Let’s Compare: Plastic Crates versus Wooden Crates
Can’t decide on which crate to choose? Both plastic and wooden crates have their own benefits and similarities, so it’s best to choose based on your priorities.
Plastic Crates are great for their long-lifespan and ease of cleaning, while Wooden Crates are the best option for larger cargo and industrial-strength application as they can be custom-made to fit any shape and size.
Find out which one ticks off the boxes for your use.
* For illustration purposes only
If long-lifespan is your priority – choose Plastic Crates
When handled correctly, a Plastic Crate should last around 10 years! Additionally, they are UV-resistant so they will stand the test of time even when they’re left outside in the elements.
Meanwhile, a Wooden Crate might last around half of the lifespan of a Plastic Crate – that’s just the nature of using a natural material. But, Wooden Crates do have other benefits which its opponent doesn’t have.
Need industrial-strength?Wooden Crates are your best option
Depending on the style, crates can hold various weights to-the-tonne. Wooden Crates (especially timber) can be custom-designed to hold tens of tonnes of weight.
While Plastic Crates are still capable of moderate to heavy applications, there is more flexibility to tailor various shapes and sizes with wooden crates to fit your requirements, especially with large cargo.
Custom-Made
Having your crates custom-made means that the crate is made to specifically fit your product, rather than having the crate decide what goes inside. Of course, there are a number of styles to choose from, but choosing this may restrict you in one way or another.
At UBEECO, always produce custom-made Wooden Crates and we can treat the wood to meet export regulations.
This option is only available for Wooden Crates.
For a hygienic solution -choose Plastic Crates
No doubt – these are the best solution as you can clean these with a high pressure cleaner and easily sterilise them. On the other hand, timber cannot be cleaned. So, if hygiene is important to you – steer away from Wooden Crates.
Export or Shelf Storage?
Both Plastic and Wooden Crates are export-friendly. Wooden Boxes can be ordered as ISPM15 Certified; leading manufacturers like us can manage this very easily for you. But, if you’re only looking to store products – either one will do the job just fine.
Did you know?
The Plastic Crates market is growing
According to Future Market Insights, there has been a shift from wood and metal to plastic-based alternatives due to the demand for sustainable, durable, and easy-to-handle packaging.
Labour costs and warehouse optimisation (especially with automation) are favouring the adoption of stackable, space-saving designs, and the advances in materials enable stronger crates.
Sectors like FMCG and Pharmaceuticals benefit from Plastic Crates and are increasing demand for standardised, RFID-compatible solutions with the added benefits of hygienic and temperature-controlled packaging you get from Plastic Crates.
Source: Future Market Insights
Plastic Crates Market by Type
Stackable plastic crates are projected to hold 35.8% of the total revenue share in 2025. Its growth has been driven by the the demand for vertical storage, optimising space in DCs and warehouses.
Source: Future Market Insights
Plastic Crates Market by Industry
The Logistics & Transportation industry is in the lead to account for 28.7% of the revenue in 2025 due to the increasing complexity and large scale of global supply chains. Uniformity and stackability of plastic crates allow for efficiency in vehicle loading, and the nature of the material sees less breakage during transit.
Source: Future Market Insights
Choosing Crates on a budget
Plastic Crates will be a more expensive investment dollar-for-dollar versus a Wooden Crate.
In saying that though, your choice really depends on what you need the crates for and what is important to you.
If you need to leave your crate outside and it needs to be clean: it’s worth paying for a plastic one.
But, if the standard sizes don’t suit or have a weight requirement of more than a few tonnes: the best solution is the Wooden Crate.
Still can't decide?
Not to worry! Our packaging experts can help you find the right product that ticks off the needs you have. Feel free to call, email or use our Schedule a Consultation to help you decide the best packaging options for your business!
