Choosing the right pallets for your business: should you use plastic pallets or wood pallets?

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 a 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 own selling points, keep reading as we discuss each.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PLASTIC PALLETS?

Purchasing plastic pallets and maintaining a closed-loop supply have 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 certain chemicals, weak acids and moisture, making them suitable for nearly all types of 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 manufactured using HACCP-approved material, making them safe for use within food processing factories.

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 10 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, meaning that 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.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WOODEN PALLETS?

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 own 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 Plastic Pallets have a lifespan of between 10 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.

Kindy contact us if you have any questions or would like more information about the Mpact Pallet Range.

Mpact Plastic Containers
Atlantis: 021 573 9400
Brits: 012 250 9100
az.oc.ascpm@ecrofselas
www.mpcsa.co.za