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What Are Plastic Bins and Crates and Where Are They Commonly Used?

Date Posted:11 February 2026 

Plastic bins and crates are a simple upgrade that delivers big gains in organisation, safety, and efficiency. This guide explains what they are, where they’re commonly used, and why Australian workplaces rely on them for day-to-day material handling.

Verdex Insights: At a Glance

• The Challenge: Many workplaces rely on cardboard boxes or unsuitable containers that break down quickly, waste space, and fail to protect goods during storage and handling.

• The Insight: Plastic bins and crates provide a stronger, reusable, and space-efficient solution that improves organisation, reduces damage, and supports safer material handling.

• The Verdex Solution: Verdex supplies durable, stackable plastic bins and crates designed for Australian workplaces, helping businesses store, move, and organise goods more efficiently while reducing waste and long-term costs.

 

What Are Plastic Bins and Crates and Where Are They Commonly Used?

Efficient storage and handling are essential to keeping workplaces safe, productive, and well-organised. Yet, many Australian businesses still rely on cardboard boxes or metal containers that wear out quickly, take up unnecessary space, or fail to protect valuable goods. Over time, this leads to damaged products, wasted time, and unnecessary costs.

That’s where plastic bins and crates come in, a simple yet transformative solution designed for modern workplaces. Built from durable materials, these containers are strong, stackable, reusable, and resistant to moisture and impact. When paired with the right storage system, such as longspan, boltless, or mobile shelving, plastic bins become even more effective. They support structured layouts similar to those outlined in our blog about 5 types of shelving used in commercial and industrial workplaces.

Options such as vented collapsible bins in half-height and full height designs are especially effective for handling bulk goods, as they improve airflow, reduce manual handling strain, and collapse when not in use to save valuable floor and transport space. Whether used for storage, transport, or sorting, plastic bins and crates play a crucial role in keeping operations smooth, efficient, and compliant.

At Verdex, we supply a comprehensive range of plastic bins and crates engineered for Australian industries, helping businesses reduce waste, protect goods, and make better use of their workspace.

 

What Are Plastic Bins and Crates?

Plastic bins and crates are durable, reusable containers made from industrial-grade polypropylene or polyethylene. They are designed to safely store, organise, and transport goods in various commercial and industrial settings. Unlike disposable cardboard boxes or heavy metal containers, they are lightweight, long-lasting, and easy to handle.

Available in a range of sizes and styles, plastic bins and crates serve multiple functions:

• Open-front bins fit neatly on shelving for quick access to tools, parts, or small components.

• Stackable crates help store and transport larger goods efficiently.

• Lidded or nestable crates protect contents during transit and save space when not in use.

Their robust design ensures they can handle the rigours of everyday use, from warehouse floors and production lines to food handling and healthcare environments.

While plastic bins and crates play a key role in organising goods, overall storage efficiency also depends on the shelving systems that support them. Many Australian workplaces rely on longspan shelving to handle medium to heavy loads, create adaptable storage layouts, and make better use of vertical space. Learn more about What Is Longspan Shelving and Why iIt's One of the Most Versatile Solutions in any Australian Workplace.

Understanding when longspan shelving is the right solution can help businesses design storage areas that remain flexible as inventory volumes and product types change.

 

4 Problems They Solve

Every workplace faces challenges when it comes to managing materials and maintaining order. Plastic bins and crates address several common problems that affect both safety and efficiency.

1. Disorganisation and Clutter

Without a proper storage system, tools and materials can easily pile up, causing disorganisation and delays. Plastic bins provide a structured way to store and categorise items, improving workflow and reducing the time spent searching for parts or tools.

2. Product Damage During Handling

Traditional containers like cardboard boxes collapse under moisture or heavy weight, while metal containers can dent or corrode. Plastic bins are shock-resistant and non-corrosive, protecting goods from impact, water, and dust. This reduces product loss and improves overall handling safety.

3. Inefficient Transport and Storage

Stackable and nestable designs allow businesses to maximise space in storage areas and vehicles. By using uniform, interlocking containers, operations can move goods more safely and efficiently while minimising clutter in aisles or on workbenches.

4. Waste and Sustainability Concerns

In today’s sustainability-focused world, reducing single-use packaging is a priority. Plastic bins and crates are reusable and recyclable, making them a responsible choice for businesses aiming to cut down on waste. Their long lifespan also reduces replacement costs and environmental impact.

Together, these issues highlight why choosing the right container matters. Solutions such as solid collapsible bins with fold-down doors address multiple challenges at once by improving load protection, enabling safer access to contents, and allowing bins to be collapsed when not in use to save valuable space.

 

Key Benefits of Plastic Bins & Crates

Plastic bins and crates offer far more than convenience. Their design and material advantages make them indispensable in modern workplaces that prioritise productivity, safety, and sustainability.

Durability

Made from high-impact plastic, these containers resist cracking, corrosion, and wear. They are built to withstand daily industrial use, making them ideal for demanding environments.

Lightweight Handling

Compared to metal or wooden alternatives, plastic bins are significantly lighter. This makes them easier to lift, stack, and transport, reducing manual handling risks and improving worker safety.

Stackable and Modular

Plastic crates and bins are designed to interlock or nest neatly, making them perfect for vertical storage. This helps businesses use every cubic metre efficiently, whether in shelving systems, pallets, or mobile trolleys.

Moisture and Dust Resistant

Plastic’s non-porous surface keeps contents safe from dust, moisture, and contamination. This is especially beneficial in cleanroom, food handling, and healthcare environments.

Cost-Effective and Reusable

Because they last for years, plastic bins offer a better return on investment than single-use cardboard or flimsy containers. Their reusability also reduces operational waste and purchasing frequency.

Colour-Coded and Label-Friendly

Colour-coded bins help with quick identification and sorting, ideal for managing stock, separating materials, or organising waste streams. Smooth surfaces also make them easy to label for improved inventory tracking.

At Verdex, our plastic bins and crates are designed for performance and longevity. They combine strength, stackability, and reliability, making them suitable not only for industrial sites but also for service environments. In settings such as hotels and hospitality facilities, mobile solutions like White Plastic Bin Trolleys (tub included) allow linen, supplies, and waste to be transported efficiently between service areas, helping teams reduce manual handling, improve organisation, and maintain a clean, professional workspace.

 

Where Plastic Bins and Crates Are Commonly Used

The versatility of plastic bins and crates makes them suitable for virtually every industry. Their adaptability helps streamline operations, improve hygiene, and ensure compliance across various environments.

Warehousing and Logistics

Plastic crates are a staple in distribution centres and logistics hubs. They protect products in transit, reduce packaging waste, and allow efficient stacking in trucks or storage racks.

Manufacturing and Assembly Lines

Factories use plastic bins to store and organise tools, components, and parts. Their modular design ensures quick access during assembly or repair work, improving overall productivity.

Retail and Supermarkets

Retailers use plastic crates for stock handling, product replenishment, and backroom organisation. Their lightweight structure allows staff to move goods quickly without damage.

Food Processing and Hospitality

In food environments, hygiene is critical. Plastic bins and crates are ideal because they are non-porous, easy to sanitise, and resistant to mould or bacteria growth. They are commonly used for storing produce, ingredients, and packaged goods.

Healthcare and Laboratories

Hospitals and laboratories rely on plastic containers for sterile storage and safe transport of medical supplies. Their smooth surfaces make them easy to clean, helping maintain compliance with hygiene standards.

Automotive and Engineering

Workshops and service centres use bins to store parts, fasteners, and tools. The durability and stackability of plastic containers help keep these environments organised and efficient.

Agriculture and Fisheries

From harvesting to transport, plastic crates are used to handle fresh produce, seafood, and other perishables. Their ability to withstand moisture and exposure to outdoor conditions makes them an ideal choice. In high-turnover environments such as fish markets, combining stack and nest crates with mobile solutions like a Stack and Nest Crate Dollie (with 4 swivel castors) allows heavy loads to be moved smoothly across wet floors, improving hygiene, safety, and handling efficiency.

Across these industries, one thing is consistent: plastic bins and crates enhance efficiency, safety, and organisation in ways that traditional containers simply cannot.

 

How to Choose the Right Plastic Bin or Crate

Selecting the correct container depends on how it will be used. Here are key factors to consider when choosing plastic bins or crates for your workplace:

• Size and Capacity: Match the container’s volume and weight capacity to your storage or transport needs.

• Stacking vs. Nesting: Stackable designs are ideal for storage, while nestable ones save space during return transport.

• Open or Closed Design: Open bins allow easy access to contents, while lidded crates provide maximum protection.

• Colour and Labelling Options: Use colour-coding or labelling to improve stock control and workflow visibility.

• Hygiene and Material Requirements: Choose food-grade or anti-static options if required for specific environments.

Verdex offers a variety of customisable storage solutions, ensuring every workplace finds the perfect fit for its operational requirements.

 

Why Choose Verdex For Plastic Bins and Crates

At Verdex, we understand the challenges Australian workplaces face when it comes to storage and handling. Our plastic bins and crates are designed with practicality, safety, and durability in mind.

• Built Tough: Made from high-quality, impact-resistant materials suited for demanding industrial conditions.

• Australian-Ready: Designed to perform under local climate and workplace standards.

• Modular and Efficient: Compatible with shelving systems, pallet racking, and trolleys.

• Sustainable: Reusable, recyclable, and environmentally responsible.

• Trusted Supplier: Verdex is a reliable partner for thousands of Australian businesses seeking smart, compliant, and cost-effective storage solutions.

For high-volume handling applications, larger capacity options such as the Solid Mega Bin 780L provide a robust solution for storing and transporting bulk goods while maintaining load stability, durability, and safe forklift handling.

 

The Smarter Way to Store and Transport

Plastic bins and crates may seem like simple tools, but their impact on workplace safety and efficiency is undeniable. They keep goods secure, reduce waste, and make handling easier across all types of industries.

Verdex offers a wide range of high-performance plastic bins and crates, engineered to handle Australian conditions while improving organisation and sustainability.

Explore Verdex’s full range today and make your workplace cleaner, safer, and more efficient with smarter storage solutions.

 

FAQs

1. What materials are Verdex plastic bins and crates made from?

They are made from durable, industrial-grade polypropylene or polyethylene, offering impact resistance and long-term performance.

2. Are plastic crates safe for food storage?

Yes. Verdex supplies food-grade plastic crates that comply with hygiene and safety standards for food handling and storage.

3. Can plastic bins be used outdoors?

Absolutely. They are resistant to moisture, UV light, and temperature changes, making them suitable for outdoor or warehouse use.

4. Are these bins stackable?

Yes, most Verdex bins and crates are designed for safe, space-efficient stacking without compromising stability.

5. Do you offer different sizes and colours?

Verdex provides a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colours to suit various storage and handling applications, including custom options upon request.

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