In this case study we will be looking at the advantages of using plastic pallets. Pallets are an essential tool in ensuring the operational efficiency of a warehouse or distribution centre. They allow easy movement of stacked goods using machines or tools, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, as well as provide a solid base to pile, store, assemble and transport goods. Therefore, it is essential that you find the right pallet for your business.
The type of pallet, size, and loading capacity that suits your needs depends on your business requirements. When choosing a pallet, the key things you need to consider are; The weight and size of the products you are putting on the pallet, how often the pallets will be used, the environmental conditions which the pallets will be stored in or transported in, and most importantly, the budget available to purchase pallets.
Most of the pallets in use around the world are made from wood, but for a lot of industries the wooden material is not suitable or does not prove a cost-effective solution. Wooden pallets are considerably cheaper than plastic ones, with costs as much as 3 times less expensive. This would appeal to those in e-commerce for example, who will ship products out with no chance of the pallet being returned.
For those who continually re-use their pallets the extra up-front cost may mean they save in the long term. Plastic pallets have a much longer life span than those made from wood and can take far more trips per pallet. While wooden pallets often become damaged after 5-6 trips, plastic pallets are good for upwards of 250 trips per pallet and last for about 10 years, provided they are well maintained and taken care of. Plastic pallets are also much lighter than wooden ones, making them easier to handle while also reducing shipping weights, which helps reduce your carbon footprint.
The other major advantage plastic has over wood in this instance is the fact that they are much more hygienic. Plastic pallets are made of a non-absorbent material that doesn’t degrade over time. This ensures they are pest resistant, biologically sanitary, so they won’t be colonised by harmful microbes like e.coli and listeria. The smooth surface of the plastic pallet also makes them much easier to clean, so any chemical spills can be easily wiped away unlike with wooden pallets.
While we have highlighted many advantages of plastic pallets it also needs to be noted that there are disadvantages to using them. For example, plastic pallets have a lower weight capacity then wooden ones, meaning you can’t store as much on them and if a plastic pallet does become damaged it is harder to repair. While it is simple enough to replace a broken slat on a wooden pallet, if a plastic pallet breaks it is likely that the whole unit will need replacing.
Getting the right pallet for your needs is vital. If you are still unsure and would like further guidance on whether a plastic pallet would suit your needs then give our team a call on 01388 777 700 or email us on sales@pmn-ltd.co.uk.
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