Frequently Asked Questions
What are plastic crates used for?
Plastic crates are widely used for storage, packing and transport across warehouses, workshops, manufacturing plants, food processing facilities and retail environments. They provide a durable and reusable solution for handling stock, components and products in busy workplaces.
Compared to cardboard boxes, plastic crates offer better durability, moisture resistance and long-term reliability. Their consistent sizing also makes them suitable for shelving, pallet systems, trolleys and distribution operations.
Richmond’s range includes plastic crates suited to order picking, stock movement, food handling, return logistics and general materials handling applications.
What is the difference between stackable, nestable and stack and nest crates?
Stackable crates are designed to sit securely on top of each other when loaded, helping maximise vertical storage space in warehouses, cool rooms and transport vehicles.
Nestable crates fit inside one another when empty, reducing the amount of storage space required during return transport or when not in use.
Stack and nest crates combine both functions. They can stack securely when full and nest when empty, making them a practical option for logistics, distribution and commercial storage operations where space efficiency is important.
Are plastic crates suitable for food handling?
Yes. Many plastic crates are manufactured from food grade polypropylene, making them suitable for food handling and processing applications.
These crates are commonly used in butchery, seafood handling, produce distribution, poultry processing and commercial kitchens. Food grade plastic crates are easy to clean, resistant to moisture and suitable for repeated use in demanding environments.
Vented plastic crates are also commonly used in food industries where airflow is required to help maintain freshness and improve cooling efficiency.
What are vented plastic crates used for?
Vented plastic crates are designed with perforated sides that allow air to circulate around stored products. This makes them ideal for produce, seafood, poultry and other perishable goods that require ventilation.
The airflow provided by vented crates can help products cool faster in refrigerated environments and reduce moisture build-up during storage and transport.
Vented crates are widely used in agriculture, food processing, wholesale produce handling and commercial distribution operations.
What are collapsible plastic crates?
Collapsible plastic crates are designed to fold down when empty, helping reduce storage space and transport costs. This makes them ideal for businesses managing return logistics or seasonal stock movement.
When assembled, collapsible crates provide the same handling and stacking benefits as standard plastic crates. When not in use, they can be folded flat for more efficient storage in warehouses and transport vehicles.
These crates are commonly used in agriculture, retail distribution, produce handling and supply chain operations where backloading efficiency is important.
Are plastic crates recyclable?
Most plastic crates are manufactured from polypropylene, which is a recyclable material. Many crates are designed for long-term repeated use, helping reduce packaging waste compared to disposable alternatives.
Some black plastic crates are manufactured from recycled polypropylene materials and are commonly used in industrial and commercial storage applications.
Reusable plastic crates are widely used across logistics and warehousing operations as a more durable and sustainable alternative to single-use packaging.
Plastic Crates & Storage Crates
Richmond supplies a wide range of plastic crates for storage, packing and transport across warehouses, workshops, manufacturing plants and logistics operations. These plastic storage crates are designed for repeated use, offering a durable and reusable solution for everyday materials handling tasks in Australian workplaces.
Our range includes heavy duty plastic crates, stackable plastic crates, nestable crates and collapsible plastic crates to suit different storage and transport requirements. Whether used for order picking, stock movement, distribution or parts storage, Richmond plastic crates support efficient and organised handling.
Explore plastic crates for sale in a variety of sizes, styles and configurations, including options suited to food handling, secure storage and high-volume logistics environments.
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Plastic Crates for Storage, Packing & Transport
Plastic crates are widely used to improve efficiency in storage, packing and transport tasks across commercial and industrial environments. From warehouse stock handling to workshop organisation and retail back-of-house use, these crates provide a reliable way to move and store goods safely.
Options such as stack and nest crates, vented crates and security crates allow businesses to match crate selection to specific operational needs. Stackable designs help maximise space, while nestable and collapsible crates reduce storage footprint when empty.
Plastic crates are also commonly used alongside trolleys and handling equipment to streamline transport and reduce manual handling. Their consistent sizing and durability make them well suited to high-turnover environments such as logistics centres and distribution facilities.
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Product Types by Application
Nesting Crates
Nesting plastic crates are designed to fit inside one another when empty, significantly reducing storage space during return transport or storage. This makes them ideal for operations with high crate turnover.
Commonly used in logistics, retail and distribution environments, nesting crates improve handling efficiency and reduce space requirements in warehouses and transport vehicles.
Stack and Nest Crates
Stack and nest crates offer dual functionality, allowing them to stack securely when full and nest when empty. This provides flexibility for storage and transport operations.
These crates are widely used in warehouses, food distribution and commercial facilities where space efficiency and versatility are required.
Security Crates
Security plastic crates are designed with enclosed walls and optional lids to protect contents during storage and transport. They help prevent tampering and product loss.
Used in logistics, retail distribution and sensitive transport applications, these crates provide added security for valuable or controlled goods.
Collapsible Plastic Crates
Collapsible plastic crates can be folded down when not in use, reducing storage space and transport costs. They are ideal for return logistics and seasonal operations.
These crates are commonly used in supply chains, agriculture and retail distribution where efficient backloading is important.
Vented Plastic Crates
Vented crates allow airflow through perforated sides, making them suitable for produce storage and applications requiring ventilation.
They are widely used in agriculture, food handling and processing environments where airflow and visibility are beneficial.
Specialty Product Options
Food Grade Plastic Crates
Food grade plastic crates are manufactured from materials suitable for handling food and ingredients. They are easy to clean and resistant to contamination.
These crates are commonly used in butchery, seafood handling, food processing and commercial kitchens.
Lids & Secure Transport Options
Optional lids allow crates to be used as sealed storage containers, helping protect goods during transport and storage.
This is particularly useful in logistics and distribution environments where product protection is critical.
Heavy Duty Designs
Heavy duty plastic crates are engineered for higher load capacities and repeated use in demanding industrial environments.
They are suitable for manufacturing, warehousing and transport applications involving heavier goods or frequent handling.
Handling Equipment Compatibility
Plastic crates are designed to integrate with handling equipment including platform trolleys, dollies and pallet systems.
This compatibility improves workflow efficiency across warehouses, logistics operations and commercial workplaces.
Applications by Industry
- Warehousing & Logistics: Plastic crates for stock storage, picking, packing and distribution.
- Manufacturing & Workshops: Heavy duty plastic crates for parts handling and component storage.
- Retail & Commercial: Plastic storage crates for back-of-house organisation and stock movement.
- Food Processing & Agriculture: Vented and food grade plastic crates for produce and ingredient handling.
- Distribution & Supply Chain: Collapsible and nestable crates for efficient transport and return logistics.
- Healthcare & Laboratories: Easy-clean plastic crates for hygienic storage and handling.
Industrial Equipment Solutions Across Australia
Richmond is a leading supplier of plastic crates in Australia, offering a wide range of storage and materials handling solutions for industrial and commercial applications. Our range includes food storage boxes, lug boxes and plastic bins.
With in-house engineering and decades of experience, Richmond can assist with selecting the right crate solution for your application, including custom configurations where required.
Browse the full range online or speak with our team for expert advice.