Are you one of the numerous enterprises that need the usage of plastic totes daily? You can find plastic totes in various enterprises and sectors, such as food harvesting and processing, storage and transportation, automotive, and pharmaceutical.

Plastic totes, in particular, are a vital asset in the food business for helping to fulfill state retail and foodservice laws since they meet hygienic criteria that are crucial for food safety and handling.

It’s critical to select the correct plastic totes for your business and needs, whether you’re producing or distributing them. They can assist you with effectively storing, processing, and distributing fresh or frozen meals, granular and liquids, car parts, electronics, and medications while maximizing storage space. They are also long-lasting and durable.

What Is a Plastic Tote

The widely use of plastic totes in shipping, short and long-term storage, and private homes. Because of the longevity of its components, the low cost of manufacture, and the recyclability of various plastic tote materials, a particular tote design may be beneficial in a variety of sectors. Because of their customizability, totes are helpful for product storage in industrial environments; they may be molded with supports precisely designed to fit and protect the contents of the bag.

Liquid-containing totes conserve plastic by converting the container into a semi-firm bladder and placing it inside a protective metal cage that you can reuse forever. Totes that frequently convey liquids have a bottom spout covered by a metal cage, but totes designed to store solids and semi-solids have sturdy sides, bases, and lids for simple material access.

The Process

They use injection molding or blow molding to make plastic totes. Both operations start with a hopper full of plastic resin, subsequently guided into a conveyance channel. A giant screw in the conveyance channel then drives the resin, known as stock in its developing condition, toward the mold chamber. A mold cavity is a shaped depression in which molten plastic is molded into usable items.

The pressure of the moving screw and heating devices along the conveyance channel heat the stock to a near-liquid condition as it reaches the mold. They push the store into the mold, where it forms. The procedure would be complete in injection molding at this time. Blow molding, on the other hand, requires a few additional stages. After the plastic has taken shape in the mold, pressurized air is pumped into the mold, creating a hollow depression in the center of the freshly molded object.

After completing the molding process, goods are taken from molding machines, cleaned of any flaws, and exported or sent for further processing. You can reuse plastic totes for years, once distributed. Some manufacturers even provide tote cleaning as a value-added service.

Four Common Types of Plastic Totes

Here are some of the most common plastic totes used by various organizations.

Bulk Containers

They use bulk containers in various culinary and material handling applications. They are available in two configurations: solid or vented, to suit your seafood, meat, poultry, processed food, agricultural, or industrial needs.

Bulk containers are reusable and resistant to bending, eroding, splintering, and rusting. Many designs are stackable/nestable for maximum storage space and are simple to clean. To meet your requirements, a variety of sizes and styles are available.

Collapsible Containers

Collapsible containers are a form of bulk container that may be vented or solid, and they are commonly employed in material handling operations. They are pretty helpful because of their folding walls. Collapse the walls when they are empty to conserve storage or return them to the shipping room.

Insulated Containers

Insulated containers are a sort of bulk plastic tote that comes in several sizes and shapes, such as regular ice totes, dry ice totes, specialized bags, and merchandiser/display totes. Accessories are also available to help you take your insulated containers to the next level.

They are found in FDA/USDA food-approved materials and are employed to help offer temperature control and protection in various applications. They are resistant to weather and severe use, making them long-lasting and sturdy. You can use them for storing and transporting food, processed food, and agricultural supplies.

Hand-Held Containers

Hand-held plastic totes utilize in various enterprises and sectors for several purposes. They stack and nest to save space and use fruit boxes, filet pans, bread & chill trays, and ingredient buckets. You can utilize them in the following processes: processing, harvesting, assembly, storage, and distribution.

Role of Totes in the Industry

Agriculture

Farmers, harvesters, and nursery growers must produce and safeguard high-quality products to earn top-dollar.

PPS Corrugated plastic tote containers cushion, transport, and display fresh vegetables, nuts, seedlings, and flowers. Ideal for selecting trays and carriers in the field, in-plant storing and stacking, within hot or cold processing facilities, and when transporting or exhibiting.

Corrugated Plastic:
Provides defense and decreases damage
Allows for easy stacking and nesting
Allows for reusability and, as a result, cost savings.
Moisture management and optional fumigation holes are available.
Use of food-grade, high-density polyethylene.

Features with Added Value:
Printable
Wire Galvanized

Logistics

Logistics and transportation businesses must ensure that items safely arrive at their final destination.

PPS recyclable corrugated boxes help organize, ship, and store items while saving money and improving efficiency. Packages assist in maximizing space, reducing mistakes, and protecting items. Made of returnable corrugated plastic, it avoids throwaway packing (which stinks as much as cardboard) and lowers the cost of incoming freight for returned containers.

Corrugated Plastic:
By collapsing or nesting, you may save space.
Lowers freight expenses
It is easy to operate and has ergonomic handling.
It provides chemical resistance and waterproofing qualities.
Provides maximum heavy wear and tear protection for long-term ROI
Custom solutions for a specific distribution environment or material handling conveyor are available.

Features with Added Value:
Placards
Labels
UPC (Universal Product Codes)
Printable

The Term Tote in Logistics

Depending on the context, the phrase Totes can signify various things. You probably see a tote as a basic cloth or leather bag with two straps if you work in retail. The term “tote” refers to a different product in logistics.

Supply chain managers use totes in the logistics business to keep distribution lines moving smoothly.

However, it is critical to distinguish between a tote in the logistics area and a tote in the retail market. Several shapes and applications are utilized in supply chain management.

In industry, they use totes to carry or store commodities. A tote is a container used in logistics to carry or store a significant amount of liquid, semi-solid, or solids. Totes are also known as plastic agriculture cases and bulk containers. Intermediate bulk containers (IBC) are the most commonly used option in supply chain management.

An IBC is a cube-shaped unit meant to convey and store commodities effectively to save logistical expenses. Because these containers are washable, reusable, and recyclable, they are an excellent choice for various cargo. IBCs are usually constructed with built-in pallets, allowing forklifts to lift them for warehouse storage easily. They are also intended to be stacked for smooth, safe transportation.

Manufacturing

They use corrugated plastic containers in manufacturing facilities to achieve cost-cutting, lean manufacturing, and sustainability goals.

PPS robust corrugated plastic totes are compatible with material handling systems and are an advantage to any lean manufacturing aiming to enhance product flow, safeguard assets, and promote efficiency.

Assembly lines, pick workstations, conveyor belts, small component storage, and intra- and inter-facility transit are ideal applications.

Corrugated Plastic:
Increases supply chain efficiency
Assists with more straightforward identification and inventory control
Stacks and nests for maximum space efficiency
Provides possibilities for placards and barcodes to keep the tote identifiable and trackable.
Custom designs, including color-coding to designate destination or content

Features with Added Value:
Dividers
Hardboard
Labels
Placards
UPC (Universal Product Codes)
Velcro
Rim Reinforced with Wire

Medical

Medical producers require clean packaging that is sanitary, sterilizable, and low in particles.

Plastic packaging and custom dividers made of PPS are suitable for storing, handling, and safeguarding fragile vials, syringes, tubes, and medical equipment. Color coding and organizing are ideal for saving time, better-using lab storage, and reducing mistakes.

Corrugated Plastic:
Assists in shock absorption by acting as a natural cushion.
It wipes clean but is tough enough to withstand most chemical spills.
It withstands temperature fluctuations, making it perfect for use in a refrigerator.
Paper and cardboard, for example, do not emit particles into the air.
Customization options
Standard and bespoke colors are available.

Features with Added Value:
Dividers
Handles
UPC (Universal Product Codes)
Placards
Printing
Velcro

Warehouse and Distribution Center

Warehouses and distribution centers (DC) require dependable technologies that save operational costs while increasing productivity.

Material handling systems, storage racks, conveyors, and manual shelving may use PPS reusable corrugated plastic containers. That is why they are a cost-effective alternative for closed-loop processes that need long-term performance and reusability—ideal for product distribution, storage or sorting, choosing and packaging, and transporting items.

Corrugated Plastic:
It saves floor space.
Boosts productivity and picking accuracy
Reduce product damage
Allows for reusability and, as a result, cost savings.
It fits both new and current systems, with the flexibility of adding bespoke functionality.

Features with Added Value:
Dividers
Labels
Printable
UPC (Universal Product Codes)
Velcro

How Tote Bins Are Used

Industrial manufacturing plants require vast raw materials to produce today’s consumer products. Distributors use it to receive and transport petroleum, detergents, and paints. IBCs also transport and store food items such as syrups, seeds, and vegetable oils. When these commodities arrive at production plants, they stack them in warehouses for quick access.

A plastic tote bin allows a supplier to ship a bulk product to a manufacturer in a cost-effective manner. The product is then commercially repackaged for individual sale to customers by the manufacturer.

Many industrial plant activities generate large volumes of liquid waste and combustible materials. So, the companies that operate these facilities must dispose of the trash according to state and municipal rules. IBCs assist them in securely transporting this hazardous material to disposal locations. Before reusing, they cleanse IBCs and quality check after dangerous material shipment.

Common Tote Materials and Specifications

Totes come in a range of materials to complement their contents. However, tote container manufacturers often produce totes out of polyethylene plastic or aluminum. Plastic IBCs use to transport acidic compounds such as solvents and detergents. Other flammable products may be transported in metal containers by distributors.

A tote container can be solid or flexible in shape. The stackable rigid tote tank is the sort you’ll see forklifted in warehouses. Furthermore, an IBC may legally construct to carry up to 793 US gallons of liquid.

When utilized to hold such huge weights, poorly designed IBCs might lose structural integrity. They caged many stiff plastic IBCs within steel tubing by tote bin manufacturers to make them more stable during transit and storage. Manufacturers design flexible IBCs to fold or collapse when customers dump their contents.

How Totes Are Made

After learning what totes are in logistics, you’ll want to know how they created them. The softened material coats the interior of the mold as it spins. When they remove the material from the mold, it has the shape of a tote container.

When looking for the finest firm, look for one with the equipment and ability to manufacture totes in several sizes and thicknesses. This organization will assist you in determining the best material for your purpose. It will most likely offer to modify your containers with corrosion-resistant chemicals or foam filling for further insulation.

Uncommon Uses for Tote Bins

They no longer just employ totes in industrial manufacturing. You can see them in both business and residential contexts. However, today’s facility managers and homeowners are looking for ways to make their everyday operations more sustainable by conserving energy and water. They collect and store rainwater in IBCs for use in gardens and landscaping. Furthermore, rural landowners reduce fire danger by collecting rainwater in IBCs for firefighting purposes.

Who Makes Plastic Tote Containers

They manufacture plastic tote containers by a plethora of firms worldwide. The most excellent plastic business is one that manufactures things according to your specifications. However, if you conduct business in the United States, you must work with a firm that manufactures by U.S. laws. Furthermore, the best option is to utilize containers labeled “Made in the USA.” Plastic Packaging Solutions is a corporation headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida, familiar with national design and construction requirements.

Furthermore, Plastic Packaging Solutions Inc. has established itself as an industry leader in designing and manufacturing plastic packaging, materials handling, and point-of-purchase displays and proven collaboration expertise in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, agricultural, logistics, medical, and distribution.

Leading Plastic Packaging Product and Service Manufacturer

Plastic Packaging Solutions is the industry leader in corrugated plastic design and application. PPS has been also serving clients with plastic packaging solutions for almost 40 years. Plastic Packaging Solutions Inc., located in Ormond Beach, FL, has established itself as an industry leader in corrugated plastic packaging, materials handling, and point-of-purchase displays. Moreover, PPS management brought plastically corrugated to the US market in 1980, and it has consistently shown to be a superior option to other materials used for packaging and displays.

Furthermore, Packaging Solutions’ unrivaled capabilities have enabled us to meet the packaging and display demands of some of the world’s leading firms and organizations. This broad list of clients comes from practically every sector conceivable. Plastic Packaging Solutions has met the needs for products ranging from aircraft to subsea. Also, its solution-driven approach has earned us the acclaim and respect of our clients by dramatically lowering their long-term shipping and material handling expenses.

In addition, Plastic Packaging Solutions’ experience extends beyond packaging and containers to include point-of-purchase displays and retail items. Its graphic printing capabilities are unrivaled in the industry, with the option of a basic one-color print or complicated four-color process graphics. Also, Plastic Packaging Solutions can replicate your logo, portrait, or graphic image to high standards.