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Introduction
The contents of this article is everything you need to know about plastic totes and their use.
You will learn:
What is a Plastic Tote?
The Types of Plastic Totes
The Plastics Used to Produce Plastic Totes
Methods Used to Manufacture Plastic Totes
And much �
Chapter 1: What is a Plastic Tote?
Plastic totes are robust, moveable containers crafted from strong materials, perfect for both industrial and home storage purposes. They come in numerous sizes, colors, and styles and serve various functions. Common types of plastic totes include bulk, insulated, collapsible, and handheld varieties, each designed for certain storage needs. These totes are specially constructed to manage varying tasks due to their distinctive designs and resilient materials.
The concept of plastic totes varies among industries. Generally, a tote signifies a container used to transport large or unusually shaped objects. In agriculture, they carry harvested crops, while in the automotive industry, they store and move parts to assembly units. Within homes, they aid in organizing areas such as closets and garages. Their adaptability makes them an asset for a vast array of storage, transportation, and organizational purposes.
The selection of plastic for tote production is influenced by factors like size, strength, and purpose. Commonly used plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylates, and acrylics. The thickness of the tote’s walls impacts its usability, with industrial-grade totes necessitating thicker, more durable walls compared to the lighter, less rugged household variants.
Chapter 2: What are the different types of plastic totes?
Although a storage tote may appear straightforward, selecting the right plastic tote for your specific storage, shipping, or organizational needs often involves careful consideration. Plastic totes, also commonly known as storage containers or plastic bins, generally have a rectangular or square shape; however, differences in construction materials, dimensions, wall strength, stackability, and lid designs mean that plastic totes are available in a wide array of specialized categories for diverse residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Understanding how various plastic totes store, organize, and safeguard their contents is essential, as selecting the appropriate type enhances storage efficiency, improves warehouse organization, and ensures easier item retrieval. While plastic totes can initially be classified into four main categories—collapsible, insulated, bulk, and handheld—each category encompasses additional sub-types and design features tailored to particular industries, regulatory standards, and operational environments. This detailed guide covers the key types of plastic totes on the market, helping you make an informed decision when comparing options for inventory management, supply chain logistics, food transportation, hazardous material handling, and more.
Collapsible Tote
When choosing plastic storage containers, it's important to consider how much space they occupy, both when in use and when stored away. A collapsible tote offers two convenient configurations. When fully extended, its sturdy sides and secure lid enable efficient stacking, palletization, and transport. Depending on the model, solid wall collapsible totes are excellent for containing loose or small items securely during shipment or storage.
When folded, a collapsible tote compresses into a slim, flat rectangle that fits neatly on a shelf or in a vehicle, making it ideal for locations where storage space is at a premium. This compact, space-saving feature is a leading reason why collapsible plastic totes are favored in distribution centers, fulfillment warehouses, and mobile workplaces. Unlike rigid or insulated tote boxes, collapsible containers can be set aside unobtrusively when not needed, streamlining workflow and reducing clutter.
There are several varieties of collapsible plastic totes, including styles with or without lids, handles, or integrated label holders as well as collapsible crates that look like totes but have open, ventilated sides. When not in use, multiple collapsed totes can be nested together for optimal storage density.
Insulated Tote
Insulated plastic totes, sometimes referred to as thermal totes or insulated shipping containers, are engineered with thick, double-walled plastic sides and tight-sealing lids—often with an integrated insulating core. These features provide superior temperature control, maintaining optimal chilled or frozen conditions for food storage, pharmaceutical transport, and medical supply chain logistics. Insulated totes are a staple in the food industry, cold chain logistics, catering operations, and grocery delivery services.
To meet regulatory demands, insulated food transport totes must be manufactured from non-toxic, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) that are resistant to chemicals, easy to sanitize, and comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA specifications. Many high-quality insulated totes include special features such as drain-off lids for easy water removal and antimicrobial additives to inhibit bacterial growth.
Insulated plastic totes excel in durability, with rugged, reinforced construction designed to withstand harsh freezer or refrigerator conditions, repeated cleaning, and the demands of distribution environments. Larger insulated tote boxes and containers often feature slots for forklift entry, heavy-duty handles, and reinforced bottoms to support heavy payloads during transport or warehousing.
Bulk Totes
Bulk plastic totes, also called bulk containers or industrial storage bins, are significantly larger than standard handheld totes and specifically engineered to manage heavy, bulky loads commonly encountered in manufacturing, agriculture, recycling, and shipping industries. With thick, heavy-duty molded plastic walls and reinforced bases, these industrial totes are designed to endure frequent handling, stacking, and rigorous shipping.
The �4 series� or combo series bulk plastic totes include a replaceable pallet-style base (which can be bolted or welded to the tote’s body), greatly extending the product’s lifespan and maximizing load-carrying capability. The robust pallet base also allows for four-way forklift entry to facilitate safe and efficient warehouse movement and stacking. Crafted from FDA- and USDA-approved molded plastics, bulk totes are safe for food processing, chemical storage, and cross-industry bulk material handling.
The 2 series bulk plastic tote, by contrast, offers two integrated forklift entry points and is engineered to withstand high impact and repeated loading cycles. Both 2 and 4 series are ideal for transporting ingredients, parts, or waste in large volumes, while complying with food safety requirements.
Collapsible bulk totes combine the space-saving advantages of collapsible containers with the ruggedness needed for bulk cargo. When folded, these bulk bins compress down onto their pallet-style base, allowing many units to be stacked together for efficient return shipment or storage. This feature is particularly valuable in logistics, automotive parts transport, and long-distance freight, where maximizing cubic storage space is essential for cost and workflow efficiency.
Handheld Totes
Among the diverse types of plastic totes, handheld storage containers are the most widely used and versatile. Handheld totes are a staple for both residential and industrial storage due to their manageable size, lightweight design, and resilience. Although traditional cardboard boxes have long been used for storage, they lack the durability, moisture-resistance, and longevity offered by modern plastic storage bins.
With technological advancements in plastics, manufacturers now produce handheld totes that are reusable, stackable, ergonomically designed, and available in an array of specialized options—including attached lid containers (ALCs), stack/nest totes, and multi-compartment organizers for optimizing small parts storage. In industrial environments such as factories, distribution centers, and assembly lines, handheld totes streamline kitting, inventory picking, and efficient materials handling. In retail, they are perfect for organizing backroom inventory or displaying items like accessories, baby clothing, and household goods.
Handheld plastic totes are typically injection-molded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), with wall thickness and design features varying by intended application. Commercial-grade versions offer robust, impact-resistant construction—while residential models come in assorted colors, styles, and capacities for organizing everyday items such as tools, office supplies, linens, seasonal clothing, and toys.
Thanks to their ruggedness and reusability, handheld storage totes deliver a far greater lifespan than disposable cardboard, with many units lasting 5�10 years or more in active use. Features such as color-coding, barcoding, clear label slots, smooth or grooved interiors, and compatibility with shelving or warehouse racking enhance utility for both home and business users. Types include collapsible, fixed-lid, open-top, and modular handheld totes, with options for both nesting and stacking depending on spatial requirements.
Department of Transportation (DOT) Tote
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces specific regulations for totes or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) used to transport hazardous materials and chemicals. DOT-certified plastic totes must feature reliable, sealable lids and fasteners to ensure leakproof and tamper-evident closure throughout transit. Internally, DOT totes require flat, smooth walls with rounded corners to eliminate residue collection and promote efficient cleaning and decontamination.
DOT-rated plastic containers are widely recognized for their outstanding durability, made from impact-resistant, high-density polymers such as HDPE or cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) to withstand rigorous transport, frequent handling, and hazardous conditions. These totes are typically colored yellow for high visibility, stack safely without shifting, and display required DOT warning labels, placards, and unique identification markings to ensure compliance and risk mitigation during shipping.
DOT regulations most commonly apply to bulk plastic totes and IBC containers used for large-volume or specialty chemical logistics, and these units typically feature robust forklift channels or sit securely on reinforced pallets for safe movement. Some DOT totes incorporate four raised legs to enable stable, direct forklift entry. DOT-certified totes accommodate nine different hazardous materials classifications and are critical for safe shipping and handling of chemicals, waste, fuels, or regulated substances—protecting people and the environment while streamlining compliance for logistics providers and manufacturers.
Nesting Totes
Most plastic totes are engineered to nest—meaning, when empty, they fit into one another to drastically reduce storage footprint and maximize warehouse space utilization. In the plastic container and storage industry, “nesting totes� or “nestable storage bins� describe stackable containers that can be safely nested when not in use, making them an ideal solution for closed-loop distribution systems, reverse logistics, and backroom organization at retailers.
Nesting totes deliver exceptional versatility and space efficiency, serving as a superior, reusable alternative to single-use cardboard boxes. Industrial-grade nesting totes—such as those certified for use by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)—are manufactured from durable HDPE, capable of withstanding harsh treatment and high-volume use in settings like airports, distribution hubs, manufacturing plants, and healthcare facilities.
Nesting totes are also integral to conveyor systems in warehouses, fulfillment centers, and assembly operations. As conveyor totes, they securely move parts, packages, or finished goods across conveyor belts, aided by anti-slip grip bottoms that ensure stable, quiet, and efficient product transfer. These totes are often designed for automated sorting, order picking, and rapid shipping, streamlining intralogistics operations from inbound receiving to outbound delivery.
Stacking Totes
Stackable totes, sometimes called stacking bins, are purpose-built for orderly vertical storage. While they share some similarities with nestable containers, stackable plastic totes are uniquely designed with internal load-bearing ribs or “lugs� that interlock securely when totes are placed atop one another. This innovation allows for sturdy, stable stacking without requiring lids—making stackable totes an efficient, high-density storage solution for warehouses, retail backrooms, classrooms, and even residential garages.
Some advanced stacking totes are hybrid models, engineered to provide both stackable and nestable functionality. These smart totes feature special ribs that, with a simple 180° rotation, allow the user to alternate between stacking and nesting configurations—greatly enhancing operational versatility and adaptability for evolving supply chain needs.
Stackable plastic totes are valued for their superior space utilization, quick access to contents, improved product visibility, and long service life. They are particularly prominent in manufacturing, warehousing, kitting, educational, and healthcare environments where prompt organization and retrieval are priorities. Additional features may include textured sidewalls for secure grip, reinforced corners for added structural strength, and compatibility with automated storage or conveyor systems, further boosting workflow and inventory management efficiency.
Chapter 3: What are the key benefits of using an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) tote for storing and transporting liquids?
IBC totes are specialized containers featuring a distinctive design that varies among models. Some have a robust wire framework with plastic panels, while others are designed for mixing purposes. These totes are ideal for transporting bulk liquids, granular substances, powders, and dry chemicals. Typically rectangular or square, IBC totes are unique in their inclusion of nozzles or valves for easy dispensing. Mixing models come with a valve for dispensing and a top opening to accommodate a folding blade mixer. Valves are positioned on the sides or the top of the totes, with an option for attaching hoses for fluid transfer. To ensure worker safety and environmental protection, these valves are secured with pressure clamps to prevent any leaks or spills.
The IBC tote concept was introduced in 1992, designed to offer a high-capacity, rigid, and durable solution that could be portable and, in some cases, collapsible. This innovation aimed to provide a more practical alternative to 200-liter (53-gallon) drums for the transportation, storage, and handling of powders and liquids. The traditional drums posed challenges due to their top-only access, making handling and emptying cumbersome. While the patent for IBC totes was filed in 1992, their origins trace back to 1984 with the introduction of fluid bags. These early models were well-suited for liquids and powders but lacked the rigid structure of the later IBC totes.
IBC totes are built to be reusable, stackable, and robust, making them suitable for handling various liquids and solids. Some models feature frames that remain upright during use but can be folded for compact storage. The versatility and efficiency of IBC totes have led to their widespread adoption as a superior alternative to conventional drums.
IBC totes come with a distinctive gauge that enables users to monitor the volume of the tote's contents. Models equipped with a steel cage are specifically designed to shield the tote from damage caused by forklifts, pallet jacks, and other solid objects. This cage not only safeguards the tote's exterior but also ensures stability and balance during transport and storage. The bases of these totes, which support the plastic container and cage, can be made from various materials and may be either fixed or removable based on the design. IBC totes are favored for their reliable valves, nozzles, drains, and spouts, which facilitate easy access to the contents and adhere to federal regulations and certification standards.
Metal cage IBC totes are DOT certified for the secure storage of chemicals, as the steel cage helps contain potentially unstable materials and prevent explosions. Additionally, these totes are equipped with vents to release vapors if the internal temperature of the contents becomes dangerously high.
Types of IBC Totes
IBC totes are highly valued for their versatility and adaptability, making them a top choice for shipping containers. Their wide range of types allows them to meet the specific requirements of various industries and applications. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established criteria for IBC totes, specifying that they must have a capacity of 3 cubic meters (3000 liters) or 793 gallons. According to ISO standards, these totes should be mechanically handled, withstand the rigors of shipping and transport, and be suitable for the safe transport of liquids, solids, or pastes.
IBC totes come in a range of capacities from 110 gallons to 550 gallons and measure 45 inches in length and width, matching the dimensions of standard pallets. The height of an IBC tote varies depending on its capacity. Flexible IBC totes, constructed from plastics, are designed to collapse when empty for convenient storage. In contrast, heavy-duty IBC totes, made from robust plastics, feature rigid sides and can also be collapsed. All types of plastic IBC totes are user-friendly, versatile, and highly durable, capable of transporting a diverse array of products and materials.
IBC Tote Bins
IBC tote bins feature a metal framework that encases a plastic container. They are mounted on a fixed pallet base, allowing for easy access by forklifts and pallet jacks. The cage is constructed from reinforced steel, providing robust protection for the inner tank, which is made from durable and resilient plastics. This design makes IBC tote bins exceptionally sturdy, long-lasting, and well-suited for storing hazardous materials.
IBC tote bins come in capacities ranging from 275 to 330 gallons (1041 to 1249 liters). Constructed from molded or high-density polyethylene, these containers are durable and comply with ISO and national standards. IBC tote bins serve as an efficient alternative to barrels, drums, and other cumbersome containers. Their impressive capacity, mobility, and robustness make them ideal for transporting a variety of materials, including hazardous and volatile substances.
Folding IBC Totes
Folding IBC totes are constructed from sturdy molded polypropylene plastic and are designed to be collapsible and stackable. These totes come in various styles, including versions with and without tops, and feature a pallet-sized base similar to that used with IBC tote bins. They are available in a range of heights to suit different materials and applications. While folding IBC totes share features with IBC tote bins, such as a pallet base for easy access with forklifts or pallet jacks, they differ in that their rigid sides can collapse and fold over the base, facilitating easier handling and storage.
The IBC tote bin is the most prevalent and widely utilized type, known for its durability, strength, reusability, and safety. Besides IBC tote bins and collapsible plastic totes, there are various other types of IBC totes made from metals and fabrics. These alternative totes offer similar storage functions but tend to be less flexible and heavier. Their construction materials can make them more challenging to store, stack, and manage. These alternatives are primarily used for specialized applications, such as handling explosive or hazardous substances.
IBC Tote Tanks
A distinctive type of IBC tote is the IBC tote tank, which resembles a traditional tank mounted on a pallet-style base. Unlike IBC tote bins, IBC tote tanks lack a metal frame and are constructed from high-strength polyethylene. These bulk containers offer a capacity of 550 gallons (2082 liters), equivalent to ten 55-gallon drums. Large IBC tote tanks are produced using rotational molding, which ensures a seamless, single-piece construction.
Similar to IBC tote bins, IBC tote tanks serve as an alternative to conventional drums, offering greater capacity and durability. They feature a cross-directional pallet base that facilitates easy handling and transportation. The design of IBC tote tanks includes essential components such as a threaded cap for loading, a vacuum relief vent, and an unloading valve.
IBC Tote Fittings and Valves
IBC totes are designed to integrate with equipment, processes, and systems for efficient filling and emptying. IBC tote bins are equipped with taps, valves, caps, and fittings that facilitate access to their contents. These fittings come in various types, including male cams, female cams, horsetails, national pipe threads (NPT), and British standard pipe (BSP) threads.
Lids - Lids allow for access to the tank on an IBC tote bin for cleaning and maintenance. They come in various forms including standard, overpressure, and breather vent types. Overpressure lids allow built up pressure to escape and prevent the tank from collapsing.
Pipe Elbows - Pipe elbows are connected to an IBC tote bin to change the direction of the flow of exiting materials.
Vents - Venting on an IBC tote allows the contents to breathe and helps keep the contents fresh.
Adaptors - Adaptors screw on to the valve of an IBC tank to change its standard outlet. They include several types of fittings such as British screw pipes, hose locks, and camlock fittings.
Swivel Buttresses - Swivel buttresses attach to the valve of an IBC tote bin and are used with hose fittings. They can be fitted and do not kink or twist the hose.
Hose Tails - Hose tails screw on to an IBC valve for direct connection to a hose. They are chosen in accordance with the type of product and the flow of the contents of the IBC tote.
The few IBC totes and bins that are described here are a small sampling of the many types of IBC tote bins that are available. IBC totes are a cost-effective method for transporting and storing a wide variety of products. Cube shaped IBC totes have a pallet sized base for easy stacking, shipping, conveying, and forklift entry. They come in rigid and flexible designs with flexible IBC totes being collapsible for storage and efficient use of space. As the types of liquid, granular, and powder products change, new and improved IBC tote bins are being developed to meet the ever changing needs.
Chapter 4: What’s the difference between bins and totes?
To those outside the plastic container industry, bins and totes often seem identical and are used interchangeably. Both types of containers share a box-like shape, which contributes to this perception. They are constructed from similar robust, high-density plastics, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. However, despite their comparable appearances and materials, there are distinct differences between bins and totes, particularly in how they are utilized.
The primary distinction between bins and totes lies in their intended applications. Totes are designed to withstand the demands of industrial and manufacturing settings. They are essential for handling tasks such as transporting, safeguarding, carrying, and relocating various parts, components, products, and materials.
Although bins are constructed from the same durable plastics as totes, they feature an open design that allows for easy access by hand or tools. Bins are typically stationary and play a crucial role in organizing items. They are commonly used in parts storage areas and cages where quick retrieval of components is vital for smooth operation. Unlike certain totes, bins generally do not have a collapsible design.
Totes are often utilized for transporting or storing oversized and heavy objects. They come in various designs to accommodate large, bulky items that won't fit into standard bins. While totes can handle significant volumes, they are not designed for the easy retrieval of contents. In contrast, bins provide openings of different sizes for easier access but are generally not suited for holding very large items.
Choosing between a bin and a tote starts with considering the need for transportation. If the item will need to be moved frequently, a bin would not be suitable. Conversely, for small to medium-sized items that require regular access, a tote would not be ideal, making a bin the better choice. The key differences between bins and totes lie in their accessibility and mobility features.
Totes are well-suited for transporting items, whether across a store floor or over long distances. Their design, with four sides and the ability to be securely closed, makes them suitable for containing liquids and granular substances. Despite their durability and capacity, accessing items in totes requires more effort compared to other containers, as their contents are not as readily accessible.
The large or small opening of a bin makes access to its contents easy and convenient. Bins can be placed on shelves at a workstation, such as a workbench, for easy access to parts. They make small to medium parts quick and easily accessible to enable workers to efficiently complete an assembly or repair. Due to the open nature of bins, they are not a good choice for transporting items in any fashion.
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Chapter 5: How are totes made?
Tote manufacturing involves various methods that depend on the tote's size, the type of plastic used, and the design. The production process for plastic totes is similar to that of other plastic containers. However, plastic totes are generally larger than typical plastic products, such as bottles and boxes, which leads to some differences in the production process.
Rotational Molding
Rotational molding is used for the manufacture of large totes such as IBC totes and other bulk totes. Known as rotomolding, rotomold, and rotocasting, the process is used to form hollow containers of any size and involves three stages, which are loading the mold with plastic resin, rotating the sealed mold in a high temperature oven, and the cooling station before unloading.
In rotomolding, the process begins with a mold that consists of two halves, into which plastic resin is introduced. The resin's type and quantity affect the tote's wall thickness and features like reinforcing ribs. A measured amount of resin is placed in one mold half, which is then attached to a rotating frame. This frame spins approximately every 90 seconds to ensure the resin is evenly spread across the mold's interior walls. The spinning frame and mold are then placed in a large oven where heat is applied to melt the resin and form the tote.
Once the mold has been heated for the required duration, it is transferred to a cooling chamber. In this chamber, the frame continues to rotate while cold water is sprayed onto the mold to aid in cooling. After the mold reaches the desired temperature, it is moved to the workers' platform for unloading and is then sent for additional processing.
Injection Molding
Injection molding is a technique where molten plastic is injected under high pressure into a mold to create products. This method is ideal for high-volume production, enabling the creation of hundreds or even thousands of items in a short amount of time. The injection molding machine is comprised of two main components: the clamping unit and the injection unit. The clamping unit secures the mold for the tote and operates by opening and closing to allow the totes to be formed and cooled.
In the injection unit, plastic is melted and pushed into the mold to ensure it fills every part of the cavity. A key component in this process is the screw, which heats and propels the plastic towards the mold. This screw is the primary element of the injection system and plays a vital role in ensuring the plastic is adequately heated and evenly distributed throughout the mold.
Injection molding creates totes with precise tolerances and consistent design features, ensuring uniform wall thickness throughout. The injection mold is a precisely engineered cavity that mirrors the tote’s exterior. Crafted from hardened steel, this mold includes an ejection system that efficiently removes the completed tote.
Blow Molding
Blow molding is divided into three processes, each of which uses a different method for injecting molten plastic into a mold. The types of blow molding are extrusion, injection, and injection stretch molding. Regardless of the type of blow molding, the basic principles of the process are the same, which is to inject molten plastic into a mold using compressed air that spreads the plastic material to the sides of the mold.
Blow molding starts with creating a shape known as the parison, which is crucial to the blow molding process. After the parison is produced, it is transferred into a mold. A tube attached to the mold directs air into the parison, causing the plastic to spread against the mold’s interior. As the air inflates the parison, the plastic takes on the mold’s shape.
Blow molding processes are known for their brief cycle times, allowing rapid production irrespective of the blow molding method used. Injection blow molding is efficient for high-volume production and features a core pin that rotates during both inflation and cooling. On the other hand, injection stretch blow molding is a more intricate process involving multiple stages and is the most durable among blow molding techniques.
Chapter 6: What Types of Plastics Are Used to Manufacture Totes?
The manufacturing of plastic containers involves a variety of plastics suitable for making plastic totes. The choice of plastic affects the tote's application, as lower density plastics may not withstand the rigors of shipping, distribution, or industrial processes. Engineers and designers who develop the specifications for these bins carefully assess the intended industry and the required strength of the tote.
Among the various plastics utilized in tote production, polyethylene types are the most frequently chosen. This category includes Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW). These polyethylene variants allow manufacturers to select the most suitable plastic based on the specific needs of the tote.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Among polyethylene types, LDPE stands out for its flexibility and distinct flow characteristics. It has high density but low strength, making it suitable only for household totes. LDPE's low tensile strength results from its relatively weak intermolecular bonds. However, its impact resistance and durability make LDPE an excellent choice for home storage solutions.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a highly versatile plastic, widely utilized in the manufacture of various plastic containers, including totes. Its popularity stems from its excellent tensile strength and favorable strength-to-density ratio. Key features of HDPE include its superior impact resistance and high melting point, which help it withstand demanding and high-stress environments.
Among the various plastics used for making totes, HDPE is one of the most ideal choices. It is a low-maintenance, durable material that offers safety and longevity. With a density ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 g/cmÂł, HDPE provides a blend of strength, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a durable plastic created by combining vinyl chloride with phthalates and bisphenol-A. This mixture results in a flexible yet strong material. PVC is widely used in piping systems found in homes built over the past fifty years. Its popularity for making totes is due to its versatility, strength, lightweight nature, and resistance to environmental factors such as ozone, UV rays, and corrosion.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a widely used plastic for tote manufacturing due to its moldability. It is particularly favored in the food industry because of its safety and desirable physical characteristics. PET is energy-efficient to produce, lightweight, robust, and durable, and it requires less material to create a tote compared to other plastics.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is produced through a reaction between terephthalic acid and monoethylene glycol (MEG). This reaction creates the monomers that make up the PET polymer. Following this process, PET is transformed into long, thread-like strands, which are then shaped into totes using various extrusion techniques.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a versatile plastic known for its flexibility and adaptability through various manufacturing techniques. It can achieve strengths comparable to some metals. There are two primary types of polypropylene: homopolymers and copolymers. Homopolymers consist of propylene monomers arranged in a semi-crystalline structure, while copolymers are made by combining propene with ethene. Among these, homopolymers are generally tougher and more resistant to impact.
Polypropylene is favored for tote production because of its low melting point, which facilitates easy injection molding. This low melting point ensures that polypropylene flows smoothly during the molding process, making it ideal for manufacturing.
Chapter 7: What Are the Benefits of Using Plastic Totes?
Over the past two decades, the popularity of plastic totes has surged due to their superior durability and longevity compared to cardboard boxes. The main advantage of plastic totes is their resilience, allowing them to adapt to various conditions. Initially, there were concerns about their environmental impact, with doubts about the recyclability of the plastics used. However, once it was established that the plastics used in totes are highly recyclable, their use expanded across different sectors.
Cleaning
Other types of storage containers may be vulnerable to moisture, bacteria, and loss of structural strength. Metal totes, while sturdy, are prone to rust unless they receive a protective coating during production. Advances in plastic manufacturing have made plastic totes resistant to these environmental issues. Once a plastic tote is emptied, it can be quickly cleaned and reused across various industries.
Durability
The primary advantage of plastic totes is their exceptional durability, which ensures longevity and cost-effectiveness. In today’s fast-paced business environment, equipment often faces significant wear and tear, leading to frequent breakdowns of less sturdy items. This is why many companies rely heavily on plastic totes, valuing their strength and reliability as a smart investment for cost savings and dependability.
Cost
Among various tools used in industrial, residential, and manufacturing settings, plastic totes stand out as the most economical option. They are manufactured quickly and offer exceptional durability, making them suitable for repeated use across numerous applications. Their long lifespan and amortizable cost over time further lower the initial investment. Plastic totes are versatile, fitting a range of needs from storage and transportation to supply, distribution, and warehousing.
Efficiency
Effective supply chain management relies on organization, accessibility, and efficiency. Plastic totes have become increasingly popular for enhancing warehouse and stock room organization. Their lightweight, maneuverable, and compact design allows them to accommodate a variety of items, from engine components to small plastic fasteners, making them a versatile storage solution.
Space Saving
Warehouse managers understand that efficient space utilization is both cost-effective and crucial. Unlike cardboard boxes, plastic totes are both sturdy and compact. Their space-saving design allows for efficient use of rack space, enabling multiple totes to fit in a single rack. Additionally, their stackable nature and capacity to support heavy loads further contribute to maximizing storage space.
Long Lasting
Plastic totes are engineered for repeated use without compromising their strength or quality. This durability contributes to cost savings, as the cost per unit decreases with each use. Their long lifespan is attributed to their resistance to impact, corrosion, and contamination by bacteria or pests.
Conclusion
A plastic tote is a box type portable storage container that is made of resilient and durable plastic that is capable of withstanding heavy duty use in industrial and residential settings.
The plastic material chosen to manufacture totes is dependent on the size, required strength, and use of the tote.
While the basic structure of a tote is rectangular or square and box like, the plastics used to make the tote, its size, wall thickness, and type of lid vary in such a way that totes can be divided into different groupings.
In addition to bins and totes being box like, they are both made of similar strong, high-density plastics for durability and longevity. Although the two storage containers have a similar structure, there are differences between them, especially in regard to their use.
The processes for the production of plastic totes follow the same steps as are used for other plastic containers. The difference between the production of plastic bottles, boxes, and other containers is the size of totes, which tend to be larger than typical plastic products.
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Plastic tubing is a form of tubing that is manufactured from a mixture of a polymer with a variety of chemicals to form a material that can be solid or flexible. Since its first use in the 1950‘s, plastic tubing has revolutionized industrial processes and has found a use in a wide variety of applications...
Plastic Water Tanks
A plastic water tank is a large capacity container designed to store water for household, agricultural, irrigation, and industrial manufacturing use. There are various types of water tanks produced to meet the needs of specific applications, with...
Poly Tanks
A poly tank is a plastic storage tank used to store, transport, and collect water, other liquids, and granular or powder materials. They are made of polyethylene or polypropylene and are a cost effective, lightweight, and easy to handle...
Poly Tubing
Poly tubing is a highly flexible, lightweight, and durable tubing that is produced from polyethylene, a polymer that is made from the polymerization of ethylene. It is a very versatile form of tubing that has break and crack resistant walls...
PVC Tubing
PVC is a tough chemically resistant synthetic polymer of vinyl chloride used especially for making pipes, films and electrical insulation. It is made by polymerizing vinyl chloride, and...
Silicone Tubing
Silicone tubing is a very tough elastomer that exhibits high strength, flexibility, and resistance. Silicone tubing can be stretched without tearing and is highly versatile. It cannot be weakened with repeated bending and twisting due to...