stillage

Stillage is a term used in logistics and manufacturing to describe a frame, container, or platform designed to hold and move goods. Stillages are typically used with pallets and can be rigid or collapsible. They are usually made from steel, aluminum, or heavy-duty plastic and may be open-topped or enclosed, with sides, lids, and sometimes secure fastenings. Many stillages are designed to be stackable or nestable to maximize storage space. They are typically forklift- or pallet-jack-accessible and sized to standard pallet footprints to facilitate handling in warehouses, distribution centers, and transport networks. Returnable stillage systems support reusable transport in closed-loop supply chains and help protect goods, reduce packaging waste, and improve handling efficiency.

Stillage designs vary in size, load capacity, and environmental resistance. Common configurations include two- and four-way entry, with different wall heights and wall thicknesses. In many industries—such as food and beverage, automotive, and consumer goods—stillage is used to organize, stabilize, and protect items during storage and transit. When returned, empty stillages can be cleaned and repaired before reentry into the supply chain. Regulations may govern cleaning, inspection, and repair schedules to ensure safety and hygiene.

In another sense, stillage refers to the residual liquid and solid fraction remaining after fermentation and distillation in brewing, distilling, and related industries. This stillage has a high organic content and is typically treated in wastewater treatment systems or processed in anaerobic digestion to recover energy. Depending on local regulations, components of stillage may be reused in agriculture or animal feed after appropriate processing.