When it comes to manufacturing, transporting and storing goods across various industries, there’s a common tool that is used to carry out processes correctly and efficiently. This tool is the pallet. Pallets have been used for many years in a range of industries, such as warehousing, retail and even medical sectors. Traditionally, pallets are made of wood and are used regularly to stack goods for storage and transportation. However, these wooden pallets don’t meet the sustainable requirements that every industry and person is facing. Due to environmental issues, there’s a huge focus on reducing our emissions in every aspect of our lives, from our homes to our workplaces, and even our decisions. This means that businesses are finding ways to contribute positively to the environment and changing processes and tools to fit this. Wooden pallets may be reliable and trusted due to the number of years they’ve been used, but they have negative effects on our planet- not only due to the material but also due to pests that make wood their home.
This is where the sustainable pallet comes in to transform this tool and cut emissions in more ways than one. Made from plastic, these pallets offer a sustainable alternative to wood that is more efficient and durable. These are becoming very popular for many industries because they’re robust and have a much longer lifespan, while making processes greener. Plastic pallets bring so many benefits to your processes and reduce your negative impact on the environment in so many ways. Discover just why you need to make the switch to sustainable plastic pallets with INKA’s guide and see how you can transform your business.
What Are Eco-Friendly Pallets?
Eco-friendly pallets are sustainable alternatives to the typical wooden pallets. They are usually made of plastic that is long-lasting and can be recycled. However, there are recyclable plastic options that have given old plastic a new life and purpose. These are made to reduce the environmental impact of pallets while maintaining, and even exceeding, their functionality and efficiency. Alongside the popular plastic materials, sustainable pallets can be constructed from recycled wood and other renewable resources.
Are Plastic Pallets Recyclable?
A popular question with these types of solutions is, “Are plastic pallets recyclable?”. In short, the answer is yes, they are. Although they aren’t recyclable in the typical way. They require a specialised approach than wooden pallets. Firstly, plastic pallets have a very long lifespan compared to their wooden counterparts. Wooden pallets can last around 3 to 5 years, while plastic ones can last twice as long, up to 10 years and sometimes even more! This means that even though they’re more expensive and difficult to recycle, they are less frequently thrown away than wooden ones. The majority of plastic pallets are 100% recyclable after their lifespan and make way over 100 trips before they’re no longer good for use. This means you can get many years out of one plastic pallet and can recycle them after use to be ground up, reformed and renewed.
Why Make the Switch to Sustainable Plastic Pallets?
So, why should you make the switch to sustainable plastic pallets? Well, these eco alternatives can provide you with countless benefits that go beyond just being a sustainable choice.
Reduces Carbon Footprint
To produce eco-friendly pallets, fewer carbon emissions are needed compared to traditional pallets. Some can even be carbon-negative when being produced, meaning they cut off more carbon than they emit during their lifetime. This can significantly reduce your business’s carbon footprint by making the simple switch to these pallets.
Minimises Waste
Plastic pallets can contribute to less waste being produced in landfills. This is because they’re typically recyclable, and some are even biodegradable. Choosing this type of pallet reduces your waste and prevents landfills from being overwhelmed with too much rubbish.
Cost-Effective
The majority of recycled plastic pallets are actually a competitive price to provide you with a cost-effective solution. Their initial cost is becoming more affordable than ever before, but the true money saver for these solutions is the durability and long lifespan. No matter the initial cost, you can make huge savings by turning to plastic pallets, as they can last for 10 years and even longer! This means you don’t have to replace your pallets as frequently, so you don’t spend the money on replacements regularly.
Designed to be Lightweight
Plastic pallets are designed to be lighter than wooden ones to make them easy to use. This helps to reduce shipping costs and also minimises the risk of workplace injuries when handling and moving them.
Easy to Clean and Sanitise
Because these pallets are made from plastic, they are very easy to clean and sanitise. They are non-porous and resistant to moisture, so they just wipe clean with water. This is key for industries that have strict hygiene requirements, like the medical industry and food.
Resistant to Chemicals
Plastic pallets are also very resistant to a wide array of chemicals. This makes them suitable for any industry that deals with hazardous substances because they won’t erode from spillages, and they keep chemicals protected.
Combats Deforestation
Recycled pallets use other materials, like recyclable plastic and recycled materials, which reduces the reliance on wood. This helps to protect woodlands and forests because there’s no need to chop trees down for the wood.
Uses Every Inch of Space
Sustainable plastic pallets have the ability to fit more goods in transportation and storage, meaning you can use up less space and potentially save on using another vessel for transport.
What Happens to Recycled Pallets?
Recycled pallets are designed to be recycled at the end of their lifetime or used to make recyclable solutions. They usually get ground up and the parts are reused in other items or for plastic pallets once more. When your sustainable pallet reaches the end of its life and is no longer usable, it goes through a whole process. This starts with disposing of your old pallets correctly by using businesses that specialise in the disposal of plastic. Using these makes it easier to properly dispose of your pallets and less complicated for you. Professionals will come and pick up your plastic pallets and will arrange transportation, take on the heavy lifting and use the correct equipment. They will take your old plastic pallets to recycling centres to be recycled efficiently.
Your eco-friendly pallets will be sorted by grade and condition because some can be more valuable than others. The grades determine the condition of your pallets to recycle them in the best way. Grade A are pallets that have no repairs and are like brand new, Grade B are ones that have a few repairs and have integrity, and Grade C are ones that have had many repairs and aren’t in good condition to use.
From this, your pallets will usually be broken down into small parts and recycled or repurposed into something new. Your pallets can have a new lease of life as bottles, utensils, bags and even recycled plastic pallets!
Sustainable Plastic Pallets at INKA
At INKA pallets, we have a large collection of sustainable plastic pallets that range in style, size and strength to suit every budget and load. Most of our range is made from 100% recycled plastic, whilst all our pallets are completely recyclable at the end of their service life. From heavy-duty plastic pallets to nestable ones, you can find the best sustainable pallet for your needs to reduce your environmental impact and reap the rewards of choosing plastic!