How Long Do Plastic Pallets Last?
03 Feb 2023
Typically, plastic pallets last between 8-10 years, which is twice as long as wooden pallets. They are stronger and more durable and, as a result, able to withstand much higher thresholds of wear and tear.
It is these qualities that mean plastic pallets can be reused time and time again. But are they the right option for your business?
Are plastic pallets strong?
Plastic pallets are exceptionally strong, and lightweight models can typically hold loads over 3000 lbs. Heavy duty model can hold in excess of 11,000 lbs. This far exceeds the load capacity of wooden pallets.
Therefore, when selecting a pallet for your business logistics, it is important to consider the load of the various items you will be looking to transport. Plastic pallets are able to withstand more wear and tear than wooden pallets and have been proven to be stronger and more durable.
View our entire plastic pallets range to see pallets suitable for transporting a variety of load weights.
When should you use a plastic pallet?
There are many uses for plastic pallets, but the most common is for the transportation of fresh and frozen foods, pharmaceuticals and other products which have strict hygiene requirements.
This is because plastic pallets are easy to clean, wash and sterilise without affecting the integrity of their structure. Whilst wooden pallets can be treated, exposure to the elements and possible infestation of bugs can result in them not meeting the strict hygiene requirements surrounding various products.
Do plastic pallets rot?
Unlike wooden pallets, which can degrade or rot if exposed to the elements, plastic pallets do not suffer the same fate. It is not uncommon for plastic pallets to be stored outside, and the materials they are made from are not affected when exposed to various weather types.
This makes them the ideal solution for any business with limited internal storage space.
Furthermore, they are not susceptible to infestation, again prolonging the life of the pallets. Once a wooden pallet is infested, its physical structure can deteriorate rapidly, making the pallets unfit for purpose and, therefore, ending its lifespan.
Their resilience to mould, rot and infestation means that plastic pallets can provide a much longer working lifetime, meaning that they could be the more beneficial investment for your business.
How many times can a plastic pallet be reused?
As discussed, the average lifespan of a plastic pallet is 8-10 years. That is typically twice as long as a wooden pallet. This is also demonstrated in the average number of trips these pallets can make.
Due to their extensive durability and sturdy resistance to wear and tear, plastic pallets can make a number of 80-120 trips at full load capacity. This is between 4-6 times the number of trips the average wooden pallet can make, which sits at around 20 trips.
Therefore, for long standing businesses carrying out a high frequency of transportation, it is likely that plastic pallets will be the more suitable investment.
Due to the current focus on the environment, many would assume that wooden pallets are the most eco-friendly option when selecting pallets. However, plastic pallets are made from fully recyclable materials. This means that even when your plastic pallets do come to the end of their working life, they will be recycled, reducing the impact on the environment.
In fact, at Plastic Pallets, we offer a plastic pallet recycling service where, depending on the type and condition of your pallets, we will even pay you to dispose of your used pallets.
Why are plastic pallets so expensive?
Typically, plastic pallets are around three times more expensive than their wooden counterparts. However, this additional expense is justified when taking into consideration their longer lifespan and wider range of use.
As discussed, plastic pallets can be used between 60-100 more times than wooden pallets, meaning that whilst the initial cost is much higher, the investment ends up paying for itself.
Plastic pallets are typically made from materials which can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle, meaning that as well as lasting longer, they are also an eco-friendly option.
Plastic Pallet Prices
The cost of plastic pallets for your business will depend on a number of different factors; the type, the quantity and whether you require new or used pallets. At Plastic Pallets, our pallets start from as little as £6.42 per unit when bought individually, with significant discounts offered when ordered in bulk.
We offer free delivery on all orders over £250. For businesses requiring a significant amount of plastic pallets, we offer a bespoke quote system, helping you to ensure that you are receiving the best deal for your business. Simply fill in our free quote form online, and an expert member of our team will get in touch to discuss your individual requirements.