Safety tests show the fire risk of returnable plastic containers is comparable to that of corrugated boxes in grocery distribution centers.

A grocery distribution center that switches from storing products in corrugated boxes to reusable plastic containers won't need additional fire safety measures. That's the conclusion of a recent study commissioned by the Reusable Pallet and Container Coalition (RPCC).

Researchers studied plastic containers filled with meat and produce in a variety of temperature environments. The tests showed commodities stored in reusable plastic containers ranked in Commodity Class I and Commodity Class II, indicating no need for special sprinkler provisions.

The tests were carried out by CE Tech at San Antonio's Southwest Research Institute over a one week span. The RPCC worked with a retailer, insurance companies, fire risk consultants and fire testing experts to establish the battery of tests.

"There's been a lingering question about how plastic containers compare to corrugated," says Dave Rogers, past president of the RPCC. "Produce and meat are growing markets for plastic containers, and we want to make sure as we go forward into those markets that we've done our research."

Fears about fire risk haven't necessarily been a barrier to sales of plastic containers, adds RPCC executive director Jeanie Johnson. "But questions may come up as we penetrate the market to a greater degree." This research, she says, is good news for RPCC members and their customers using reusable containers.