The one-way plastic pallet is offered in two formats: American (120 × 100 cm) and European (120 × 80 cm), both 15 cm high, black, and made from recycled plastic. "One way" means a single-use or single-shipment pallet: designed to accompany goods to their final destination without needing to be returned. It is the most economical option for export and one-time shipment, with a reduced weight (10 kg) that optimizes the declared tare. Both variants are technically identical in load capacity and construction; the choice comes down to the logistical format of the destination market.
🎯 Choose the variant in 10 seconds
- If your case is export to the USA, Mexico, Caribbean, or Dominican market: go to the American variant (120 × 100 cm)
- If your case is export to the European Union or a client with an EUR standard: go to the European variant (120 × 80 cm)
What to consider before choosing the variant
Both variants share material (recycled plastic), color (black), height (15 cm), unit weight (10 kg), 4-way entry, load capacities (2,000 kg static and 1,000 kg dynamic), and high UV protection. The choice is based only on format and logistical modulation:
- One-way nature: The one-way pallet is designed to accompany goods to their final destination. It is not returned to the origin. The recipient can reuse it internally or recycle it. This feature allows for the use of recycled plastic and reduces the cost per unit compared to a returnable pallet.
- No declared rack load: The one-way pallet is not dimensioned for storage in racks or industrial shelving. Its intended use is for transport and placement on the floor. If you need rack storage at origin or destination, consider the 3-runner pallet or the hygienic pallet.
- Container optimization: A 40′ container can fit 20 American or 25 European pallets on the floor. If exporting to the EU, the European pallet allows more pallets per container, reducing the cost per unit shipped. If exporting to the USA or Caribbean, the American pallet avoids re-stacking at the border.
- Recycled plastic: Recycled material is consistent with the one-way nature and reduces the environmental impact of single shipments. It provides adequate mechanical capabilities for standard transport but lower than those of virgin plastic, which is why it is not recommended for intensive use or racks.
- Lightweight: The 10 kg unit weight optimizes the declared tare in export and reduces the dead weight of the container, which is especially important for low-density goods or when there is a weight limit per container.
American variant (120 × 100 cm): the standard for export to America
- Logistical standard in the American market
- Larger usable surface: 1.20 m² per pallet
- Reduced cost per unit
- Lightweight: 10 kg
- Not suitable for rack storage
- Limited lifespan (one-way)
- Recycled plastic: mechanical variability
The American one-way pallet is the standard choice for exports to the USA, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and for distribution in the Dominican market when the end customer does not return the pallet. Its usable surface of 1.20 m² accommodates boxes in American module and its reduced cost makes it suitable for high shipment volume. It is ideal for distribution to supermarkets, hardware stores, or end customers where the pallet is not returned.
European variant (120 × 80 cm): the compact for export to Europe
- Logistical standard in the European Union
- Optimizes pallets per shipping container
- Fits with 600 × 400 mm modular boxes
- Lightweight: 10 kg
- Not suitable for rack storage
- Limited lifespan (one-way)
- Smaller usable surface: 0.96 m² per pallet
The European one-way pallet is the choice for export to the European Union when the recipient does not return the pallet or when the return cost exceeds the cost of a new pallet. Its smaller width allows for optimizing the number of pallets per shipping container (25 vs 20 for the American), which translates to a lower freight cost per unit shipped. It fits with 600 × 400 mm modular boxes common in pharma, food, and mass consumption.
Comparative table of variants
The two variants are technically identical except for dimensions. They share material, color, height, weight, capacities, and UV protection.
| Feature | American | European |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal use | Export to America | Export to Europe |
| SKU | 381387 | 623123 |
| Dimensions | 120 × 100 × 15 cm | 120 × 80 × 15 cm |
| Material | Recycled plastic | Recycled plastic |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Entry ways | 4-way | 4-way |
| Static load | 2,000 kg | 2,000 kg |
| Dynamic load | 1,000 kg | 1,000 kg |
| Rack load | — | — |
| Unit weight | 10 kg | 10 kg |
| UV protection | Yes (high) | Yes (high) |
| Usable surface | 1.20 m² | 0.96 m² |
Use case → recommended variant matrix
| If your case is… | Recommended variant |
|---|---|
| Distribution to supermarkets or end customers in DR | → American |
| Export to USA with no return destination | → American |
| Distributor in Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean | → American |
| Export to Spain, Italy, Germany, or other EU country | → European |
| Maximum maritime container optimization to EU | → European |
| Boxes in 600 × 400 mm module | → European |
Only use one-way pallets for shipments where the recipient does not return them. If you are shipping to a customer with a returnable pallet pool or an EUR/EPAL exchange system, use virgin plastic pallets (3-runner or hygienic) or a standard ISPM-15 treated wood pallet. The cost difference between one-way and returnable pallets quickly pays for itself if the pallet completes more than one cycle. Being lightweight (10 kg), the one-way pallet is also ideal when container weight is important, for example, in air export or when adhering to legal load limits per container.
Do not use the one-way pallet for storage in racks or industrial shelving. The declared capacity is limited to static (2,000 kg on the floor) and dynamic (1,000 kg in transport), without certification for rack load. Supporting this pallet on two stringers with a significant load can cause excessive flexing, structural failure, and falling goods. For rack storage, use the 3-runner pallet or the hygienic pallet.
American or European one-way for your export?
Tell us the destination country, whether the recipient returns the pallet, the m² to be palletized, and the shipping frequency. You will receive a format recommendation and quantity based on estimated rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the one-way made of recycled plastic?
Single use justifies the recycled material: the pallet makes only one trip, does not require virgin plastic certification for intensive use, and recycling reduces cost and environmental footprint. It is consistent with the disposable nature of the pallet and allows for a significantly lower price than a virgin plastic pallet.
Does it require ISPM-15 treatment for export?
No. ISPM-15 phytosanitary treatment (stamp with HT or MB mark) only applies to wooden packaging. Plastic pallets, including one-way, are exempt from this requirement in international export. This simplifies documentation and eliminates the risk of customs rejection due to untreated packaging, an advantage compared to standard wooden pallets.
One-way or returnable pallet?
Use one-way when the pallet does not return to origin or when the return cost (empty transport) exceeds the cost of a new pallet. Use a returnable virgin plastic pallet (3 runners or hygienic) when it completes more than one logistics cycle, when used in racks, or when the industry requires virgin plastic for sanitary traceability.