Why Do Plastic Pallets Have An Edge OverTheirWoodenCounterparts?
Wooden pallets are most commonly in the manufacturing & logistics industry. They have a reputation as one of the cheaper alternatives and can be reused and repaired throughout their lifespan. However, wooden pallets are very heavy and breakable, so they need to be replaced regularly. In addition, wooden pallets are difficult to clean due to the uneven surface and high risk of infection and contamination when wet. In recent years, pallets have been made from an increasing variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and even cardboard. Plastic pallets are the fastest-growing alternative to their wood counterparts.
Plastic pallets are long-lasting
Plastic pallets are more durable than wooden pallets because they break down less frequently during repeated trips. These pallets are ideal for transporting heavy cargo during shipping and moving around a
warehouse with a forklift. Furthermore, they are more resistant to weather during transportation than wooden pallets.
Cost-effective
Since plastic pallets tend to be lighter than wooden pallets, the load rates will be lower whether by land, sea, or air. A major advantage of plastic pallets over wooden pallets is their nestable capabilities. Nestable pallets often have a nine-leg bottom that nests inside other pallets, saving valuable space in the warehouse. While plastic pallets typically have a higher initial cost, the cost per trip of plastic pallets is often significantly lower due to their durability. In recent years, new technological breakthroughs have reduced the cost of plastic pallets to the equivalent of wooden pallets.
Plastic Pallets Ensure hygiene
Since plastic pallets do not absorb moisture, common problems with wooden pallets such as rotting, insect infestation, sanitization, and smell absorption are no longer a problem. Unlike other types of pallets, plastic pallets are usually inflexible. As a result, the smooth surface of plastic pallets can be cleaned easily and thoroughly between uses. Plastic pallets are ideal for industries subject to regulatory and hygienic requirements such as pharmaceuticals, food, and beverage.
Environmentally friendly plastic pallets
Plastic pallets are more environmentally friendly than wooden pallets because choosing plastic pallets over wooden pallets helps reduce deforestation. Plastic pallets made from recycled plastic will further promote a circular plastic economy where waste is minimized instead of produced.
It's Your Choice At Last
Although plastic pallets offer many advantages over wooden pallets, the choice to use one or the other ultimately depends on the purpose of the pallet. If pallets are used to ship goods overseas with a low probability of returns, a cheaper alternative like wood pallets would be ideal. However, if the purpose of the pallet is to be reused for multiple trips to the same store or your warehouse, a durable alternative like Plastic pallets is a more economical option. Making that decision is easier with pallets designed to meet different needs. Our lightweight plastic pallet boxes at Beecraft UK Limited are perfect for export, while our stackable and heavy-duty pallets are ideal when it comes to durability.
