Plastic Pallet VS Wooden Pallet
Advantages of Wooden Pallet
There are many advantages of using wooden pallets.
One of the main factor people choose for wooden pallet is because it is the lowest cost method compared with plastic pallet or steel pallet. This is ideal for those purchasing on a budget.
Wooden pallets are also easy to repair and do maintenance, which is the method to cut cost from pallet replacement. All you need to do is to remove the broken plank and replace with new wood plank rather than replace whole pallet.
Other than that, broken wooden pallet can be disassembled into wood plank and cut into wood chips which can be produced into other chemically produced wood or paper.
In additional, wood has benefits in the sense that it is easier and faster to produce. This is very convenient for those huge pallet consumption users.
On the whole wood pallet is stronger and more durable. It also offers a greater level of security because they boast a high level of friction, this is even better compared with plastic pallet. This ensures that the shipment do not easily slide off when they are on the pallet.
Disadvantages of Wooden Pallet
There are also some disadvantages of wooden pallet you need to bear in mind as well.
One of the main problems is the fact that wood is an organic material and after some time it can quickly warp, moldy, weaken or splinter. Thus, whilst you may save money in relation to your initial start up costs, you may actually end up spending more because of continual reordering costs.
The individuals who handle the pallets often experience nasty surprises because of protruding nails or splinters. Needless to say, a nail or splinter digging in your hand is not a pleasant experience.
Aside from this, wood pallets are extremely difficult to clean. This is because bacteria and fungus is encouraged to grow when wood becomes wet. Last but not least, wood has to be treated in order to be shipped internationally because wood can contain invasive species of insects or plant diseases.
Benefits of Plastic Pallet
Plastic pallets also offer an excellent solution to pallet consignments.
One of the best things about plastic is the fact that it lasts for a longer time. You can expect to get at least ten years of use out of plastic material, thus you can save money in the long run.
Plastic also provides you with another way to reduce your expenditure by reducing shipping costs, as plastic is approximately 30 percent lighter than wood.
You also don’t have to deal with interruptions in delivery. When shipping wood you have timber pallet regulations to contend with.
Aside from the points that have been mentioned, it is also worth noting that plastic is safe to handle, as you don’t have to worry about chipping, splinters and screw nails.
Plastic is also resistant to chemicals, such as alkalis and acids, and thus they can be cleaned easily. In order to remove bacteria plastic pallets can be chemically sanitised, steam cleaned or hot washed. If that wasn’t enough, they are entirely recyclable and can be turned back into a new pallet.
Disadvantages of Plastic Pallet
As mentioned earlier in this post, plastic is more expensive than wood, and thus the start up costs can be substantial. Thus, this is an obvious downside.
In addition to this, another disadvantage is the fact that plastic pallets cannot be easily repaired. If the plastic breaks or cracks, you would have to melt it down and re-mould it in order to make another one. This is obviously a lengthy and inefficient process and thus would lead most people to purchasing a new pallet instead.
As touched upon earlier, plastic does not boast as much friction as wood does. This is detrimental because the materials and products can easily end up sliding or falling off the pallet if you are not careful. Thus, this is something you should be wary of.
Moreover, you need to be sure you purchase quality plastic otherwise the pallet can easily be too weak and susceptible to breakages.
| Wooden Pallet | Plastic Pallet | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High |
| Shelf Life | Long | Longer |
| Antislip | Good | Bad |
| Weight | Heavy | Medium |
| Flexibility | Yes | No |
| Repairable | Yes | No |
| Recyclable | Yes(easy) | Yes(hard) |
| Export Regulation | Yes(ISPM-15) | No required |
What is the size of a plastic pallet?
The standard size of plastic pallet is 1200x1000mm, 1100x1100mm and 1200x1200mm. The others size is not common like 1300x1100mm, 1400x1100mm, 1500x1200mm, 1800x1600mmx 1130x1130mm.
What is plastic pallet?
Plastic pallet is the pallet made from plastic material like, HDPE or PP.
HDPE is High-density polyethylene or polyethylene high-density is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. It is sometimes called “alkathene” or “polythene” when used for HDPE pipes
PP is Polypropylene material
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of propylene monomers. It is used in a variety of applications to include packaging for consumer products, plastic parts for various industries including the automotive industry, special devices like living hinges, and textiles.
How much is a plastic pallet?
Around RM 40-300, depends size and quantity.
How much does a plastic pallet weigh?
Light duty plastic pallet-6 to 8kg per pallet
Medium Duty plastic pallet -10 to 15 kg
Heavy Duty plastic pallet- 15 to 30kg
How many 40×48 pallets fit in a 40 container?
Around 360units
How long do plastic pallets last?
5 to 10 years depends handling method by end users
How many types of pallets are there?
Two types, which are 2 way pallet and 4 way pallet
Why are pallets used?
Pallet used for conveying and delivering goods.
Are pallets worth money?
Yes, it can be recycled pallet and reused.
What is the most common pallet size?
1200x1000mm and 1100x1100mm
What are 4 way pallets?
4 way pallets are made from block design and can be handled 4 directions of hand pallet truck and forklift.
Do pallets rot?
yes for wooden pallet, but not for plastic pallet
How many boxes can a pallet hold?
depends carton box size and total weight of goods.
How heavy is a pallet?
Light duty plastic pallet-6 to 8kg per pallet
Medium Duty plastic pallet -10 to 15 kg
Heavy Duty plastic pallet- 15 to 30kg
What is an A grade pallet?
Pallet has grade A,B, and C. Grade A is very good condition, B is minor defective and C is rejected quality.
How many pallets are thrown away each year?
Few millions pieces in Malaysia. So, recycled pallet can reduce the carbon footprint to save the environment.
Why are pallets important?
Yes, it used for packing loosed goods into consolidated form (palletized goods), for easier and faster in handling processes.
Where can I get old pallets?
Pallet recycling centre
1) PMY Handling Solution
2) Fumika
3) Fuka Industries Sdn Bhd
4) Newman Pallet
5) Pallet Malaysia
What is a standard pallet height?
5″ to 6″
What is the difference between a 2 way and 4 way pallet?
4 way pallets are made from block design and can be handled 4 directions of hand pallet truck and forklift.
2 way pallets are made for 2 direction handling by forklift and hand pallet jack.
How much weight can a pallet hold?
1000kg to 1500kg Dynamic load
3000 to 6000kg Static load
What is a one way pallet?
One way pallet is pallet for export or shipping purpose which is one way without returnable.
Do pallets attract termites?
Plastic pallet does not attract termites, but wooden pallet does.
How much does a plastic pallet cost?
RM 40-300/pallet
What is a standard size of a pallet?
1200x1000mm and 1100x1100mm
How many types of pallets are there?
Two way pallets and Four way pallet
Are all pallets the same size?
Not, pallets have various size.
What is the most common pallet size?
1200x1000mm and 1100x1100mm
How much weight can a pallet hold in KG?
1000kg to 1500kg Dynamic load
3000 to 6000kg Static load
