Classic
What is the service life of plastic shelving?
Resistant to moisture, cold and intensive use
Plastic shelving is renowned for its long service life. This is one of the main reasons why it is widely used in professional storage environments such as the hospitality sector, the food industry and the healthcare sector.
In these kinds of environments, storage systems are exposed daily to moisture, intensive cleaning and temperature fluctuations. Plastic is well suited to these conditions. The material does not rust, is resistant to moisture and retains its properties at temperatures ranging from approximately -40°C to +80°C.
As a result, plastic shelving remains usable for the long term even under harsh conditions, without requiring much maintenance.
What is the service life of plastic racking?
Under normal professional use, the service life of plastic racking is long and, in practice, often spans many decades.
This is because plastic does not corrode and is not affected by moisture or cleaning agents. Unlike metal systems, rust does not form and the material remains stable.
The exact lifespan depends on factors such as load, frequency of use and the environment. However, when used and maintained correctly, plastic racking remains functional for a long time without any noticeable decline in performance.
What is the difference in service life between plastic and metal shelving?
The difference lies mainly in how the two materials react to their environment.
Metal shelving can function well in dry conditions, but is more susceptible to moisture. Over time, corrosion can occur, particularly in environments where water or cleaning products are used.
Plastic shelving is not affected by this. It does not rust and retains its properties even when subjected to intensive cleaning and exposure to moisture.
As a result, plastic systems generally remain serviceable for longer in these kinds of environments. For more detailed information, please refer to the knowledge base article on the difference between plastic and metal shelving.
How to keep your shelving in top condition for longer
Although plastic requires little maintenance, correct use does affect its lifespan:
- distribute the weight evenly
- do not exceed the maximum load
- clean the shelving regularly
- ensure it is assembled correctly
By following these basic rules, the system will continue to function stably and reliably.
Ageing of scaffolding: can it become brittle?
The plastic materials used in professional scaffolding are designed for long-term use. They are resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations and daily wear and tear.
Under normal circumstances, there is no rapid ageing or brittleness. The material retains its structure and remains suitable for professional use.
Can plastic racking be repaired if a component is damaged?
Yes, REA’s racking is modular in design. This means that individual components can be replaced.
In the event of damage, there is no need to replace the entire racking unit. Instead, only the affected component needs to be replaced, which helps to extend the system’s service life.
Does the load-bearing capacity of plastic remain the same after years of use?
The load-bearing capacity is maintained, provided the racking is used correctly and the maximum load is not exceeded.
If the load is distributed evenly and the racking is used in accordance with the specifications, the structure will remain stable, even after prolonged use.
Plastic racks available in three colours
Design
Grey
REA storage systems: sturdy, safe and practical
REA’s plastic shelving units are designed for long-term, intensive use in professional environments. Thanks to the combination of materials, construction and modular design, the systems remain reliable under a wide range of conditions.
Want to find out more? Take a look at the page on plastic shelving units.
