Hidden Costs of Using Wooden Pallets and Why Choose Plastic Pallets Instead

Many companies still use wooden pallets because they have a low purchase cost and are easy to source. However, the relatively small initial investment in a batch of pallets comes with lots of hidden costs and risks. In this article, we will explore them in detail and explain why plastic pallets are the best choice for companies that want to optimize their costs.

Here are the extra costs and losses the companies that use wooden pallets incur:

1. Maintenance and Repair Costs

Wooden pallets are quite fragile and damage easily. If a worker drops a stack of pallets due to inexperienced forklift operation, several of them will crack and splinter. They will need repair, which add costs and reduced ROI for the period when the damaged pallets cannot be used.

But even if no accidents happen, wooden pallets are difficult and expensive to maintain. They absorb liquids and other contaminants and stain easily. They are difficult to wash and sanitize.

By contrast, plastic pallets withstand various types of mechanical shocks without damage and can be sanitized using a standard washing cycle.

2. Lack of Compliance with Food Grade Standards

Wooden pallets cannot be used in food production areas. According to the BRCGS food safety standards, these pallets cannot be present in open production areas due to the risk of contamination posed by splinters and microbes embedded in the wood due to incomplete sanitizing.

Thus, food production companies will need to purchase supplementary packaging solutions for the food production cleanroom areas, which comply with food safety standards.

The simplest and most cost efficient option is replacing all wooden pallets with hygienic plastic pallets. This special range of pallets is designed specifically for use in cleanroom environments in the food and pharma industries. They have a simple design which facilitates complete sanitizing and are made from materials approved for food contact.

3. Overhead Costs Related to Lack of Efficiency and Reliability

Wooden pallets change over time. They absorb liquids and modify their own weight. They need repairs, which will alter their essential properties, including static load, dynamic load and stack load.

How do these issues translate into extra costs for your company? Here are just a few ways:

• Building smaller stacks of pallets – taking more storage space in the warehouse and store backroom
• Placing fewer products on a pallet – needing more space in a trailer
• Larger overall weight of each transport – paying larger shipping costs.

With plastic pallets, you can confidently plan your storage space and shipping costs for months ahead. They do not change their properties and remain equally reliable during their entire lifespan.

4. Damaged Products

A lot of product damage in transit or in warehouse is caused by a collapsing pallet. Things can get out of hand if the pallet carries fragile goods, such as glassware or fresh food products.

These costs are cutting into your profits and can be mitigated in only one way: by replacing the unreliable wooden pallets with plastic pallets. Modern pallets are tested for various types of accidents to see how they behave and how much force they can withstand.

Thus, you can trust their tolerance limits and load them up to the maximum value, without the risk of damage and losses.

5. Safety Concerns for the Workers Handling Wooden Pallets

Last, but not least, splintered wooden pallets can injure the workers handling them. Any workplace accident is extremely costly for your company. You have to pay your employee medical care costs and replacement wages.

Also, a company with a history of workplace accidents can raise concerns both among labor protection authorities and potential candidates for your job openings.

The Logistic Packaging team is ready to help your company transition from wooden pallets to plastic pallets. Send us an email to start discussing your packaging project with our specialists!

Share