PP hollow boards are widely used as materials for refrigerator baseplates.

Nowadays, the applications of PP hollow boards are becoming increasingly widespread. Many home appliance manufacturers are also seeking new sources of baseboard materials in order to further reduce production costs. The use of PP hollow boards in this field will accelerate the upgrading and replacement of baseboard materials for appliances such as refrigerators.
1. Preface
The lower bottom plate, which is an integral part of the refrigerator, is located at the very bottom of the appliance. After the compressor and its housing cover are installed, this component is normally not easily visible. Therefore, there are no specific aesthetic requirements for the lower bottom plate—only that it must meet functional performance criteria. For many years, refrigerators have been using galvanized steel sheets with a thickness of 0.3 mm, which offer excellent corrosion resistance. The primary function of these galvanized steel sheets is to prevent rusting caused by external factors such as water vapor after the refrigerator has completed the foaming process, and to protect the steel sheet from corrosion by the internal foaming material. According to reliability studies conducted on various refrigerator components, the average service life of a refrigerator is about 10 years. When the galvanized steel sheet has a zinc coating weight of 350 grams per square meter (on one side), its outdoor service life—before red rust appears—is approximately 15 to 18 years. Since refrigerators are household appliances used indoors, their operating environment is significantly more favorable than outdoor conditions. By analogy, the same galvanized steel sheet used in refrigerators should have a service life exceeding 18 years, far surpassing the overall service life of the refrigerator itself.
From the perspective of value engineering, the service life of the galvanized steel sheet used as the bottom plate far exceeds that of other refrigerator components, resulting in a mismatch in the lifespans of various refrigerator parts. Therefore, the material selected for the bottom plate should eliminate unnecessary and redundant functions, achieving product functionality at a lower cost while focusing on essential features. The essential function of the bottom plate is simply to meet the requirements for foam insulation, ensure refrigerator quality, and align with the refrigerator’s intended service life.
As shown above, provided that the refrigerator’s service life is met, it is entirely feasible to replace the current materials with new ones that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
2. Feasibility of Using PP Hollow Sheets in Place of Galvanized Steel Sheets
PP hollow boards, also known as hollow grid boards, are plastic products made by stretching and shaping PP (polypropylene) resin. They boast numerous advantages, including a wide variety of bright and attractive colors, lightweight construction, strong compressive strength, moisture and rain resistance, and cost-effectiveness combined with durability. The foam material used on the inner surface of the bottom plate is polyurethane, while the PE hollow board serving as the bottom plate exhibits excellent chemical resistance and electrical insulation properties. As a result, it offers all the essential functions of a galvanized steel sheet as a bottom plate—and at a lower price.
We conducted a feasibility analysis from three aspects:
1. Technical Analysis
Engineering design is a complex and creative endeavor. A significant portion of the design process involves non-data-driven tasks—such as conceptual design and functional analysis—that rely on specialized knowledge and extensive practical experience, all resolved through reasoning and judgment. Based on years of hands-on experience in refrigerator manufacturing, we conclude that switching to PE hollow-core panels is entirely feasible from a technical standpoint.
2. Economic Analysis
Relevant departments conducted a bidding comparison between the two materials and found that the purchase price of PP hollow boards was 4 yuan lower than that of galvanized steel plates, making it an inexpensive raw material for production. Although the cost is low, it achieves the same value and functionality.
3. Social Analysis
PP hollow boards pose far less environmental harm than galvanized steel sheets. The electroplating wastewater discharged annually by manufacturers of galvanized steel sheets causes significant damage to soil; the radioactive elements contained in this wastewater are harmful to humans, the atmosphere, the environment, and nature alike. Reducing the use of galvanized products has long been a goal pursued by governments at all levels and society as a whole.
Zhejiang YORO Packaging Technology Co., Ltd. is a well-established domestic manufacturer of plastic hollow boards, specializing in the R&D and production of hollow boards for fifteen years. We offer customized deep-processing services for hollow board products, including hollow boards, plastic hollow boards, antistatic hollow boards, hollow board周转 boxes, hollow board knife cards, and hollow board pallets! We welcome your calls for inquiries and discussions on cooperation. All employees of YORO Technology are wholeheartedly at your service!
For more information on Ningbo hollow boards and related content, please stay tuned to the updated website of Zhejiang YORO Packaging Technology Co., Ltd.: www.nbyrbz.cn; Service hotline: 18958381786.