Effectiveness of Plastic Tote Containers in the Supply Chain
Is your manufacturing business keeping up with modern innovations that can streamline and improve your processes? Plastic tote containers are one of the many improvements manufacturers have begun adding to their supply chains. These containers offer an alternative to the traditional corrugated boxes that many manufacturers used for decades.
But are plastic tote containers effective for your supply chain? Learn more about these items, including collapsible plastic totes, nesting containers, and more — and the benefits they provide over antiquated container options.
Why the Automotive Industry Needs Plastic Pallets
What Is the Role of Plastic Totes in the Supply Chain?
Having the right equipment to safely store and transport items is critical to the success of your manufacturing business. Plastic totes let you reliably carry, ship, and store solids and liquids throughout your supply chain. You can use them to:
- Ship products to distributors
- Safely transport items across the warehouse
You can also use them with barcodes to promote real-time inventory tracking.
They come in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to choose an option that has the perfect dimensions for the items you need to carry. You can also find an assortment of plastic tote styles: some with lids, some that collapse between uses, and some that can stack for easier transport.
Many plastic tote containers consist of high-density polyethylene and use a rotational molding process to ensure the uniformity of all containers produced. This construction offers exceptional durability and precision.
Types of Plastic Totes to Consider
Many types of plastic tote containers exist that can aid your supply chain. A few notable options include:
- Collapsible totes: The sides of these containers can collapse down when not in use, taking up less room and allowing for easier storage.
- Nesting containers: These containers nest into each other rather than stacking, allowing you to store several empty containers with minimal storage space.
- Flip-lid containers: These options include lids that flip up from the sides, making for easier packaging.
- Stackable totes: You can also find stackable totes that neatly stack on top of each other for storage or transport.
Consider how you currently use totes or containers within your supply chain to determine the right type of plastic tote container. You may want to purchase a variety of totes for different purposes; alternatively, you can stick with the same type to promote consistency across your manufacturing facility and ensure that every container stacks or nests easily.
Plastic Tote Containers vs. Corrugated Boxes in the Supply Chain
Many manufacturers have begun replacing their wood and cardboard equipment with plastic alternatives. Plastic containers and packaging boast many benefits, ranging from environmental friendliness to durability.
But how effective are plastic tote containers compared to corrugated boxes? Plastic totes offer these benefits that make them worth your consideration:
- Reusable: Plastic tote containers are reusable with a very low cost per use. With this in mind, plastic totes are comparable in price to corrugated boxes, as you do not need to replace them nearly as often.
- Eco-friendly: Many plastic tote containers can be manufactured with recycled plastic. They are often 100% recyclable as well. Once they reach the end of their lifespan, you can ship them back to the distributor, and the plastic can be recycled into future containers.
- Durable: Plastic totes can hold larger loads than corrugated boxes with minimal risk of collapsing. You can trust these containers to safely contain your items during transport without the risk of failure under normal conditions.
- Hygienic: Unlike cardboard and wood, plastic is easy to disinfect. You can wipe this non-porous surface with disinfecting cloths or spray it with chemical cleaners without deteriorating the material. You can also quickly dry the surface with a fan or towel.
- Sealable: Because plastic is non-porous, it offers greater sealing properties than cardboard or wood. If you need an airtight seal when shipping your products or packing for industrial storage, plastic tote containers offer more reliable protection than traditional alternatives. These totes are also better suited for transporting fluids, as the material does not absorb liquids
With these benefits in mind, plastic tote containers pose an effective alternative to traditional container materials.
ORBIS Supplies Durable Plastic Tote Containers for Your Supply Chain
If you want to modernize your supply chain while enjoying cost-saving benefits, plastic tote containers may be the right solution. The countless benefits of handheld plastic containers make them suitable for a wide range of manufacturers. You can choose the exact type of container you need to fit seamlessly within your supply chain and address the challenges of your existing container systems.
At ORBIS, we offer a selection of hand-held containers, plastic bins, and plastic tote containers for supply chains. Our products are 100% recyclable and come in a range of sizes. If you have any questions or are ready to request a quote, feel free to contact us HERE.