Whether to use wood or plastic pallets has long been a debate in the logistics industry. Both have advantages, depending on the circumstances. Some argue that wood, the traditional favourite, is far more cost effective. Others say that plastic pallet last longer and cost less to maintain, making them more economical over their working lives. Whatever your opinion, recent years have seen the debate intensify dramatically.
So what happened? Put simply, a short supply of wood meant pallet prices rocketed. Fears of bird-flu spreading to the UK provoked contamination fears, and legislation to control pest problems meant increased shipping costs for wooden pallets. Plastic pallets have come down in real-term price too, making them more economical. These issues have put the use of wooden pallets under severe scrutiny.
Looking at these issues in detail, the most worrying is the depleting supply of timber. Demand far outweighs the supply and as a result, the worlds forests are being felled faster than they can grow. Forests prevent soil erosion and help stabilize the worlds climate, consequently this is an environmental concern. The cost implications have been enormous and have thrown the economical advantages of wood pallets into sharp question.