Timber vs. Recycled Plastic Pallets: Which is More Sustainable?

Every day, billions of pallets are used and moved globally. From timber to plastic and metal or cardboard, pallets are made from a range of materials. But this comes at a cost for the environment and has an impact on business sustainability. 

Commonly, timber has been the go-to choice - particularly when timber was abundant. We all know it is biodegradable due to it being a natural source of material, but what does it mean in terms of sustainability? The modern-day material choice for pallets is recycled plastic. The truth is, when we talk about sustainability, it’s about more than just the material. Elements like the lifecycle, recyclability and economic cost of the material also come into play.

This poses the question, which material is more sustainable when it comes to pallets: Timber or Plastic? 

Timber Pallets

The ‘traditional’ choice for pallets has been wood. Wood is a renewable and biodegradable source, with reports showing that 95% of timber pallets in the USA are being recovered, reused or recycled. (Future Market Insights) But let’s break it down further. 

Source and Production

Wood or timber is sourced naturally through harvesting trees, obtained locally or imported. During global transportation, it’s important to prevent pest transmission, so wood is usually chemically or heat-treated to follow regulations such as ISPM-15 and meet phytosanitary, environmental and trade standards. Any rejected or unusable material is recycled or repurposed to reduce environmental waste. 

Composition

Timber pallets break easily and become very heavy when they’re wet. This is especially an issue during transportation, as the heavy wood increases fuel consumption and carbon emissions. They absorb moisture very easily, which can cause damage to the durability of the pallets as bacteria and mould grow. 

End-of-life

Timber pallets that have served their purpose will be downcycled. As the material becomes damaged and weak, it cannot be repurposed and then is transported to landfills or burnt.

Recycled Plastic Pallets

Recycled plastic pallets, like the ones you’ll find with Re>Pal, are made from 100% repurposed and recycled plastic, which actively removes plastic from waste cycles and gives it a new purpose. 

Durability

Re>Pal pallets last longer than timber pallets. You can replace it less often and reduce manufacturing and resource costs over time as your recycled plastic pallets are built to last. 

Composition

Recycled plastic is easy to wash and maintain, which is particularly useful for food and pharmaceutical industry applications. It is lighter in weight and is designed to be stacked easily, taking up less space and minimising carbon emissions on return journeys. Due to its smooth composition, anyone handling the pallets is safe from splinters or nails that can be found in wooden pallets. 

End-of-life

This is where the real difference happens. When a recycled plastic pallet has served its purpose, it is entirely recycled. At Re>Pal, our pallets are ground down and remanufactured into new pallets, creating an entirely cyclical journey and lifecycle. 

Unique Sustainability with Re>Pal 

So, Re>Pal’s recycled plastic pallets have a more sustainable lifecycle and serve your needs for longer. But what do we mean by sustainability at Re>Pal? 

We’re turning hard-to-recycle plastics into durable and top-quality shipping pallets for a range of uses and applications. The logistics and storage industries are currently the largest industries using recycled plastic pallets, with around 55% market demand. (Market Report Analytics) A sustainable approach is benefiting businesses all around the world. Our approach is a little different, our pallets are:

• A Competitive Price: We produce long-term and durable pallets that are cost-efficient for your business.

• Helping To Save Forests: By choosing recycled plastic, we’re minimising deforestation and the demand for wood.

• Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Choose an economically-friendly approach with Re>Pal and decrease your carbon footprint by more than 50% compared to injection molded plastic pallets; and by more than 50%, when compared to timber pallets. (Edge Impact).

• Durable and Tough: Our pallets are durable, affordable and resistant, so you can love them for longer. And when you’re done, we’ll repurpose them all over again.

  
  

Choose Re>Pal Pallets Today

At Re>Pal, we offer a practical and affordable solution to your long-term pallet demands. We consider your environmental impact to optimise the supply chain operations and lifecycles with sustainable materials.

Whether you need light, medium or heavy-duty pallets, we have uniquely sustainable solutions for your business. Our pallets are long-lasting and make sense, with their environmentally-conscious repurposing nature.

Change the way your business operates with Re>Pal recycled plastic pallets. The sustainable and smarter choice. Chat with our team directly on WhatsApp at +62343740100 or send us an email at infore-pal.com.