TCK Interplas’ plastic pallets have a reputation for being strong and durable.  They are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) using injection compression technology from Germany.

But persuading companies to replace their old wooden pallets takes time.

Established in 1994, T.C.K Interplas is a leading manufacturer and distributors of plastic packaging and pallets in Thailand.  Nestle, Asia Cement and Kraft Foods Cadbury are among its major customers for the pallets while Singha, Crystal, Siam buy its plastic bottles.

At present there are few players in the plastic pallet market in Thailand. Plastic pallet manufacturers are even fewer, with only 4-5 competitors.  One reason is that the machines and moulds are so costly. 

The price of plastic pallets ranges from nearly 200 baht to over 1,000 baht for a 1m x 1.2m pallet.

Nitinan Tanchookiat, Sales & Marketing Director at TCK Interplas, said plastic pallets were more durable, reliable and acceptable for modern trades than wooden ones.  If used properly, a plastic pallet can last more than 5 years.

Plastic pallets are also better in terms of safety, reliability and hygiene. Wooden versions can damage goods if broken and nails can injure handlers. 

As well as the price, a lack of knowledge, misunderstanding and inexperience in using plastic pallets keeps many businesses away.   

To educate the market and expand its targets, TCK Interplas is considering plastic pallets for rent as a new option. 

TCK Interplas provides three models of pallets: single-faced, double-faced and window-cross pallets. The designs are different depending on the customers’ demands.

The director explained that an outstanding feature of her company’s pallets was their smooth surface design, which prevents trapping dust, dirt and germs.

“Hygiene is one of our major concerns. So this smooth surface character is beneficial for holding products that require strict hygiene, such as food products,”   she stressed.

Still, plastic pallets are breakable. Improper insertions of forklifts can damage pallets and goods.  Mismatching the designs or sizes of pallets or heavy loads can also break the pallets.

“Many people treat plastic pallets as if they are unbreakable. They throw, crash, or handle them carelessly and that can damage and put pallets out of service prematurely,” Nitinan said.

The director suggests that users follow guidelines for pallet usage while discussions with pallet manufacturers or distributors can help.

Around 90 percent of TCK pallets are sold to local markets while the rest is exported, currently to India, Malaysia and Bangladesh. In the local markets, more than 3,000 customers are on the company’s client list.

Nitinan said that customers from export markets are better aware of their needs and understand the benefits of plastic pallets more than most local users.

Growth of plastic pallet sales
“We are looking for more orders.  Considering the current economic upturn of Thai exports this year, TCP is likely to 10-15 percent growth of pallet sales by the end of this year, “Nitinan said.

Thanks to the growing number of exports and requirements from imported countries, many top exporters have to replace wood pallets with plastic pallets for their shipments in order to follow strict standards abroad, including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point).

However, sales growth for TCK plastic pallets slowed to 5 percent last year from up to 15 percent in previous years due mainly to the global financial crisis. 

While TCK Interplas’ Sales and Marketing unit concentrates more on services, it sends information and feedback from customers back to R&D so the company can improve products and service.

The company’ logistics department overlooks transportation plans for customers to ensure they receive products quickly and punctually. It provides free transportation for every purchase of more than 20 pallets in Bangkok and the surrounding area. The company also outsources transportation to maximize its service.