subject: Recycled Pallets Or Newly Manufactured Pallets? [print this page] Most pallets are constructed of wood this is because wooden pallets are economical, recyclable, and can carry large loads over 1,000 kg. Their main use is for carrying and transporting goods over long distances. The most common industries for pallet use are: Grocery, Telecommunications, Military, Chemical, Automotive, and Retail.
Recycled pallets provide a cost-effective alternative to newly manufactured pallets. Recycled pallets typically go through a complete deck board and stringer repair process. It is important to find a pallet manufacturer that follows national standards to guarantee strength and durability.
There are variations of pallets 2-ways and 4-ways. Two way pallets can be accessed with a forklift from only two different sides. Four way pallets can be accessed from all four sides of the pallet. Both of these types can be repaired and purchased as recycled pallets.
The cheapest types of pallets are made of softwood these pallets often find themselves pitches with other packaging and transportation materials. Hardwood pallets are costlier and are often rented or purchased and later resold. They are also most common to undergo repair because of the quality of wood and the cost of these pallets, some manufacturers have found that it is most cost effective (for them and the consumer) to purchase slightly used pallets and repair them for resale as recycled pallets.
What about quality? A consumers first consideration when they hear the word recycled or repaired is quality. How long are the pallets going to last? How strong and durable will they be? Do they still follow the standards? Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to these questions. It all depends on the quality of the company. There ARE plenty of recycled pallet companies out there that provide strong, long lasting, recycled pallets in various sizes. Just keep in mind, that the best type of recycled pallet is hardwood. Repaired softwood pallets or paper pallets wont last long and will have little to no economic advantage to your company.
With all pallets, its important that they are heat treated. This process heats up the wood for a core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius and holds it at the temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. This treatment ensures that no plant diseases or pests are living in the pallets. Heat treatment is a requirement of the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) that applies to all pallets being shipped across national borders.
