When choosing a pallet, one of the first questions is usually:
Q – How many kilograms can it carry?
– It is an important question. But total load weight alone is not enough to determine whether a Paper Pallet is suitable for an application. Two products can have the same total weight but create very different pressure on the pallet.
– The difference often comes from how the weight is distributed. This is why Paper Pallet selection should consider the complete load, not only the number of kilograms.
1 – Total Weight Is Only One Part of the Load
– A pallet supports more than the product itself.
– The complete unit load may include:
– Product weight
– Cartons
– Internal packaging
– Wrapping material
– Strapping
– Protective components
– All of this contributes to the final load supported by the pallet. However, even after the total weight is known, another important question remains:
Q – Where is that weight actually being transferred onto the pallet?
A – Eltete identifies load distribution as one of the factors that should be considered when selecting a Paper Pallet.
Q – What Is Load Distribution?
A – Load distribution describes how the weight of a product is spread across the pallet surface. Some products distribute their weight across a large area. Others place most of their weight onto only a few small points.
– This creates very different requirements for the pallet structure. For example:
– Load A
– A group of cartons covers most of the pallet surface. The weight is spread across a wider area.
– Load B
– A machine rests on four small feet. Most of the product weight is transferred through only four points. Even if both loads have the same total weight, Load B may create much higher pressure in specific areas.
– This is why Paper Pallet selection should consider both:
– Total weight + Weight distribution
2 – Why Concentrated Loads Matter
– A concentrated load places pressure onto a limited section of the pallet.
– Eltete identifies examples such as:
– Product feet
– Machine bases
– Metal components
– Heavy cartons
– Narrow contact points
– Uneven load areas
– These areas may require additional support. The pallet design may need stronger or repositioned structural components under the areas carrying the most weight. A pallet should therefore be designed around the real contact points of the product.
3 – Support Points Should Be Identified
– Before developing a transport packaging solution, it is useful to identify where the product can safely rest. These are the main support points.
– For a simple carton load, the contact area may cover most of the pallet deck. For industrial equipment, the support points may only be located beneath:
– Machine feet
– Metal frames
– Base plates
– Specific structural sections
– Eltete recommends providing information about product support points when the load is concentrated or irregular. This helps the packaging structure support the product in the correct locations.
4 – Two Products with the Same Weight May Need Different Pallets
– Consider two products that both weigh 800 kg. The first product is made up of cartons arranged across almost the entire pallet. The second product is a piece of equipment supported by several narrow feet. The total weight is the same. But the pallet requirements may be very different.
– The equipment may require:
– Additional runners
– Different runner positions
– Stronger deck material
– Reinforced support areas
– Honeycomb Board weight spreaders
– A different pallet configuration
– This is why a pallet capacity should not be selected based only on a single kilogram figure. The application matters.
5 – Static Load and Dynamic Load Are Different
– Another factor is how the pallet will be used. A load placed on the floor is not always the same as a load being moved by a forklift.
– Eltete recommends considering different loading conditions, including:
– Static load
– Dynamic load
– Racking requirements
6 – Static Load
– Static load refers to the load supported while the pallet remains stationary. For example, a loaded pallet stored on a warehouse floor.
7 – Dynamic Load
– Dynamic load refers to the conditions experienced when the pallet is being handled or moved. For example, during forklift movement.
– The pallet must be selected based on the actual handling requirement. A pallet specification should therefore not be judged only by the maximum weight shown in isolation.
8 – Racking Requirements Also Matter
– Warehouse racking creates another type of load condition. A pallet placed on the floor receives support from below. A pallet placed on a rack may only be supported at certain points.
– This changes how the load is transferred through the pallet structure. Eltete recommends confirming whether the pallet will be:
– Stored on the floor
– Stacked
– Placed on warehouse racks
– Stored for long periods
– Racking requirements should be discussed before the Paper Pallet is selected.
9 – Forklift Entry Can Affect the Pallet Design
– Forklift handling is another important factor. Eltete Paper Pallets can be developed with different handling configurations depending on the application.
– Possible requirements can include:
– Two-way entry
– Four-way entry
– Custom entry positions
– Reinforced fork openings
– The pallet design should match the required forklift entry direction. This is especially important when additional support is required beneath concentrated loads. Runner position and forklift clearance should be considered together.
10 – Runner Position Is Important
– Paper Pallets may use PallRun® pallet feet as part of the structure. The position of the runners can be developed according to the application.
– For a load with specific support points, the runner position may need to align with the areas transferring the greatest pressure. For example, an industrial product supported by several feet may require the pallet structure to provide support directly beneath those areas. This is one reason custom Paper Pallets can be useful for products that do not match standard pallet configurations.
11 – Honeycomb Board Can Help Spread Weight
– Eltete Honeycomb Board can also be used as part of a customised packaging solution. One of the functions identified by Eltete is weight spreading.
– Honeycomb Board can be used as:
– A pallet deck
– A weight spreader
– A product support
– An internal structural component
– Depending on the design, it can help distribute pressure across a wider section of the packaging structure. This can be useful when the product has concentrated support points. The exact specification should be developed according to the application.
11 – Product Dimensions Still Matter
– Weight distribution should not be considered separately from product dimensions.
– The supplier should understand:
– Product length
– Product width
– Product height
– Total packed weight
– Final pallet footprint
– Load height
– The product should also fit the selected load platform correctly. Eltete recommends designing packaging around the actual dimensions and load arrangement rather than relying only on standard sizes.
12 – Explain How the Product Sits on the Pallet
– When requesting a Paper Pallet, it helps to provide more than the total weight. Explain how the product will actually sit on the pallet.
– Useful information includes:
– Number of cartons
– Carton arrangement
– Product footprint
– Contact areas
– Product feet
– Machine base position
– Heavy sections
– Centre of gravity where relevant
– Areas that must not receive pressure
– Photographs or drawings can make this easier to understand.
For more complex products, a dimensional drawing may help identify support points and concentrated load areas.
13 – Why Standard Pallet Selection May Not Always Be Enough
– Standard pallet dimensions are useful for many applications. However, the product may not always distribute weight in a way that matches the standard pallet structure.
– A customised Paper Pallet may allow the design to be adjusted according to:
– Product dimensions
– Load distribution
– Runner position
– Forklift entry
– Reinforced support points
– Load contact areas
– Required pallet height
– This allows the pallet to be developed around the actual transport requirement.
14 – Do Not Assume “Heavy Duty” Is Enough
– Terms such as heavy duty can be too general. A heavy product may create several different requirements depending on how the weight is distributed.
– A pallet carrying a broad, evenly distributed carton load may perform differently from a pallet carrying machinery with several narrow support points.
– Before selecting a pallet, manufacturers should ask:
– What is the total packed weight?
– How is the weight distributed?
– Where are the support points?
– Is the load concentrated?
– How will the pallet be handled?
– Will it be placed on racks?
– What forklift entry is required?
– How long will it be stored?
– These questions provide more useful information than total weight alone.
15 – What Information Should You Provide to a Paper Pallet Supplier?
– To help develop the correct Paper Pallet, provide:
1 – Product Information
– Product type
– Product dimensions
– Product weight
– Packed dimensions
– Total packed weight
2 – Load Information
– Number of products per pallet
– Load arrangement
– Weight distribution
– Support points
– Centre of gravity where relevant
– Concentrated load areas
3 – Handling Information
– Forklift type
– Forklift entry direction
– Pallet truck requirements
– Conveyor requirements where applicable
4 – Storage Information
– Floor storage
– Stacking
– Racking
– Storage duration
5 – Transport Information
– Road freight
– Sea freight
– Air freight
– Export destination
– The more complete the information, the easier it is to develop a pallet around the real application.
15 – The Right Question Is Not Only “How Many Kilograms?”
– When selecting a Paper Pallet, asking about load capacity is important. But it should not be the only question.
– A better assessment includes:
– How much does the load weigh?
– Where is the weight located?
– Where does the product contact the pallet?
– How will the pallet be handled?
– How will it be stored?
– Will it be placed on warehouse racks?
– These factors help determine the correct pallet structure.
16 – Final Thoughts
– Paper Pallet performance depends on the complete application. Total load weight is important, but weight distribution, support points, handling and storage conditions can also influence the required design.
– A product supported across a wide surface may create a very different load from a product resting on several small points. This is why Eltete develops transport packaging according to the individual application and its strength requirements. When evaluating a Paper Pallet, manufacturers should provide accurate product information rather than relying only on a single kilogram figure.
For more information about Eltete Paper Pallets and paper-based transport packaging solutions, visit www.eltete.com.my
