thin laminated kraftliner sheet is required.
For applications where palletless handling is practical, this can reduce the amount of packaging material travelling with the goods.
5. Heavy Loads
Packaging should always be selected according to the actual load.
Eltete states that its Paper Pallets are suitable for heavy loads.
Their strength is supported by the PallRun® structure used in the pallet feet.
Independent laboratory testing cited by Eltete recorded up to 10,000 kg of static compression strength on a tested four-way Paper Pallet without failure.
This figure refers to the tested pallet configuration and should not be interpreted as the load capacity of every Paper Pallet design.
The required pallet should always be designed according to the actual application.
Slip Sheets can also be manufactured in different strengths, but the suitability of the entire system depends on the product, unit load and handling process.
6. Export Applications
Both Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets can support export packaging strategies.
Eltete identifies its Paper Pallets as ISPM 15-compliant and accepted internationally without the restrictions associated with traditional untreated wood packaging.
Eltete also describes Slip Sheets as particularly suitable for overseas shipments and notes that they do not require the treatment associated with wood packaging.
The appropriate option depends on how the shipment will be:
– Loaded
– Unloaded
– Stored
– Transported
– Handled at the destination
An efficient solution at the sending facility must also be practical for the receiving facility.
Q – When Should You Choose a Paper Pallet?
A – A Paper Pallet may be the more suitable option when:
– You want to retain a conventional pallet-style load format.
– Your product requires a raised load platform.
– The shipment needs a customised pallet size or height.
– The application involves heavier loads.
– Your operation is not ready to introduce palletless handling.
– The receiving location expects goods to arrive on a pallet.
– You require a lightweight paper-based alternative for export.
Eltete can recommend different Paper Pallet configurations depending on the product, handling requirements and destination.
When Should You Choose a Slip Sheet?
A Slip Sheet may be more suitable when:
– Reducing packaging volume is a priority.
– Warehouse space for empty pallets is limited.
– You want to minimise the load-support material travelling with each shipment.
– Your operation can use Push-Pull attachments or RollerForks.
– The receiving facility can handle palletless unit loads.
– You regularly transport suitable products in containers.
– You want to optimise space throughout the logistics chain.
Eltete specifically positions Slip Sheets as a solution for companies seeking savings in transportation, packaging material and storage space.
Q – Can You Use Both Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets?
A – Yes.
Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets should not necessarily be viewed as competing solutions where a company must use only one throughout its entire supply chain.
Different products and logistics routes can require different packaging systems.
For example, one product line may require the structured support of a Paper Pallet while another high-volume shipment may be suitable for palletless Slip Sheet handling.
Eltete’s Transport Packaging Solutions approach focuses on selecting packaging according to the complete application rather than applying the same packaging format to every shipment.
Q – How Do You Decide Between Them?
A – Before selecting either system, assess the complete transport process.
Consider:
– What is the product weight?
– How is the load distributed?
– How will the shipment be lifted?
– What equipment is available at your warehouse?
– What equipment is available at the destination?
– Is warehouse space limited?
– Is reducing freight weight important?
– Does the product require a raised platform?
– Can the operation adopt palletless handling?
– Is the shipment domestic or international?
The correct answer may differ between products, customers and destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – Is a Slip Sheet the same as a Paper Pallet?
A – No. A Paper Pallet is a structured load platform, while a Slip Sheet is a thin kraftliner sheet used underneath goods for palletless handling.
Q – Can Slip Sheets replace pallets?
A – Yes, in suitable operations.Eltete states that Slip Sheets can replace traditional wooden or plastic pallets where appropriate handling systems are available.
Q – Do Slip Sheets require special forklifts?
A – Not necessarily a completely different forklift.
Eltete states that Slip Sheets can be handled using standard forklifts fitted with suitable Push-Pull attachments. RollerForks and compatible conveyor systems are other handling options.
Q – Are Paper Pallets suitable for export?
A – Yes. Eltete Paper Pallets are designed for transport applications and are identified by Eltete as ISPM 15-compliant and suitable for international shipments.
Q – Which uses less warehouse space: a Paper Pallet or Slip Sheet?
A – Slip Sheets require very little empty storage space because they are thin sheets rather than raised pallet structures. Eltete highlights minimum storage-space requirements as one of the key benefits of Slip Sheets.
Q – Which is better: Paper Pallet or Slip Sheet?
A – Neither solution is automatically better for every application.
Choose a Paper Pallet when the operation still requires a structured pallet platform.
Choose a Slip Sheet when reducing packaging volume and moving toward palletless handling provide greater benefits.
The final decision should be based on the product, handling equipment, warehouse process, shipment requirements and receiving operation.
Conclusion
The difference between Paper Pallets and Slip Sheets is not simply a matter of choosing one paper-based packaging product over another.
They represent two different approaches to load handling.
Paper Pallets provide a lightweight, customisable and paper-based pallet structure suitable for applications that still require a physical load platform.
Slip Sheets take optimisation further by replacing the raised pallet structure with a thin kraftliner sheet, reducing packaging volume and requiring minimal empty storage space.
For manufacturers and exporters, the right solution depends on the complete logistics process — from packing and warehouse handling to transportation and unloading at the final destination.
Eltete Malaysia can develop Paper Pallet and Slip Sheet solutions according to the specific product, handling and transport requirements of the application.
Smarter transport packaging starts by choosing the right load platform for the entire journey.
