Because the bottom of the pallet matters too

Because the underside of the pallet matters too!
Hygiene on plastic pallets is key in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, healthcare logistics, and chemicals, and a critical area is often underestimated: the underside of the pallet.

🧼 Why does the underside matter too?
Accumulation of invisible dirt
The base of the pallet is in direct contact with the floor (dust, grease, moisture, residue).
It can accumulate bacteria, fungi, or even chemical contaminants without being visible to the naked eye.
Cross-contamination
When stacking pallets or placing goods on top of them, the underside of one pallet can touch the product or packaging of the next.
This is especially critical in regulated industries (e.g., fresh food).
The geometry of the pallet's underside can make cleaning difficult; it often has recesses or structures that hinder washing if not properly designed.
If not cleaned well, it becomes a persistent source of contamination.

Transport of Contaminants Between Areas
A pallet can move from dirty areas (docks, outdoor areas) to clean areas (warehouses, cold storage).
The base acts as a "vehicle" for contamination.
Regulations such as HACCP require controlling all potential product contact points, including indirect surfaces.
With a completely smooth surface, all sensors in automated warehouses can be easily read.

✅ Best Practices
Use hygienically designed plastic pallets (smooth surfaces).
Implement comprehensive washing protocols (including the base).
Separate pallets by zone (clean vs. dirty).

👉 In short: although it's not visible, the underside of the pallet is a critical hygiene point because it can be a silent source of contamination. Ignoring it can compromise the entire logistics chain.