Wooden or plastic pallets: what are the pros and cons?

550 million euro pallets are in circulation across Europe, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML*. And not all of them are made from wood – there are alternatives to the traditional material. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of various pallet types.

The euro pallet is the indisputable number one across the globe – standardized material flow systems are unimaginable without it. Its precisely defined dimensions simplify loading, putaway and picking for diverse types of goods. In addition, the euro pallet serves as a general, widely applicable standard for goods transport, and can be exchanged between companies. However, there are certain use cases where the wooden pallet has its limitations.

And that is where plastic comes into play. The frontrunner is the blue CHEP quarter pallet – a mainstay, in particular, of food retail. It is easy to clean and is lightweight. That said, it is not about to knock the euro pallet off its perch, as explained by a pros-cons comparison.

Plastic or wood? The pros and cons.

Wooden pallets – The advantages:

    • Lower cost, due to ease of manufacture: starting at approximately 15 euros
    • Eco-friendly: 100 percent reusable/recyclable, renewable raw materials
    • Practical: can be picked up from all four sides, e.g. using a forklift or pallet truck
    • Simple maintenance
    • Easy to exchange, due to wide circulation: the freight forwarder delivers the goods loaded on euro pallets, and receives in turn the same number of empty pallets

Wooden pallets – The disadvantages:

    • Relatively heavy (20 to 26 kilograms)
    • Its exact tare weight (the difference between the total weight and the net load weight) cannot be reliably determined, as the pallet can absorb water
    • Cannot be easily cleaned
    • Susceptible to moisture, mold and moth damage
    • Requires maintenance, due to deformation, production of sawdust and corrosion of screws
    • Relatively short life: must typically be replaced after two to three years

Plastic pallets – The advantages:

    • Washable, clean and hygienic
    • Low and consistent tare weight (12 to 25 kg)
    • Not subject to mold or pest damage
    • Its shape remains the same, i.e. is not susceptible to deformation
    • Long life: over ten years
    • Up to 80 percent recyclable

Plastic pallets – The disadvantages:

    • Higher cost, due to more complex manufacturing process: starting at approximately 25 euros
    • Has a relatively poor CO2 footprint

In summary, there are arguments for and against both varieties. The wooden pallet, however, is probably ahead by a nose – on account of its better ecological footprint and its lower cost. Whether these pros or cons have more weight in your particular situation, you will know best for yourself.

*German only

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