Two types of pallets, made from recycled plastics and specifically designed to meet the needs of plastics companies, are now ready for use after five years of research and development. The Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME) specified the pallets should be made from 100 % post-user plastics, and have overseen their testing, both for performance and during use, at ten polymer-producing companies. Dr Werner Pr�torius, president of the styrenic polymers division at BASF AG, which was one of the companies testing the pallets commented: "Our tests showed that recycled plastics pallets are good for storing and distributing various plastics raw materials. They are tough and long lasting, so over time we would expect to see significant cost savings through their use." APME specified the pallets to meet the precise needs of polymer producers. The AP2 pallet is a standard 1200 x 1000mm for general use, while the AP1 pallet is a larger 1300 x 1100mm to accommodate up to 1500kg polymer bags. As well as meeting the international standard for pallets ISO8611, both pallets have been designed for easy handling, safe-stacking and durability. Commenting on the plastic pallet developments, Dr Neil Mayne head of the Technical and Environmental Centre at APME said: "Recycled plastics pallets offer polymer producers, and other industries, a range of benefits in terms of health and safety, environmental protection and cost savings.

For example, plastics pallets are lighter than alternative wooden pallets and, unlike wood, do not become heavier when wet. As a result, with plastics pallets, more goods can be transported on each load, which reduces the number of journeys needed and CO₂ emissions. Development of these pallets is a further demonstration of the European plastics industry's commitment to reusing and recycling plastics where practical." Currently, APME members are being encouraged to introduce the recycled plastics pallets for use in-house or for closed-loop, supply operations. To ensure straightforward and safe adoption of plastics pallets, guidelines for use are available for companies using plastics pallets for the first time or unfamiliar with their characteristics. Extensive use throughout the industry will depend on the successful introduction of a pooling system. A study commissioned by APME has confirmed the viability of such systems, and APME is currently making this report available to interested pallet pool operators.