With an increasing global population, the demand for goods has risen steeply. Today, businesses are overflooded with customer orders. The responsibility to fulfill the demand effectively lies on the shoulders of warehouses. A well-functioning warehouse is incomplete without the required tools and equipment. One of the equipment that plays a crucial role in moving goods from one place to another is wooden pallets. However, growing awareness towards eco-friendly options has put our focus on evaluating the difference between wooden and plastic pallets. So, today's topic is, among the two, which is the greener solution and should be adopted for the future? In this blog, let's discuss this matter in detail and compare the two options.
As the name suggests, wooden pallets are made of wood. That makes them a renewable resource that can be used repeatedly. The use of this material ensures that there is a circular supply chain that does not affect the environment. The usage of wood adheres to environmental standards by being responsible for planting new timber trees to replenish the old stock.
The fact that they are biodegradable brings peace of mind to everyone. They decompose over time without contributing to environmental pollution. Also, while recycling, they do not demand special treatment. We do not even use any harsh chemicals in the recycling process. Even left unattended for years, they do not harm the environment in any way. Also, if the recycling cannot be done, the remaining wood can be used for other essential purposes.
The manufacturing of wooden pallets requires less effort and energy consumption. The procedure is easy and does not require any harmful chemicals. Also, timber trees absorb carbon dioxide effectively in their initial growth. Its benefits include helping meet the climate target set by the government. Every shipment from manufacturing to the retail suppliers requires less energy and carbon intensity. Also, it enhances customer satisfaction by knowing that it is an environmentally friendly product.
As the wooden pallets do require several raw materials, the production process becomes simple. Businesses that do not always require new pallets can rely on the second-hand option. They can get the old palettes at an affordable price compared to the new ones. Also, the maintenance of this equipment is far less than its alternatives. This is because the structure is simple without any complexities, and its parts are widely available. For example, you do not have to replace the entire pallet in case of any minor repair.
The plastic pallets have their importance and benefits. First, they are durable and can perform well for an extended period. The long life of these pallets demands fewer replacements in their lifetime than their alternatives. Also, if they fall from a height by the forklift, they do not crack or bend, making them a perfect fit for many industries. Plus, we do not have to worry about heavy rain or extreme cold. They remain intact from the harsh weather conditions and provide peace of mind to the businesses.
These pallets are easy to clean and sanitise and are unaffected by frequent chemical usage. This makes them a favourite for those industries that require consistent cleaning in their operations. For example, in the food industry, during the transportation of food from the manufacturers to the retailers, it is mandatory to clean the pallets after every visit to avoid contamination. Therefore, plastic pallets are used and cleaned frequently without worrying about damage.
The lighter weight of plastic pallets is the quality that makes them highly in demand. The lightweight significantly reduces transportation costs as more pallets can be transported in one visit. It is more useful when transporting internationally and nationally in bulk. Transport companies benefit from improved fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle maintenance costs. Also, manually handling the pallets in the warehouses becomes safer due to their lightweight. These pallets can be stored vertically, enhancing the space's efficiency.
The smooth surface of the plastic pallets can be cleaned multiple times a day without harming the structural integrity. The fact that there is no gap between the parts makes them a cleaner solution, as the accumulation of bacterial growth is eliminated. Also, due to its non-organic properties, it remains shielded from pest infestation. This makes them preferable for industries like food and pharmaceuticals with a high risk of contamination.
By thoroughly discussing the features of both pallets, it can be said that Apalooso pallets are the ultimate choice, as they are greener and sustainable. We can decompose them without any pollution, and recycle and repair them with minimal cost. It is also a responsible choice as it involves using timber material, which requires proper management of the forests. Using this product caters to the joint efforts made by global companies to protect our environment by using eco-friendly materials. Take a step towards sustainability and be proud of yourself. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs!
