Pallet edges are vulnerable to load shifts and impact during handling and transit. When edges fail, the contents can be crushed or collapsed. This can be prevented with edge protection. Read on to learn more.
What Is Edge Protection for Pallets?
Edge protection (also called edge protectors, corner boards, or edge boards) is a rigid strip made from cardboard, plastic, or composite materials. It’s placed along the edges or corners of palletised goods to absorb pressure and protect against crushing, denting, or tearing.
Edge protectors are commonly used with strapping or pallet wrap to prevent damage from tension and movement. They also help maintain the shape of the load, reducing shifting, leaning, or collapse.
They come in different lengths, thicknesses, and load ratings, depending on the weight and stacking requirements of the pallet.
Benefits of Using Edge Protection
You’ll get more than protection, with the added support on the sides, including:
No damage on the product
Edge protectors prevent strapping from cutting into boxes and protect against corner crush during stacking and transport. That means fewer dented cartons and less risk of the contents getting affected inside, which helps avoid complaints.
Better load stability
With added support along the edges, cartons stay aligned and are less likely to shift in transit. You’ll notice the difference when loads hold their position instead of leaning or loosening over time.
It also makes stacking and handling more predictable, especially when pallets are moved multiple times.
Supports tighter strapping
You can apply more tension without damaging the load, which improves overall pallet integrity. The load remains stable under pressure, even when dealing with heavier or uneven stacks. This lowers the chance of straps cutting into cartons when higher tension is needed.
Stronger vertical load
Edge boards spread weight across the load. With pressure distributed away from the base layers, pallets can handle stacking pressure without damage to the lower layers. And cartons are less likely to get crushed when pallets are stacked or stored under other loads.
Cut downs returns
Less damage means fewer rejected deliveries, refunds, and replacement costs. You deal with fewer issues coming back from customers or retailers. Plus, no time wasted on processing replacement orders.
Keep packaging presentable
Protected edges mean cartons arrive clean and intact, which matters for retail and customer-facing deliveries. Boxes look the way they should when they reach stores or customers, without dents or scuffed corners. That helps products stay in a condition that’s ready to be received and displayed.
Other Uses of Edge Protection Beyond Pallets
Edge protector has uses beyond palletising, such as:
Protecting sheet materials
You can use edge protection on plasterboard, glass or metal, corry board sheets, and plywood to prevent edge chips and cracks during handling. For instance, when moving such materials between delivery drop-off and storage.
On-site surface protection
It can also be applied to exposed edges, corners, and finished surfaces, such as door frames and worktops. This is common during fit-out stages when areas are still being worked on and need temporary protection while work continues.
Stabilising bundled materials
Edge protection can be used alongside strapping (e.g. polyester corded strapping or polypropylene pallet strapping) or wrapping (e.g. pallet wraps) when securing bundled materials such as pipes, timber lengths, or metal sections. The corner boards help distribute pressure at contact points where straps are applied.
Furniture and appliance corner protection
Placed on corners of large items like wardrobes, tables, fridges, or washing machines during moving and delivery. As well as during renovations when furniture can’t be moved and needs extra protection.
Most pallet damage starts at the edges, and it’s preventable. Edge protectors are low-cost, easy to apply, and can be used in other handling and site situations.
You can order in bulk from us today! We also have other surface protection products that complement this, including accessories & tools like strapping cold buckles, strapping cord seals, strapping crimper, and strapping tensioner composite.
For enquiries and fast quotes, email our team at customercare@s-pgroup.com or call 028 9411 0032. SP Group is a temporary protection and scaffold supplier based in the UK and Ireland.
FAQ
Can edge protection or corner boards be used?
Plastic and heavy-duty versions can be reused. Cardboard ones are usually single-use but recyclable.
Note: Reusability depends on how much pressure or damage they’ve been exposed to during use. Heavier loads or tight strapping can reduce their lifespan.
Can I use edge protection without strapping?
Yes, but they’re most effective when used with strapping or stretch wrap to reinforce and stabilise the load. Otherwise, their role is more limited.
Edge boards work best as part of an overall load securing setup.
Do edge protection or edge boards work with pallet wrap?
Yes, they do. Pallet wrap is a plastic film used to wrap and hold palletised loads together. With added protection on the edges, the load’s shape is maintained, preventing the wrap from pulling or pressing into the corners.