The pallet is the foundation of every IBC tote — literally. It supports the full weight of the container and contents, provides the interface for forklift handling, enables stacking, and determines compatibility with racking systems. Yet pallet selection often receives less attention than bottle grade or valve type.
Steel Pallets
Steel pallets are the premium option and the preferred choice for reconditioned IBCs. They are the most durable, supporting repeated heavy loads without cracking or warping. Steel pallets are corrosion-resistant when properly galvanized, compatible with all standard forklift and racking systems, and fully recyclable at end of life.
The disadvantage of steel is weight — a steel pallet adds approximately 55-65 lbs to the container tare weight. For applications where total transport weight is a constraint, this matters. Steel pallets also cost more upfront, though their longer lifecycle typically makes them more economical over time.
Plastic Pallets
HDPE or polypropylene pallets offer a middle ground between steel and wood. They are lighter than steel (35-45 lbs), resistant to moisture and chemicals, and will not splinter or rot. Plastic pallets are easy to clean and suitable for food-grade and clean-room applications.
The trade-off is durability under sustained heavy loads. Plastic pallets can creep (slowly deform) under constant weight, particularly in warm environments. They are also more susceptible to impact damage in cold weather when the plastic becomes more brittle.
Wood Pallets
Wood pallets are the most economical option and still common on new IBCs. They are lightweight (30-40 lbs) and adequate for moderate-duty applications. However, wood pallets have significant limitations: they absorb moisture and can rot, they can harbor pests (requiring ISPM-15 heat treatment for international shipping), they splinter under impact, and they have the shortest lifecycle of the three types.
For reconditioned IBCs, wood pallets are typically the first component to fail. At IBC Recycling Solution, we replace deteriorated wood pallets with steel or plastic during the reconditioning process unless the customer specifically requests wood.
The Verdict
For most industrial applications, steel pallets offer the best long-term value. For food and pharmaceutical use, plastic pallets provide the cleanability advantage. Wood pallets are acceptable for short-term, budget-constrained, and domestic-only applications.