Why Wooden Pallets Are Good for the Environment

Nearly 2 billion pallets are currently in circulation in the United States. The supply chain industry advocates both wood pallets and plastic pallets. Each pallet material has its staunch supporters, all claiming their choice is the better option.

The environmental impact of each option is an important aspect to consider in the debate.

Wood is a source of deforestation and depletion of natural resources. However, wooden pallets have turned out to be more eco-friendly than many anticipated. The following are the facts on how wooden pallets impact our environment.

They Are Sustainable

Wood pallets are highly sustainable because they are renewable sourced wood. In many cases, the timber is for other purposes, such as building houses and furniture. The wood in pallets is just a byproduct of such construction.

Softwood species are also the material for most pallets today since they are fast growing and easy to replenish. The rapid growth of softwood facilitates the maintenance of our environment's tree population.

They Are Repairable

One of the most significant advantages of pallets as packaging platforms is their ease of repair. While wood pallets are susceptible to damage and breaking like metal or plastic pallets, they are quick and affordable to repair.

Common repairs on wooden pallets include:

• Replacing deck boards
• Repairing stringers
• Replacing nails whenever they pop out
• Ensuring the pallet surfaces correctly align

They Are Recyclable

Using wooden pallets has the benefit of being recyclable. You can recycle used, broken, and damaged pallets in several ways. For some pallets, you can turn the old wood into new pallets. Recycled pallets are dry and are as durable as a new pallet.

You can also recycle wooden pallets by converting them into different objects, such as:

• Shelving for books, pictures, and decor
• Gates and fences
• Mulch and animal bedding
• Indoor and outdoor tables and chairs
• Storage chests

 The United States recycles at least 95% of its wooden pallets.

They Leave a Small Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gas a pallet releases into our atmosphere during its life cycle. Wooden pallets reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, a greenhouse gas, in the atmosphere.

As trees grow, they absorb a certain amount of carbon, so half of the weight of a wooden pallet is carbon. During a wooden pallet's lifespan, it stores carbon that trees would otherwise release back into the atmosphere as CO2. By extension, pallets slow global climate change and improve air quality.

They Offer Less Reliance on Plastic

We rely less on plastics to get the job done when more timber pallets are in circulation. Plastic is suitable for industries requiring easy and quick sterilization. Additionally, plastics are ideal for stacking in some storage environments.

Plastic, however, has a history of direct impact on pollution. Because plastic is not easy to recycle, plastic pallets contribute to landfills and sea and ocean pollution.

In addition, plastic production and extraction involve high energy-intensive processes that generate enormous amounts of greenhouse gases.

They Are Biodegradable

No matter the material, all pallets eventually become weak or break beyond repair. The pallet reaches a point it is no longer helpful. Wood pallets biodegrade at the end of their shelf life, making them eco-friendly.

Pallet wood decomposes faster if it receives proper treatment and disposal. As the wood rots, it enhances soil fertility, provides homes for animals and plants, and leaves nothing behind except fertile ground for trees.

Wooden pallets are integral to a sustainable, environmentally friendly supply chain. When storing a palletized load, warehouse managers need to make the most out of space. A pallet rack makes efficient use of space and minimizes damage to goods.