Research conducted by Virginia Tech shows that common footprint corrugated containers and returnable plastic containers offer similar performance when mixed together on pallet loads. Testing evaluated produce items shipped through a typical distribution channel. The results showed that the mixed load had comparable results to a full load of either corrugated or plastic.

Field and lab tests were conducted to determine stackability and strength characteristics of the mixed loads. Also evaluated were the stability of the load and whether the mixed loads tended to shift more than pallets containing only one type of container. Different stacking arrangements were also measured.

The Corrugated Packaging Alliance and the Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition jointly sponsored the research.