Plastic Pallets Save Trees…and Money
22 Mar 2015
The popularity of plastic pallets is now spreading further afield, with companies in more nations realising the benefits that they can bring. With deforestation becoming a major global concern, plastic is seen as a true alternative to timber with both financial and environmental benefits. The use of plastic pallets can be a long-term solution to the destruction of our natural world, as well as enable businesses to save money on their transportation costs.
Environmental Benefits of Plastic
Companies are now starting to see the effects that their own actions are having on the environment. They understand that everyone has to make a combined effort to reduce the damage we are causing and that even small changes can make a big difference. Forests are disappearing at an unsustainable rate, and as we require these areas in order to survive, it’s important that everyone does their bit to save them.
Plastic pallets are extremely durable and can be reused many times. In normal circumstances, this can be as much as 10 times more often than a timber pallet. This reduces the impact of the manufacturing process, as fewer new pallets are required.
One of the benefits of plastic pallets is that they can be produced using recycled materials, as well as being recyclable when they come to the end of their life. This makes them more of a sustainable solution and limits the levels of carbon that are used during production.
The Global Benefits of Plastic
Plastic pallets are now being used across the globe, with even African nations seeing the benefits they can bring. Deforestation is a global issue, and with goods being transported across the world at an ever-increasing rate, it’s vital that every country, from small nations to world powers, is seen to be making an effort.
Pallets manufactured from plastic are also exempt from the ISPM15 regulations, which affect timber products. This means that they don’t require treatment before being shipped globally, which makes it simpler for businesses exporting goods.
The Financial Benefits
As well as being better for the environment, plastic pallets can also help a company’s financial situation. This is due to a number of reasons, including the fact that they are extremely durable and will last longer than timber products. The initial cost of a plastic pallet is greater, but over the life of the product this will come down considerably when compared to timber.
These types of pallets might be strong, but they are also lightweight, which can reduce the cost of transporting goods. The empty pallet will weigh less so doesn’t add as much to the export costs. They can also be stacked when empty, so trailers can carry more in one journey, decreasing the cost of fuel.
Handling Benefits
On top of the financial and environmental advantages, plastic pallets also provide a safer and easier handling option. They offer advantages when used in automatic handling systems, as they can be custom-built for specific racking systems. This means that they are designed to fit precisely, using up all the available space. They are simple for forklifts to handle, and you know precisely what the load capacity is, so there is no risk of overloading.
For businesses that are searching for a sustainable and cost-effective packaging solution, plastic pallets can provide everything they require. They offer a strong and durable container which reduces environmental damage and provides financial advantages.