Pallets are an indispensable part of the logistics and supply chain management world. You may ask: what is the difference between wood and plastic pallets?
Traditional wood pallets have benefitted from modern technological innovations for more efficient and cost-effective production, export-ready pest treatments, and the ability to customise and make fit-for-purpose sizing and capacities.
A newer addition to the game is plastic pallets – these have both a higher initial cost and a significantly longer lifespan than wooden ones.
When it comes to which is better for use in various industries, harsh conditions, and cost effectiveness, which is the right pallet for you?
Why choose wood pallets?
Timber pallets and packaging have long been the industry standard – and for good reason. While wood can absorb moisture or become damaged during travel, they have many advantages over plastic pallets. Wooden pallets are:
Cost effective
Wood pallets are typically the more economic option, proving more cost-effective than plastic pallets (especially in larger quantities). You can also purchase second hand pallets for a reduced cost, or have wooden pallets repaired to extend their lifespan, which is ideal for businesses with tighter budget constraints.
Versatile for your needs
Wood pallets are versatile both in terms of the handling equipment they are compatible with (such as forklifts, pallet jacks and conveyor systems) – and in how they can be made to any specifications by a trusted manufacturer.
For example, our Pallet Design System (PDS) allows us to manufacture custom and oversize pallets tailored to our clients’ specific requirements. This is a highly efficient process, and means we can reduce costs and guarantee a quick turnaround with minimal lead time for every order.
Wood holds more weight
Plastic pallets are designed with a weight rating that cannot be changed. Wood, though, can be reinforced to accommodate almost any load.
Standard pallets are either light duty (up to one tonne) or heavy duty (up to two tonne). Again, our state-of-the-art pallet design software allows us to produce pallets to suit your requirements – including wood pallets in excess of a 10 tonne safe work load, ideal for mining and other heavy industry applications.
Recyclable & sustainably sourced
Wood is a renewable source, and can be ethically supplied through sustainable forestry chains. Wood can also be recycled and made into other products. Our pallet recycling program helps divert pallets that are beyond repair from landfill, instead repurposing them into things like sawdust and animal bedding.
As WA’s only PEFC-certified (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) pallet manufacturer and supplier, West Coast Pallets & Crates sources only sustainably-grown timber to manufacture our wood pallets, crates, gluts, and other products. This ensures a consistent supply for generations to come.
Plastic pallets
The argument for plastic pallets is mainly around their durability. They can last longer than their wooden counterparts, are lighter weight, and don’t need phytosanitary treatments for export purposes like wooden pallets do.
Plastic pallets have a higher initial purchase price, which isn’t ideal considering most export pallets go on a one-way trip to the destination country.
Plastic pallets vs wood: Environmental impact
Plastic pallets are often touted as environmentally friendly because they have a longer lifespan (more trips per unit) than wood. However, making them requires non-renewable sources like petroleum or natural gas products. This means a bigger carbon footprint right from the start.
A comparative assessment from Pennsylvania State University indicates that on a one-trip basis, wooden pallets that are heat treated have a 71.8% lower carbon footprint than plastic pallets – with differences becoming even more significant over a 100,000-trips comparison.
Making new plastic pallets has significant environmental impacts:
- Generates up to 166kg CO2-eq (up to 40 times more than wood pallets)
- Uses 104kWh of energy per square metre on average (wooden pallets use only 0.69kWh per sqm – roughly 150 times less energy)
Plastic recycling options are more limited than wood as plastic pallets must be melted down. The product can be difficult to repair – replacing boards on a timber pallet is easier and quicker than trying to fix moulded plastic pallets.
Practical considerations
Plastic pallets do have their benefits; they’re moisture resistant, and can be reused many times more than wood. They have a non-porous surface, making them a popular choice for fresh food or pharmaceuticals with strict hygiene requirements. Some say the absence of nails and splinters in plastic pallets makes them less of a hazard in manual handling.
Yet – plastic doesn’t have the same weight capacity as wood, meaning they aren’t suitable for heavy loads. The material is also slippery, making it a more dangerous choice for stacking as heavy pallets can fall and cause property damage or injury.
While plastic pallets will work for some industries and applications, others will find them entirely impractical.
Which pallets are best for export?
That depends largely on what you’re trying to ship, and where you’re shipping to. Many businesses prefer wooden pallets for export because:
- Wood is easily treated to ISPM15 standards to get rid of pests, making plastic’s pest resistance a non-issue
- Wooden pallets are much cheaper, which is ideal for one-way export trips
- While most export pallets and crates will be a standard size, we can make custom pallets to any configurations or strength ratings to suit your packaging needs.
Plastic pallets tend to be favoured for transporting goods like fresh or frozen food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. This is because plastic is easier to sterilise, which makes it easier in turn for these suppliers to stick to industry hygiene requirements. They’re also lighter than wood, which can be appealing for air freight.
However, plastic pallets can get expensive fast in export situations. Usually if you ship products overseas, or otherwise outbound with no way to get them returned, you would not be opting for the more expensive plastic pallets – unless you were required to for regulatory reasons.
Related: ISPM 15 Pallets: Everything You Need To Know
Which pallets are more eco-friendly?
Wood is undoubtedly more eco-friendly than plastic. While plastic pallets do spend longer in use before being retired (plastic pallets can make up to 10x more trips than wood on average), the process of manufacturing and recycling is not environmentally sound.
Wood can be grown sustainably, repaired, recycled, and is naturally biodegradable over time where discarded plastic will remain as waste. Plus, forests grown in sustainable timber supply chains act as carbon sinks – reducing emissions further.
West Coast Pallets & Crates is committed to environmental sustainability – we back our values with our actions, working to reduce emissions and waste while honouring our PEFC certification. Find out more about our sustainability commitments and how we reduce our environmental impact, both on site and in our supply chain.
Plastic vs Wooden Pallets: Which is better overall?
Wood pallets are the more versatile, practical and affordable choice in many situations. They’re durable, sustainably sourced, and can be built for greater load-bearing capacity.
If you’re working out logistics for your business needs, make high quality and affordable pallets one less thing to worry about. West Coast Pallets & Crates makes standard and custom wood pallets (available in both pine and hardwood) from our site in Bibra Lake, Perth. We make what you need to keep your product safe during shipping, handling, and storage, with fast delivery for your convenience.
Our team has the expert advice and cutting-edge technology to transport your goods safely, wherever they need to go.
Why not call 08 9434 3935 or email WA’s premier pallet manufacturers today to find out more about the wide range of quality pallets we have for sale – many of which we hold in stock, making turnaround fast and easy for our customers.
