4.1 This standard classification will be used to:

4.1.1 Standardize the package size increasing availability, versatility, and acceptability of bulk box/pallet units.

4.1.2 Lower transport package manufacturing costs.

4.1.3 Lower cost/lb of packaged resin because of higher net weight/package.

4.1.4 Reduce environmental impact of pallets and bulk boxes by reducing waste.

4.1.5 Support reuse of bulk boxes and pallets throughout the supply chain.

4.1.6 Optimize lifecycle package cost.

4.1.7 Improve both inbound and outbound freight cost in comparison to non-optimal packaging.

4.1.8 Lower inventory/storage cost of raw materials (need less on hand).

4.1.9 Reduce warehouse space for resin storage.

4.1.10 Reduce forklift trips (carrying higher weight).

4.1.11 Promote multi-industry usage of common footprint boxes and pallets (examples are the automotive and chemical drum industry).

4.1.12 Guide the first-time resin packager as to a successful bulk box/pallet unit now in use in the resin industry.

4.1.13 Optimize net product weight in truckload trailer vans and oversea containers.

4.2 This standard classification will be used by:

4.2.1 Resin producers/converters/compounders/customers to compare with their current practice.

4.2.2 Bulk box manufacturers to recommend a proven cost-effective package for plastic resins in the targeted bulk density range.

4.2.3 Pallet manufacturers as a common bulk box footprint pallet for the targeted bulk density ranges used by the plastic resin industry.

4.2.4 Box liner manufacturers to size their liners to a specified volume dimension.

4.2.5 Warehouses to provide space layout plans based on dimensions of the standard box/pallet unit.

1.1 This classification covers containers used to hold plastic resins with bulk density (Test Methods D1895) of 27 to 39 lb/ft³ (0.432 to 0.625 g/cm³).

1.2 This classification does not apply to any plastic resins with bulk density below 27 lb/ft³ (0.432 g/cm³) or above 39lb/ft³ (0.625 g/cm³).

1.3 This classification does not apply to bulk boxes containing hazardous materials.

1.4 This classification does not address box/pallet unitization requirements.

1.5 This classification does not address requirements of plastic bag liners normally placed inside the corrugated bulk box before filling with plastic resin.

1.6 This classification does not address tamping, shaking, or other compression methods of the resin filled bulk box to condense entrained air and increase headspace in the bulk box.

1.7 This classification does not address blocking and bracing or other shipping requirements normally associated with bulk box unit deliveries.

1.8 This classification does not address filled bulk box/pallet unit stack height.

1.9 This classification does not address international shipping regulations of bulk box/pallet units.

1.10 This classification does not address pallet opening sizes for pallet trucks.

1.11 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

1.13 This classification offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgement. Not all aspects of this classification may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.