Litco International has introduced a new rackable and stackable version of its Engineered Molded Wood™ pallet, expanding the performance envelope of pressed wood platforms for rack-supported and conveyor-driven material handling systems.
The Vienna, Ohio–based manufacturer says the updated design retains the core attributes of its molded wood pallet, including nail-free construction, dimensional consistency, phytosanitary compliance, and sustainable certification, while adding structural reinforcement targeted at bulk processors and industrial shippers.
Reinforced for Rack and Conveyor Performance
The new pallet design incorporates three bottom deck boards beneath the molded structure. According to Litco, this reinforcement increases strength across rack beams, improves stacking stability, and enhances performance in conveyorized systems.
While traditional molded wood pallets are widely used in export and one-way shipping applications, rack-supported environments place additional stress on pallet structures. Concentrated beam support, dynamic loading, and roller conveyors demand stiffness and dimensional stability to prevent deflection.
Litco positions the reinforced platform as suitable for:
Rack-supported warehouse storage
Conveyor-driven production lines
High-volume bulk handling environments
Applications requiring stacking stability under load
The company reports dynamic load capacity of up to 2,500 pounds and static load ratings up to 7,500 pounds.
For a broader background on pallet structural performance considerations, see our Pallets hub.
Designed for Bulk Load Applications
Litco says the new rackable platform is particularly well-suited for industrial bulk applications, including Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs).
Typical end uses may include:
Plastic resin pellets and polymer granules
Industrial minerals and chemical compounds
Fertilizer and agricultural seed
Grain, starches, and feed ingredients
Because the pallets are molded rather than assembled with nails, the risk of puncturing FIBC materials during handling is reduced. Molded wood construction also provides consistent deck support beneath concentrated bulk loads.
Performance Testing and Structural Claims
According to Litco, testing conducted with Virginia Tech’s Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design found that its pressed wood pallets outperformed both new and repaired GMA-style wood pallets in strength and stiffness metrics.
The company states that its molded platforms demonstrated higher durability and approximately twice the stiffness in comparative testing — factors that can influence product protection and load stability during shipment.
The pallets are produced through a compression-molding process using recycled wood fiber formed at temperatures exceeding 350°F. The elevated temperature both sanitizes the material and eliminates pests, allowing the pallets to qualify as ISPM-15 exempt without requiring additional heat treatment or stamps.
With approximately 86 percent lower moisture content than typical new lumber pallets, Litco also notes improved resistance to mold growth in high-humidity environments.
For additional coverage on export requirements and phytosanitary compliance, see related resources in our Pallets hub.
Sustainability Certifications and Circular Positioning
Litco’s molded wood pallets are certified under both the USDA BioPreferred® and Cradle to Cradle® programs. The company manufactures the pallets from recycled wood fiber and states that the products are recyclable at end of life.
The certifications align with increasing interest among shippers and manufacturers in circular material handling platforms and engineered alternatives to traditional hardwood pallets.
Pilot Evaluations Underway
Litco reports that pilot testing of the reinforced rackable pallet design is currently underway. The company is engaging manufacturers interested in evaluating the platform in rack-supported and conveyor-integrated environments.
Companies seeking additional information or pilot participation can contact Litco directly.
Founded in 1962, Litco is a family-owned manufacturer of transit protection and load securement products, including Inca-brand Engineered Molded Wood™ pallets, core plugs, corrugated void fill, custom crates, and edge protection systems.
Source: Litco
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
