In the modern logistics industry there has been a long standing debate when it comes to choosing presswood versus plastic pallets for goods transportation. It is crucial for every supply chain to use the correct time of pallets, but how to choose what’s right for your business?
In order to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods, reduce cost, optimize storage efficiency, and sustainability, you will need to make an informed decision.
Among the most popular options are presswood pallets and plastic pallets, each offering unique benefits. This is why in this Schneider Pellets article we will give you a summary of the benefits of both methods of goods storage and transportation.
Let’s get started!
What are presswood pallets?
Presswood pallets, also known in some industries as compressed wood pallets, are made from recycled wood fibers bonded with resin under high pressure. This manufacturing process results in a lightweight, yet highly durable, structure capable of supporting heavy loads while remaining easy to handle and nestable.
But what are their main advantages?
Buying pallets for shipping and storage from a good and respectable presswood manufacturer ensures that the product will be compliant with ISPM 15 standards. This makes them an excellent choice for international shipping without needing additional fumigation or heat treatment.
How are plastic pallets made?
Plastic pallets are most often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), offering a stable and reusable solution for goods shipping and storage.
They are produced using injection molding or thermoforming processes. The result is a water-resistant and durable structure, often used in industries that prioritize hygiene.
Their easy-to-clean surfaces make them ideal for applications requiring high sanitation standards, like the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Now that we are aware of how the two types of pallets are created, it’s time to compare and highlight their uses. We will eveluate them based on the business needs of affordability, sustainability, and international shipping compliance.
Comparative Analysis: Presswood versus Plastic Pallets
We will now do a comparative analysis based on the qualities and capabilities of both presswood and plastic pallets.
Durability | Presswood versus Plastic Pallets
The design and manufacture of presswood pallets allows them to be lightweight yet sturdy, capable of handling significant weight loads while maintaining structural integrity.
They perform well in dry storage and transport environments, and their seamless, molded design reduces the risk of broken planks, splinters, or loose nails – common issues with traditional wooden pallets.
On the other hand, plastic pallets are known for their exceptional durability. They are resistant to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for industries that require long-term use.
However plastic pallets can crack or have pieces break away, particularly when exposed to UV radiation or freezing conditions. While they have a longer lifespan, plastic is more costly to replace when damaged. Whereas presswood offers a cost-effective, disposable alternative that meets the needs of businesses focused on efficiency and affordability.
Weight and Load Capacity | Presswood versus Plastic Pallets
Despite their lightweight nature, presswood pallets have remarkable strength, supporting heavy static and dynamic loads without warping or breaking under those conditions.
Another advantage is their exception design, which allows the pallets to be nested inside one another. This feature is beneficial for efficient storage, saving up to 60% more space compared to traditional pallets.
Plastic pallets tend to be heavier than presswood alternatives, especially those designed for high load-bearing capacity. They can support extreme weight loads in industrial settings but often come at the cost of added material bulk.
For companies focused on cost-effective transportation, presswood pallets provide an optimal balance between weight and load bearing, making them an excellent choice for any kind of logistic operations.
Cost of Presswood and Plastic Pallets
Cost is one of the biggest differences between presswood and plastic pallets. Presswood pallets offer a significantly lower upfront cost, making them ideal for businesses that require economical pallet solutions for goods transportation.
Plastic pallets, while durable and oftentimes reusable, come with a much higher initial investment. This can be justified in closed-loop systems where pallets are reused over long periods. But for businesses focused on high-volume, cost-effective distribution, plastic pallets may not be the most financially viable option.
Presswood pallets eliminate the need for expensive tracking systems whilst providing a sustainable, budget-friendly alternative without compromising performance.
Environmental Impact
Presswood pallets are the eco-friendly choice when it comes to goods transportation and storage. They are made entirely from recycled wood waste and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional wooden and plastic pallets.
Their production repurposes sawdust, wood chips, and other byproducts, reducing deforestation and minimizing waste. Additionally, presswood pallets are fully biodegradable and can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle. This aligns with global sustainability initiatives.
Plastic pallets, like a lot of products made from that material, pose significant environmental challenges. Although some models are made from recycled plastics, the majority contribute to long-term plastic waste issues. When damaged, plastic pallets are difficult to repair and often end up in landfills. This way they take hundreds of years to decompose.
Conclusion | Presswood versus Plastic Pallets
While both presswood and plastic pallets offer distinct advantages, the choice ultimately depends on a business’s operational needs and priorities. Both are naturally exempt from ISPM 15 regulations, which means that they can be shipped worldwide without any regulations.
But companies, that look to find a balance between affordability, efficiency, and eco-consciousness, almost always choose. presswood pallets. They are the smarter, greener, and more practical choice for modern supply chains
Learn more about presswood pallets and their application in logistics, in our blog here!
