Aluminum Pallets vs. Wood Pallets

The last half decade has witnessed a battle being waged between the manufacturing companies responsible for the production of wooden pallets and plastic pallets. The idea of sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the battle. The topic is becoming heated due to the ever-growing list of laws and regulations on pallets used for the shipping of goods internationally and a growing sense of awareness regarding green initiatives on a local level. A sizeable list of companies and industries have identified the benefits found in using tough plastic pallets from Reusable Transport Packaging. The problem is; durable HDPE pallets do not prove to be the right match for every business. This does not mean these companies are destined to continue shipping with inefficient and often merchandise damaging traditional wood pallets.

Some production facilities require loads of materials to be shipped that are unable to be moved using traditional wood pallets. To overcome this restriction, metal pallets have been created to offer companies a shipping solution that allows an exceedingly heavy load to be moved on just one pallet. A traditional wood pallet can hold a load of up to 2,500 lb. while a reusable plastic pallet can hold up to 25,000 lb. Total pallet weight capacities are dependent on the construction and composition materials for either style. Metal pallets can effectively double the weight capacity of a reusable plastic pallet! Its capacity can minimize or eliminate potential insurance claims resulting from choosing to use either a wood pallet or a plastic pallet for a load that is too heavy.

Length of life in service for a durable aluminum pallet is considerably longer than that of a traditional wood pallet. Aluminum pallets are essentially built to survive the duration! Traditional wood pallets can be used roughly thirty times without any major issue and can be repaired, or they can be used once and taken to the dump. Depending upon the manufacturer of an aluminum pallet, it can last more than a decade with just a couple of minor upkeep issues. A plastic pallet also offers a long life in service but not nearly as long as a durable metal pallet.

It is important to understand wood pallets are not without problems:

• Wood shipping pallets retain moisture.
• Wood pallets are subject to bacteria contamination.
• Traditional wood pallets can harbor insect infestations.
• Wooden pallets hold hardware that can damage merchandise.

Bacteria contamination of particular concern when a pallet is set to be used for the shipping and temporary storage of food items. Use of aluminum pallets minimizes the issue as the pallets can be easily sanitized and are perfect for transportation of food items. As well as being easier to clean and remove bacteria, aluminum pallets are less prone to damage in transportation.

Aluminum pallets are often produced from recycled aluminum. The material used can typically be recycled again in the future, so when a pallet reaches the end of its natural life-cycle, it can be used to build more pallets.

While the cost of aluminum pallets outweigh the expense of traditional wood pallets, there are benefits enjoyed such as:

• Re-ordering of pallets is no longer required.
• No issues arise with international shipping regulations.
• Lighter weight aluminum pallets reduce the cost of shipping materials from the factory to consumers.
• There are no problems with fire hazards.
• There is no chance for bacterial contamination of products.
• Aluminum pallets help reduce your carbon footprint.

The benefits of aluminum pallets from Reusable Transport Packaging:

• Metal pallets from Reusable Transport Packaging have a high load capacity.
• Reusable aluminum pallets are suitable for an R-Beam system.
• Aluminum pallets are fully recyclable.
• Reusable aluminum pallets are lighter than wood pallets.
• Metal pallets are sturdy for rough and tumble shipping situations.
• 100% recyclable aluminum pallets are easy to clean.
• Pallet models are unfriendly to insect infestations and vermin.
• Metal pallets are not a fire hazard.

Common applications for aluminum pallets from Reusable Transport Packaging:

• Hardware.
• Heavy industrial manufacturing.
• Food services and grocery stores.
• Electronics and electronic components.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Automotive manufacturing.
• Consumer goods.

If any of the information shared raised your interest in an alternative to reusable plastic pallets, your organization is likely a good candidate for our Reusable Transport Packaging aluminum pallets. Contact of one of our helpful Reusable Transport Packaging team members at 727-319-2300 or sales@reusabletranspack.com to discuss transport options for your company.