There’s a longstanding debate in the transportation, storage and logistics industry about the benefits of wood pallets versus plastic pallets. While it may seem like plastic pallets would be the more environmentally-conscious option, wood pallets are actually the type of shipping material you should you if you’re concerned about reducing the ecological footprint of your company. Here is some more information about the benefits of using wood shipping pallets rather than plastic ones.

Sustainably Sourced Wood

You may be worried that choosing wood pallets may contribute to the continued deforestation of Canadian forests. However, over 150 million hectares of the country’s forests are certified as sustainably managed, with less than 0.2 per cent harvested every year according to the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association.

For the most part, trees aren’t cut down for the sole purpose of making wood pallets. Usually, the less desirable parts of timber that are leftover after other manufacturing processes are used to create wood pallets. Wood pallets sourced from the leftover timber of sustainably harvested trees has a negative carbon foot print compared to other packaging materials such as plastic, which is sourced from oil.

Less Energy Required

The other reason why wood pallets are preferable to plastic ones is because they require less energy to make. Plastic pallets create a large amount of chemical pollutants during the manufacturing process, which is dangerous to the environment. Wood pallets, on the other hand, is “carbon neutral,” meaning that its production creates no change in CO2 emissions because trees absorb as much carbon in their lifetime as they emit when cut down.

Recycled and Repurposed Use

Wood pallets have a longer lifespan than plastic pallets, making them a less wasteful investment. When plastic pallets break, they become unusable and have to be disposed of in a landfill. Wood pallets, on the other hand, can be repaired with new wood when they crack or break. When wood pallets are finally finished, they can be recycled and repurposed into new products, such as furniture. The wood from broken pallets can also be used to manufacture refurbished pallets, allowing production to continue without cutting down new trees.

At Pallet Management Group, we are committed to providing our clients with the high-quality recycled wood pallets they’ve come to expect from us. We also buy your used and broken wood pallets, so you can turn your old scraps into cash. For more information about our recycled wood pallet products and services, contact us today at Pallet Management Group.