Picking bins (sometimes also referred to as pick bins, picking containers or even stacking boxes depending on the type) is a generic term given to storage containers used in warehouses and fulfilment centres. They keep contents safe and allow for easy “picking” when orders are placed. This makes picking bins exceptionally popular with ecommerce businesses and 3Pl / fulfilment companies.

Lin bins or linbins are actually a brand name for a type of moulded plastic shelf bin. They are available in 10 sizes and 5 colours, meaning they are a good option if a very cheap solution is required. GWP can offer a range of Linbin alternatives, as well as custom sized Correx® picking bins with equivalent performance.

As with Lin Bins, K Bins are in fact a brand name for a range of shelf bins. K Bins however are manufactured from corrugated cardboard material and are available in a range of stock sizes. You can source all of the standard sized cardboard picking bins from GWP Correx®, as well as custom sizes tailored to your specific requirements.

Correx® picking bins are one of the more versatile options available when looking for either shelf or stacking bins. They can be designed to offer similar strength to moulded plastic containers, whilst offering size flexibility too. They are also considerably more robust than corrugated cardboard pick bins, yet can be comparable price wise. However, if you are unsure of their suitability for your specific application, a member of the team at GWP will be happy to advise.

Cardboard picking bins are the lowest cost option when looking for an order picking solution. This makes them quite versatile in terms of if you need to change inventory – and hence the bin sizes – relatively often. They also offer excellent scope for printing / branding too. However, they are arguably not as cost effective as plastic picking bins in the mid to longer term, due to their shorter lifespan.

Most picking bins can be customised in a number of ways, which can include external printing, labelling, adding internal dividers and inserts and whether they include stacking features or even louvres for wall hanging. Correx® picking bins take this a step further by offering complete control over the size, shape, style and functionality (stacking, open front etc.).

In practice, there is no difference between a shelf bin and a parts bin – both are generally used on shelves or racking to safely store parts or products. The major difference between varying types of picking bins would be whether they are predominantly used on racking / shelving, or whether they are free standing and / or can be stacked.

Stacking pick bins are generally free-standing containers (although are frequently used within racking) that can be stacked upon each other (as the name would suggest). These are particularly useful for creating additional storage space during busy times, or where there is no racking or shelving available. The “Euro” element of the name simply means that they conform to a range of standard / stock sizes (e.g. 600 x 400mm, 300 x 400mm etc.).

A pick face wall is essentially a group of storage bins used in conjunction with one another to create a bank or wall of picking locations. This can be achieved by adding shelf or parts bins to existing racking locations, or by using stacking picking bins alongside each other to create your pick face wall.