Nearly 2 billion pallets
are
currently in circulation in the United States. The supply chain industry
advocates both wood pallets and plastic pallets. Each pallet material has its
staunch supporters, all claiming their choice is the better option.
The environmental impact of each option is an important
aspect to consider in the debate.
Wood is a source of deforestation and depletion of natural
resources. However, wooden pallets have turned out to be more eco-friendly than
many anticipated. The following are the facts on how wooden pallets impact our
environment.
They Are Sustainable
Wood pallets are highly sustainable because they are
renewable sourced wood. In many cases, the timber is for other purposes, such
as building houses and furniture. The wood in pallets is just a byproduct of
such construction.
Softwood species are also the material for most pallets
today since they are fast growing and easy to replenish. The rapid growth of
softwood facilitates the maintenance of our environment's tree population.
They Are Repairable
One of the most significant advantages of pallets as
packaging platforms is their ease of repair. While wood pallets are susceptible
to damage and breaking like metal or plastic pallets, they are quick and
affordable to repair.
Common repairs on wooden pallets include:
- Replacing deck boards
- Repairing stringers
- Replacing nails whenever
they pop out
- Ensuring the pallet
surfaces correctly align
If
you decide on repairing your wooden pallets, consider the
ISPM-15
requirements. Repaired wooden pallets must meet international standards.
They Are Recyclable
Using wooden pallets has the benefit of being recyclable.
You can recycle used, broken, and damaged pallets in several ways. For some
pallets, you can turn the old wood into new pallets. Recycled pallets are dry
and are as durable as a new pallet.
You can also recycle wooden pallets by converting them into
different objects, such as:
- Shelving for books,
pictures, and decor
- Gates and fences
- Mulch and animal bedding
- Indoor and outdoor
tables and chairs
- Storage chests
The United States recycles at least 95%
of its wooden pallets.
They Leave a Small Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gas a
pallet releases into our atmosphere during its life cycle. Wooden pallets
reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere.
As trees grow, they absorb a certain amount of carbon, so
half of the weight of a wooden pallet is carbon. During a wooden pallet's
lifespan, it stores carbon that trees would otherwise release back into the
atmosphere as CO2. By extension, pallets slow global climate change and improve
air quality.
They Offer Less Reliance on Plastic
We rely less on plastics to get the job done when more
timber pallets are in circulation. Plastic is suitable for industries requiring
easy and quick sterilization. Additionally, plastics are ideal for stacking in
some storage environments.
Plastic, however, has a history of direct impact on
pollution. Because plastic is not easy to recycle, plastic pallets contribute
to landfills and sea and ocean pollution.
In addition, plastic production and extraction involve high
energy-intensive processes that generate enormous amounts of greenhouse gases.
They Are Biodegradable
No matter the material, all pallets eventually become weak
or break beyond repair. The pallet reaches a point it is no longer helpful.
Wood pallets biodegrade at the end of their shelf life, making them
eco-friendly.
Pallet wood decomposes faster if it receives proper
treatment and disposal. As the wood rots, it enhances soil fertility, provides
homes for animals and plants, and leaves nothing behind except fertile ground
for trees.
Wooden pallets are integral to a sustainable,
environmentally friendly supply chain. When storing a palletized load,
warehouse managers need to make the most out of space. A pallet rack makes
efficient use of space and minimizes damage to goods.
Contact us
for shelving
units and pallet rack systems.
