Plastic Pallets Versus Wooden Pallets

10 Benefits of Plastic Pallets

1. Recyclable: Plastic pallets are 100% recyclable. They can be used over and over, then at the end of their service life, sold to a recycler – or to a manufacturer like CTC Plastics.  CTC buys pallets back from customers and other companies and uses the material for other projects.
2. Affordable: Plastic pallets are more cost effective than wooden ones. Plastic is lighter, which lowers shipping costs. Also, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of wood is at an all-time high, making plastic the cheaper option.
3. Improved ROI: Plastic pallets offer a higher return on investment. A plastic pallet can make approximately 250 round trips between a manufacturer and a customer, compared to a half-dozen trips for the typical wooden pallet. Plastic pallets also reduce loss from damage – tears, punctures and scratches – that come from protruding nails and the rough surface of a wooden pallet.
4. Longer lasting: The life expectancy of a plastic pallet is10 times that of a wooden pallet. Plastics pallets are sturdier and more durable and can be used multiple times without showing wear and tear.
5. More hygienic: Mildew, mold, and fungus do not grow on plastic. Plastic can be easily and effectively cleaned, using solvents, steam, or water. Wooden pallets are harder to clean and can promote cross-contamination – a serious concern in industries where sanitation and hygiene are regulated. The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act establishes requirements for shippers, loaders, carriers, and receivers involved in transporting food. Plastic pallets help industries meet those rules.
6. Consistent weight and size: Plastic pallets are uniform in size, shape and configuration. They don’t shrink, warp, or splinter. This consistency is especially important for companies with automated production lines, but it’s a benefit throughout the supply chain. Shippers can take full advantage of a vehicle’s carrying capacity, without having to account for the variable weight of wooden pallets. The uniformity ensures easy handling and improved coordination as your shipment moves through different systems along the way.
7. Safer handling: No nails, rough edges, broken boards, or splinters. Plastic pallets are safer for workers. They’re also lighter than wood. Workers are less likely to get hurt lifting them, meaning fewer injuries and fewer worker compensation claims. The uniform thickness of a plastic pallet eliminates weak spots.
8. Better inventory management: Plastic pallets can be labeled with hot stamps, identification plates, or barcodes, so they’re easier to track and make for improved inventory management.
9. Impervious to weather: Plastic doesn’t absorb moisture. These pallets stand up to the elements better than wood and can be effectively stored outside. Freezer-grade plastic is available for pallets that will be exposed to cold or freezing temperatures.
10. Improved company image: Customers support companies that share their values. A Nielsen study found that 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. Choosing plastic over wood saves natural resources,  reduces deforestation and eases the pressure on landfills. It shows good corporate stewardship and a commitment to preserve the environment and reduce waste.