Are Wooden or Plastic Pallets Better? 

We have all heard it before: Plastic is bad for the environment. When in fact, it is the irresponsible use and disposal of plastic products. Plastic plays a fundamental role in our lives. Many of the products we use every day are made of plastic, including the keyboard used to type this article. Since plastic has been positioned as the villain in our minds, it is natural to avoid plastic and rather opt for a more environmentally friendly option such as wood. Right? The most obvious benefit to using wooden pallets is the cost. When compared to plastic pallets, wood pallets seem to provide better economic benefits than plastic pallets. Even though wooden pallets are cheaper, did you know that the cost of wooden pallets eventually builds up in the long term? If you are buying a wooden pallet for domestic purposes, it might be the smarter choice, but if pallets are being used for business purposes, it should be considered as a long-term investment. Both wooden pallets and plastic pallets have their selling points, keep reading as we discuss each.

 

 What are the advantages and disadvantages of Plastic Pallets?

 

PLASTIC PALLETS
ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
WEATHER AND CHEMICAL RESISTANT	CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INVESTMENT
100% RECYCLABLE – DESIGNED FOR THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY	THEFT DUE TO DURABILITY
LONGER LIFE SPAN (10 – 30 YEARS)	IRRESPONSIBLE AND INCORRECT DISPOSAL OF PALLETS
RETURNABLE TRANSIT PACKAGING REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS
REDUCED TRANSPORT COST
HACCP APPROVED MATERIAL
USED FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
LESS STORAGE SPACE NEEDED (NESTABLE DESIGN)
HYGIENIC AND EASY TO CLEAN
NO RISK OF HANDLERS BEING HURT FROM LOOSE PARTS
FORKLIFT FRIENDLY
DOES NOT NEED FUMIGATION OR HEAT TREATMENT (ISM15 STANDARDS)
PLASTIC PALLETS ARE HYGIENIC
CAN BE USED WITH A TRACKING SYSTEM

 

Purchasing plastic pallets and maintaining a closed-loop supply has several benefits.

Here are a few benefits of plastic pallets:

Plastic Pallets Are Hygienic

Unlike wood, plastic is water-resistant and can be cleaned and washed to remove spills or dust without compromising the material. They are resistant to chemicals, weak acids, and moisture, making them suitable for nearly all weather conditions. 
As a result, plastic pallets not only last longer but are hygienic and sterile. These pallets do not need fumigation or heat treatment (ISM15 Standards). Mpact’s plastic pallets are a HACCP-approved material, making them food safe.
 

Plastic Pallets Are Resilient

In the battle between plastic pallets vs wood pallets, plastic is the undeniable winner when it comes to durability. They are less likely to sustain wear and tear resulting from frequent handling or exposure to weather conditions. Plastic pallets can last between 15 and 30 years.
Their durability allows use across multiple applications, including racking, shop front display, storage, warehousing, and transportation of goods.

 

Plastic Pallets Are Recyclable

Depending on the supplier, and the type of plastic, many plastic crates can now be recycled. Mpact’s plastic pallets are designed for the circular economy, and old pallets can be exchanged for new pallets. Their plastic pallets are 100% recyclable, reusable, and more sustainable as the manufacturing process re-employs previously used materials. Returnable transit packaging also reduces carbon emissions.

For a range of 100% recyclable pallets, why not have a look at the Mpact Pallet Range?

 

 What are the advantages and disadvantages of wooden Pallets?

 

WOOD PALLETS
ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
CHEAPER INITIAL INVESTMENT	ONGOING MAINTENANCE  COSTS
RECYCLABLE	REQUIRES CONSTANT FUMIGATION
SATISFACTORY FRICTION	PROTRUDING NAILS CAUSES INJURY TO HANDLERS
	EXPORT COSTS ARE HIGH DUE TO REGULATIONS (ISPM15 STANDARDS)
	EASILY ABSORBS MOISTURE
	HARBOURS BUGS

 

Here are a few reasons why wood pallets are beneficial: 

Wood Pallets Are A Cheaper Initial Investment 

Wooden pallets are much cheaper to buy than plastic pallets when comparing only the purchase price of each.

Wood Pallets Are Easy To Recycle

Unlike many plastics, wood can readily be recycled. This is an attractive feature for many environmentally conscious consumers and businesses. Although nails pose a risk of injury.

 

 An Overview of Recyclable Plastic Pallets from Mpact Plastic Containers

Both pallets made of wood, as well as pallets made of plastic, have their advantages and disadvantages.
Wood pallets are ideally suited for once-off use and are biodegradable.
Plastic pallets that are made from recycled materials are an excellent choice for businesses that are looking for a solution that is strong, reusable, and offers long-term savings. Pallets made from recycled plastic are also a great way to generate less waste and support a more environmentally friendly and sustainable economy.
Mpact's Plastic Pallets have a lifespan of between 15 and 30 years. Investing in a pallet pool once every 30 years is a rewarding investment. When your plastic pallets have reached the end of their lifecycle, they can be returned to Mpact Plastic Containers, and replaced with new pallets.
 Not only this, but Mpact has made a track and trace option available by adding an RFID tag to products and scanning them into the system. This gives you cloud-based access to your information from any device at any time.
Durable plastic pallets fitted with RFID tags protect products from going missing or being damaged during the ‘last mile’, ensuring that they reach their final destination.

 

Contact Us if you have any questions or would like more information about the Mpact Pallet Range.