The logistics industry is the backbone of local trade, and at its core lies the need for reliable, efficient, and sustainable material handling solutions.
Enter IntracoPallet, Malaysia’s leading plastic pallet manufacturer, producing more than 3 million pallets annually to meet the demands of modern supply chains . Renowned for their durability, toughness, and load-carrying capacity, IntracoPallet’s industrial pallets are transforming how businesses move, store, and ship goods across the Asia-Pacific (AP) region and beyond.
Their secret? The innovative use of ExxonMobil’s Vistamaxx performance polymers, which allow for the creation of high-quality recycled plastic pallets that balance sustainability with exceptional performance.
IntracoPallet’s journey from humble manufacturer to industry leader
Founded in 1994 with a single injection molding machine, IntracoPallet has grown into Malaysia’s largest plastic pallet manufacturer over the span of nearly three decades. Today, the company operates a cutting-edge facility equipped with multiple advanced machines, utilising both injection and compression molding technologies.
Their product lineup includes polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) pallets in various designs — nestable, rackable, super hygiene, and pallets optimised for automatic storage retrieval systems. A significant portion of these durable plastic pallets is exported across the AP region, cementing IntracoPallet’s reputation as a trusted name in logistics.
“Our vision has always been to provide businesses with material handling solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce costs,” said CC Cheah, Deputy Managing Director of IntracoPallet. This commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives their continuous improvement efforts.
Find out how IntracoPallet equips companies from a wide range of industries with the most adaptable plastic pallets.
Combining sustainability and durability to meet modern-day needs
As sustainability continues to be a priority in the logistics and supply chain sectors, IntracoPallet has taken on the challenge of integrating recycled materials into their production process.
By blending post-consumer recycled PP and PE with virgin plastic, they aim to support a circular economy while maintaining the high standards their customers expect from shipping pallets and industrial pallets. However, this shift hasn’t come without obstacles.
Recycled plastic pallets often exhibit reduced impact strength, poor surface appearance, and inconsistent quality — issues that could compromise their performance in demanding environments. Early attempts using ethylene-based plastomers fell short of IntracoPallet’s benchmarks for durability and aesthetics, prompting the search for a better solution.
Adopting Vistamaxx to achieve the perfect mix
The breakthrough came when IntracoPallet discovered ExxonMobil’s Vistamaxx performance polymers during a technical presentation.
These propylene-based elastomers, infused with ethylene content, are engineered to enhance the compatibility of mixed recycled materials like PP and PE. Their semi-crystalline structure improves dispersion, resulting in tougher, more resilient plastic pallets with a polished finish.
After switching to Vistamaxx, IntracoPallet saw immediate improvements. The polymers not only boosted the pallets’ impact strength and load-carrying capacity but also required a lower dosage than traditional plastomers, making them a cost-effective choice for injection molding.
The result? Pallets with reduced cracking, minimal stress whitening, and enhanced durability — perfect for the rigorous demands of logistics.
“Vistamaxx has elevated our ability to produce sustainable, high-performance pallets,” Cheah explained. “It’s a versatile solution that aligns with our goals for quality and environmental responsibility.”
What makes Vistamaxx better than other component choices?
The specific grade used by IntracoPallet, Vistamaxx 6102, offers impressive technical properties that underscore its value:
- Density: 0.862 g/cm³
- Melt Flow Rate (230°C/2.16 kg): 3 g/10 min
- Tensile Strength at Break: >7.6 MPa
- Elongation at Break: >800%
- Flexural Modulus (1% Secant): 14 MPa
These characteristics translate into pallets that excel in load-carrying capacity and resilience, capable of withstanding heavy use in warehouses, shipping containers, and distribution centers. The improved blending of recycled materials also streamlines the injection molding process, enhancing production efficiency.
The impact: efficiency, sustainability, and quicker market expansion
The adoption of Vistamaxx has yielded tangible benefits for IntracoPallet and its customers. The homogeneous blend of recycled PP and PE results in consistent quality, while the pallets’ durability reduces replacement costs and downtime in supply chains. Aesthetically, the smooth, professional finish enhances customer appeal — a critical factor for businesses branding their logistics operations.
Sustainability is another key win. According to a 2023 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the logistics sector is increasingly adopting circular economy practices, with plastic pallets playing a vital role in reducing waste and emissions.
IntracoPallet’s use of recycled materials aligns with this trend, cutting reliance on virgin plastics and contributing to a closed-loop system.
The success of this approach has also opened new markets. With their enhanced recycled plastic pallets, IntracoPallet has strengthened its foothold in the AP region and is poised for further global expansion.
“Vistamaxx has given us a competitive edge,” Cheah noted. “We’re seeing increased demand as customers recognise the value of our sustainable solutions.”
IntracoPallet’s broader influence on the logistics industry
Beyond product innovation, IntracoPallet sets itself apart through rigorous quality control and a customer-centric approach. Each pallet undergoes extensive testing to meet international standards, ensuring safety and performance in diverse applications. Their global reach is supported by a robust export network, delivering plastic pallets to industries ranging from manufacturing to retail.
The company’s efforts have earned industry recognition. In 2022, IntracoPallet received the Malaysian Logistics Excellence Award for its contributions to sustainable supply chain practices. ExxonMobil has also spotlighted IntracoPallet as a success story in their sustainability initiatives, citing the company’s effective use of Vistamaxx.
Why IntracoPallet stands out
For businesses seeking reliable material handling solutions, IntracoPallet offers a compelling value proposition:
- Unmatched durability: The use of Vistamaxx ensures superior impact strength and toughness.
- Eco-friendly design: Recycled materials support sustainability without sacrificing quality.
- Cost efficiency: Optimised manufacturing processes deliver affordable, long-lasting pallets.
- Versatility: A range of designs meets diverse logistics needs, from shipping pallets to industrial applications.
IntracoPallet’s innovate take on the future of logistics
Right now, IntracoPallet has no plans to rest easy. The company plans to expand its use of Vistamaxx across its product lines and explore new innovations in compression molding and material blending. As the logistics industry evolves, IntracoPallet aims to remain a leader in providing sustainable, high-performance plastic pallets that drive efficiency and growth.
From its roots in Malaysia to its growing global presence, IntracoPallet is redefining material handling — one durable, recycled plastic pallet at a time.
Contact IntracoPallet today to begin transforming your business logistics with more sustainable and durable plastic pallets
