Bottle crates are used to transport beverage containers and come in various designs, with some holding only a few units and others holding dozens. They were originally made of wood for milk delivery and later transitioned to metal and plastic. Most modern bottle crates are made of high-density polyethylene and may feature individual openings or an open design. Manufacturers often collect and reuse these crates, but they also face losses from theft. Some people repurpose them into furniture.
A bottle crate is a vessel used to transport beverage containers from bottling plants to stores. While the classic milk crate has long been one of the most popular ways to transport bottled beverages, modern manufacturers rely on many bottle crate designs to meet their needs. Some are designed to hold only a few units at a time, while others can hold dozens of bottles. A bottle crate may feature individual openings to separate each bottle from the others, or it may simply feature an open design to hold the bottles tightly together. Manufacturers often collect and reuse these crates for years to help keep shipping costs down.
The concept of the bottle crate probably dates back to the milk delivery man. Before modern refrigeration and groceries became widespread, dairies delivered milk to customers’ homes every day. These original crates were made of wood and held only a few refillable glass bottles. As manufacturers began introducing new bottled beverages, such as soda or water, they turned to stronger metal cases.
The metal crates were designed to hold larger quantities of bottles than traditional wooden milk crates. They often consisted of an open flush design with a handle, although some featured solid walls made from sheet metal. Over time, companies have transitioned to plastic bottle crate designs to reduce weight and maximize crate life.
Today, most bottle crates are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This tough, durable plastic can be used for decades and is highly resistant to damage from moisture or impact. They are also surprisingly strong and are often designed to carry many bottles in one load.
For glass containers, manufacturers often include some form of separation within the bottle case to prevent the bottles from crashing into each other. This means that the crate can only hold bottles of one size. Removable inserts can remedy this problem and can be removed when using plastic bottles instead of glass.
While manufacturers often do their best to salvage and reuse these crates, they typically face losses from theft by both retailers and consumers. Shop owners or shoppers can take these crates to store items at home or in the shop, costing manufacturers a large amount of money each year. Another trend is to repurpose these crates into furniture, including simple stools and tables, as well as designer pieces.
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