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Plastic Pallets vs. Wood Pallets

Wood remains a common pallet material across the United States. But, for a number of shippers, reusable plastic is becoming the better choice for moving goods. How does a shipper choose which is best? Is it time for you to change to a different pallet type? Reusable Transport Packaging offers these tips for choosing between wood shipping pallets and plastic shipping pallets.

The Economics:

Are wood shipping pallets economical?

  • There is a moderate initial cost.
  • Pallet service life is 3 to 5 years.
  • Trips per pallet tend to be low to moderate.

Are plastic shipping pallets economical?

  • There is a moderate initial cost and a rapid economic payback.
  • Pallet service life is roughly 250 trips.
  • Trips per individual pallet tend to be high.

Overall Shipping Pallet Performance in Service:

How do wood pallets handle their job?

  • Pallet construction is inconsistent.
  • Frequent pallet breakage requires ongoing repair.
  • Potential pallet damage increases the damage risk to a product.
  • The wood pallet multi-piece construction is not typically automation friendly.

How do plastic pallets handle their job?

  • Plastic pallets are reliable.
  • Pallet construction lends itself to consistent dimensional accuracy.
  • Plastic pallets boast a strong and durable overall construction.
  • A smooth, all plastic construction protect products from damage caused by splinters, nails or rust.
  • Pallets are compatible with conveyors and most automated handling technologies.

Keeping Shipping Pallets Clean:

Are wood pallets difficult to clean and maintain?

  • Wood is a porous material that is subject to potential contamination and infestation by pests.

Are plastic shipping pallets difficult to keep clean?

  • Hygienic plastic pallets are available.
  • Specific styles and models are sold in FDA approved construction materials.
  • The smooth polyethylene surface is easy to clean. Many models even offer a flow-through design for washing.

Shipping Pallet Safety:

Are there notable safety issues or positives often associated with wood pallets?

  • Pallets may harbor nails, rust or splinters.
  • Pallets are often constructed with sharp corners.
  • Many pallets display an instability due to breakage.

Are there significant safety concerns or positives often associated with plastic pallets?

  • Plastic pallets reduce the risk of employee injury and strains caused by nails, rust and splinters.
  • The smooth pallet deck and contoured corners allow for comfortable handling.
  • Pallet models and styles are designed to stack better.

How They Look:

Will you please shed a little light on the appearance of wood shipping pallets?

  • Wood shipping pallets sport a generic, rather unattractive design.

Will you please shed a little light on the appearance of plastic shipping pallets?

  • Plastic pallets boast an aesthetic design that can be suitable for a retail environment.
  • Pallet models come with customized color and identification options.

The Overall Impact to the Environment:

What type of lasting impact do wood shipping pallets have on the environment?

  • Wood pallets pose unique disposal challenges.
  • Pallets are one of the top ten largest components in landfills.

What kind of lasting impact do plastic pallets have on the environment?

  • Plastic pallets are simple to recycle.
  • Pallets reduce packaging waste and disposal expenses by eliminating wood pallet disposal.
  • Models are environmentally responsible. When a plastic pallet is recycled at the end of its life in service, the life cycle of the pallet has not ended.

To place an order for reusable plastic pallets, or discuss the logistics of conversion to plastic pallets, please contact us at 727.319.2300 or sales@reusabletranspack.com.