Everything you ever wanted or needed to know about plastic boxes but were afraid to ask!!!!!!

Ensure you have the right plastic box for the JOB!!!!! The choice out there is huge and sometimes confusing.Plastic boxes come in many different styles and sizes and even price qualities. GET SAVVY!!!!! Let us help and provide you with the information you need to make the right decision to choose the right plastic boxes, bins, totes or tubs you need to get the job done.

Our team is ready and close at hand to share our unbiased advice and knowledge gathered over many years of materials handling experience , matching customer’s requirements to plastic boxes with certainty that they will be the right ones for you. . Give us a call, send us an email or ping us on TWITTER -FACEBOOK or SKYPE . We'll find the best plastic boxes and the best prices for you.

Here further you can find some more useful information that may help you choose from the various types of plastic boxes and storage products available:

Dimensions: How big or small do you need your box?

Small plastic boxes are designed mostly for storing small items like Nuts, Bolts Screws , cotton threads, reels and such like. Small plastic boxes are often then stored on shelves or special metal panels and fixed to walls or mobile units.

Medium plastic boxes. Great for many uses in Storage, logistics/distribution and handling. Multi size options square or rectangular molded , from very shallow to very tall . Modular variations allow smaller boxes to rest inside larger boxes.

Large plastic boxes : For when a larger handling capacity is sought. Ideal for the storage of liquids or heavy solids, to be used internally or externally. SUPER SIZE "Pallet" plastic containers are boxes molded on skids or runners allowing & needing forklifts or pallet trucks to move them. Collapsible pallet bulk boxes are also for static storage and distribution / transport but reduce in sizes when not in use.

Closed or with Ventilation (holes)

Plastic boxes with good ventilation to allow air flow through is specially important in applications were food is stored. Adequate breathing or drainage is essential with fresh items and food stuffs. Produce is always delivered in boxes that can breath and allow airflow through in chillers and cold stores. Ventilated boxes usually called crates or TRAYS, have the option also to be molded a ventilated base, or solid base, given you ultimate choice in produce maintenance, safety and quality control.

Durability & Strength: Most plastic boxes are made usually from 3 types of plastic. High density Polyethylene coploymer, Polypropylene or Poly carbonate. The Robustness and life endurance of any Plastic box is derived from the type of plastic used in its production and in part the the design of the box. Strengthened bases, sides and corners provide extra support & rigidity allowing greater loading. Such considerations are vital factors in the design thought process when content protection is of specific necessity. So durability must be a top consideration in buying your plastic boxes, totes or containers. GET THE RIGHT PLASTIC BOX. Will it perform for the task needed of it. For any commercial or industrial use FORGET domestic plastic boxes though they may look cheaper the endurance will be a third of any industrial factories equivalent and will need to be replaced sooner. Can the box take the load then can i safely lift it??

STACKING ABILITY: Stacking Plastic boxes & Containers Most of our plastic boxes, totes and containers stack securely one on top of each other, providing secure storage in and around your office , warehouse, during transport in a vehicle or upon a pallet. European standard Size of plastic boxes are designed around a cubic pallet able system, Small medium and larger crates & boxes will stack onto one another and so on Creating a sturdy pallet, in fact euro standard industrial boxes are designed to accommodate precisely onto all BRITISH and Euro pallets, ensuring easy handling and utilising to the max any space in the warehouse in storage or during transport. Take care when considering stacking your box . The ultimate stacking height and loading capacity needed for your plastic box or container depends on a few factors : i) whats the weight of the items you need to store ii) How many boxes will I be staking onto it once loaded. Remember the bottom box in any stack must take the full weight of the entire load. Strength of material and construction design of box is therefore very important to consider when planning your purchase. Mis calculations in BOX STYLE and design can lead to possible collapse with potential dangerous consequences for personal or public safety.

NESTING ABILITY : Storage when not in use. NESTER'S- Nesting containers. The benefit of these plastic storage boxes is their ability to save valuable space when not needed."Nesting" in simple terms means when one container fits internally within another when empty thus saving space. Nesting plastic boxes are ideal for logistics , distribution, warehouse and storage as these boxes take up usually on average 75% less space in the nest . Economy savings on return empty transport journeys and distribution costs are greatly appreciated. Different plastic boxes stack and nest in different ways, "SWING BAR CONTAINERS" Stack & Nest plastic boxes have long width poles or "bars"which swing out from either end of the container to support the next stacked box but when disengaged back otherwise will nest if no longer in position. Attached lid containers stack only when the lids are closed but nest inside each other with the lids opens and rests outside the box. The traditional stack/nest (and most common) method prevails when the design of the mould within the box accommodates a rotation of a 180 degree turn allowing a STACK & NEST to occur in either position.

LIDS and covers: Extra protection or security for contents. Plastic boxes, containers & totes sometimes have the option of a lid. Lids offer security and protection of the contents within. Most plastic boxes and plastic containers have the option to accommodate a lid. Different models and types of boxes have different lid option here are a few choices.

"Drop on" lids simply locate on top of the plastic box or container. Sometimes they can be secured with a clip. Drop on lids are the norm for all european stacking containers, tubs and large bulk containers and pallet boxes.

Attached lid containers "ALC 's" are a clever design with the lid being spit equally and centrally down the centre of the plastic box and secured down either long length of the container usually with a metal rod for extra security and protection running within the lid hinge.This means the lid can never be separated or lost from the crates it serves also usually with locks to secure when the lid is engaged. Obviously the container will stack when the lids are closed and with the lids open, nesting is possible allowing to slpit lids to drop one each outside either long length of the plastic container.. These type of containers are especially popular with Logistics companies and shops to deliver their stocks safety and with maximum security. Plastic Tags are usually pulled to offer a final visual security consideration. If Security if a major consideration for you discuss with us special additional features that can provide extra protection including fitted locks and MICRO CHIP technology.

FOLDING CONTAINERS. Folding containers have grown in popularity over the last decade, as the name suggests the container will collapse upon itself giving the ultimate space saving efficiency when not in use. Millions of folding crates and trays exist throughout the European market and are particularly suited to Supermarket distribution.

Colour & Visibility options. GREY OR TAN/RED plastic containers are usually thought to be the normal Industrial standard. Most products will have other colour options given suitable quantity requirements. Colour plastic boxes have a special tone or unique image and is often used to correspond and coordinate specific cooperate images. For hygienic rules and legislation like chopping boards, Plastic boxes & Containers when holding certain products RAW must be colour coordinated for it contents identification. RED BOXES PLASTIC BOXES are for RAW MEAT . BLUE PLASTIC BOXES - FISH Obviously a range of colours can also be used for aesthetic and domestic reasons and is often the case with DOMESTIC plastic boxes.We also offer a range of plastic boxes and totes in clear transparent plastic with the added option of colour shading. This gives a benefit of visibility and easy identification of contents inside without accessing or opening the box.

Food Grade material or recycled polymer. Plastic boxes can be made from different material new or recycled. Most commonly your options are as follows.

HDPE (High Density POLYETHYLENE) often referred to as HD. MDPE (Medium Density POLYETHYLENE) often referred to as MD.

POLYPROPYLENE. POLYCARBONATE. POLYSTYRENE. In any option, if the material is NEW or sometimes called VIRGIN you can be sure it is food grade. Different Polymers have different structures and operating parameters. POLYPROPYLENE for example is more elastic and ideal for logistics but has a lower temperature operating considerations so not ideal in BLAST CHILLERS.

Unless stated plastic boxes and containers are usually molded from material of food grade quality and therefore suitable for fresh or unwrapped foods . To lower costs recycled material can be substituted and in certain industries recycled material boxes can be safely used especially when food is not in direct contact with the container. Recycled boxes are as strong as VIRGIN boxes and a huge interest in this sector has grown realising great economies.

Antistatic plastic boxes. Plastic boxes and containers can be molded using special antistatic polymer (ESD material) Designed for protecting electronic components from damage due to electro static discharge. Contact us for further information if this material if required.

Stock retrieval. Open fronted / easy access boxes, crates, containers and picking bins. Certain plastic boxes are made with an open front to allowing access by hand . These boxes often have the option to be suspended on a metal louvered panel or left free standing or on work surfaces. This type of box is ideal for uses in laboratories garages, stock rooms as all boxes provide easy display / identification and easy access to contents. Ideal for order / stock picking, warehousing, component storage, garment storage, motor / garage / workshop parts etc.

Second Hand Containers & USED STOCKS OF PLASTIC BOXES.

FOR MAXIMUM VALUE. Second hand plastic storage boxes ARE A GREAT OPTION AND CONSIDERATION. if YOU DONT NEED NEW WHY BOTHER . Used boxes offer excellent value for money and quite frankly why buy at great expense a mundane product like plastic boxes if you don't have to? It is often a shock to understand how expensive good quality boxes are. Industrial boxes will last for years and when companies have no need for them any more them sell them on. Stocks of good quality used boxes, clean, (sometimes washed ) structurally sound and in good condition are always available . Going used over new will save you £000's if you don't need new boxes. We are always looking to buy used plastic boxes, totes, crates and containers from all over the UK. get in touch if you have any to sell.Ideally with a picture. We tell you what we think and explain your options.



BESPOKE Divisions and inserts. Ideal for catering transportation and lab work.

Internal dividers and inserts will allow subdivision inside the any plastic box creating space and further small compartmental storage. Inserts and dividers are usually possible on most boxes contact us for further information.

Special Identifications - Labelling and BOX Printing.

Box and containers often have areas within their design to accommodate labelling or identification of content. Options usually include label holders with drop-in slots, or uneven dimpled areas that allow easy label peeling .RDF plastic boxes hold a micro CHIP within the molding, making the BOX Unique with its own registration which is totally traceable ideal for container recovery. Logo and text printing directly onto certain areas of the boxes is also possible. This can assist in branding corporate image association.

Smooth handling and conveyor friendly.

Industrial boxes and totes usually have smooth bottoms allowing an easy glide over any conveyor system creating faster logistics, Handling and Mobility. Dollies or skates are also used to help in moving heavy containers or boxes. A "Dolley" is be a plastic or metal frame to the size of the container fixed to 4 swivel / fixed heavy duty casters which greatly aid manoeuvrability to single or stacked column of plastic boxes. Many large bulk containers and pallet tanks have in built casters also.