Things to Consider When Selecting a Plastic Storage Container for Your Workplace

Posted by Ilana Camp on March 23rd, 2020

Plastic storage containers provide a reliable solution when moving and distributing industrial goods in the workplace. They can hold anything from tools, equipment and spare parts to fruit, vegetables and other produce. Thanks to their reusability and versatility, plastic storage crates are common in many industrial settings, including warehouses, storerooms, offices and laboratories. It is important to keep in mind the ways in which differing features, materials and configurations influence their strength and lifespan in your work environment. Through recognising this, you can uphold safe and productive working practices for your employees.

Below we have detailed how food gradability, recycled plastic constructions, space-saving designs, resistance to chemical attack and UV stabilisation all impact the application of these products. It is recommended that you consider these features when selecting a plastic storage container for your workplace.

Food Gradable Containers

Storage containers that are food gradable are suitable for long-term storage and transportation of food. As a result, many of them are perfect for use in food processing, meat trades, poultry processing and fishing industries. Plastic crates like the 48L Plastic Bread Crate 691 x 604 x 152mm IH323 are food gradable and are ideal for food-related applications. Moreover, some plastic tubs have specific operating temperatures, such as the 600L Plastic Tank 1200 x 700 x 750mm REM600, which is suited for use between -10 and +60 degrees Celsius. With these food gradable plastic tubs, you can appropriately handle various storage and transportation tasks in industrial work environments.

Recycled Plastic Containers

While some plastic containers are manufactured with food gradable materials, some are instead made with recycled plastic, like our 80L Plastic Wheelie Bin MGB80. Because of this, recycled plastic containers are not suitable for handling food, as harmful chemicals can begin to leak out and into the stored food. That being said, their recycled plastic constructions make for durable storage of non-food items.

Space-Saving Designs

There are a number of ways that plastic storage tubs can save space. Firstly, they can be either stackable or nestable – or both! For example, containers like the 20L Plastic Stack & Nest Crate 584 x 267 x 178mm Red can be stacked and nested into one another for space-saving storage purposes. Secondly, folding plastic crates like the 41L Folding Plastic Crate 578 x 385 x 210mm IH1210 can be collapsed for extra space when not in use. Finally, some Svelte slimline plastic waste bins, including the 87L Svelte Slimline Rectangular Recycling Bin – Green, have slim designs that enable them to be space-efficient and fit into tight spaces. If your work environment is tight on space, consider a plastic storage container that is stackable, nestable, foldable or has a slimline construction.

Resistance to Chemical Attack

Being able to withstand chemical attacks can add another layer of safety when working in industrial environments. This is where plastic bins like the 40L Plastic Bucket Drum 540 x 460mm CSL40 come in, as their heavy duty industrial plastic constructions make them highly resistant to impact and chemical attack.

U.V. Stabilisation

Ensuring that your plastic crates are U.V. stabilised is imperative if you use them in outdoor spaces, or in areas in direct sunlight. Plastic bins like the 75L Round Bin 49cm x 57cm Yellow are able to withstand sunlight and varying conditions, and their colours will not drastically fade. Thanks to this U.V. stabilisation, you can rely on the strength of these plastic storage containers in a range of work environments.

By keeping these five things in mind when selecting a plastic tub for your workplace, you can provide your employees with a safe and productive work environment. For more information, check out Equip2Go.