Plastic Containers

Boxmore International Plc Full Apex (holdings) Ltd Groupe Guillin Industrias Del Envase SA

Psb Industries Shanghai ZI Jiang Enterprise Group Southcorp Southcorp

Whitehall Enterprises, Inc. Zhuhai Zhongfu Enterprise Co., Ltd.

Guide to Plastic Containers

Select from a variety of plastic storage containers to help store, track and move inventory
By Stephanie Fagnani

	Info on Plastic Containers Plastic storage containers come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and prices. Specially constructed plastic boxes are available that are immune to water, rust and odor. Plastic storage bins can be stacked floor to ceiling or assembled on slanted shelves.

For storing and organizing inventory, plastic containers get the job done. Plastic storage containers also act as a protective shield when transporting products from one location to the next. Options have never been more plentiful and today’s plastic storage bins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and price points. With all of this competition, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but shop wisely and you’ll find the best plastic container styles for your business at the best price.

Before you purchase plastic storage containers consider the following:

1. What size and shape plastic containers do you need?
2. How much weight will the plastic boxes need to hold?
3. How do you want to store the plastic bins (stacked, side by side, etc.)?
4. Will the plastic containers remain in only one location or be moved around often?

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the plastic container style that's best for your product Do your employees need to have quick access to the products in the plastic containers? Or, do you intend to keep products in storage for a lengthy period of time? Establishing exactly how you'll be using the plastic storage bins will make it easier to weed through the options to find the best match for your business.

I recommend:  CLD Handling Systems and Grainger Industrial Supply offer large varieties of plastic storage containers, from stack-and-nest plastic totes to plastic bins designed to sit on slanted wire shelving.

Get a handle on your plastic storage containers If your plastic boxes and plastic bins will be moved around a lot, make sure you buy the kind with built-in handles.

I recommend:  Built-in handles on the straight-wall plastic bins offered by LK Goodwin and the plastic containers offered by Material Handling Solutions make them easy to grasp and lift.

Protect your items with specialized plastic bins If you're dealing with electronics or other products that might be particularly sensitive to things like moisture or light, purchase specialized plastic containers.

I recommend:  Anytime Products sells plastic storage bins that are resistant to moisture, grease, oil, and most chemicals. For static-safe storage, try 3M conductive round plastic containers. GlobalIndustrial.com sells collapsible plastic containers that resist rust, odors and moisture.

Shop around for the best price on plastic storage boxes Just about every merchant sells plastic containers today, from dollar stores to office supply warehouses. For routine office storage needs, plastic boxes, plastic bins and plastic totes from your local office supply store will usually be the most cost-effective. For industrial plastic bins, you'll need more heavy-duty options, which typically cost more.

I recommend:  For general use, consider the plastic storage boxes at Office Depot, the plastic storage bins at OfficeMax or the plastic totes at Staples. For industrial use, comparison shop among the plastic container manufacturers listed on DirectIndustry’s site. Also, visit Business.com for links to a variety of vendors of plastic boxes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Don't get too distracted by things like color or style when purchasing plastic bins, plastic totes and other plastic containers. It doesn't matter if they look nice if they don't support the weight of your product.
• Buying in bulk often brings down costs. Consider future needs when shopping for plastic boxes.
• When purchasing plastic storage containers, keep your employees in mind. Choose plastic storage bins that employees can easily access and lift.
• Durability is key. Buy plastic storage boxes that will hold up under the conditions in your office or warehouse.