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There are various differences when buying recycled plastic pallets vs wood pallets. Pallets are the flat structures that look like suspended flooring. It allows for simplified mechanical handling of supplies through forklifts, front loader or jacks. Of course, you can earn certificates online to operate forklifts. As a business owner, you can choose between wood pallets and plastic pallets. Here are the differences between buying recycled plastic pallets and wood pallets.
Pallet Durability
First, there are many differences in the durability of recycled plastic pallets and wood pallets. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pallets have high impact resistance which helps avoid forklift damages. Wood pallets are reliable for moving small supplies. However, they have a higher chance of breaking during the transportation process. More so, plastic pallets are water resistant and are resistant to most chemicals. In fact, they can be reused as they can easily be cleaned. Meanwhile, wood pallets absorb all liquid types. As a result, they become unstable, produce a bad odor and can be infested or contaminated. Certainly, plastic pallets and wood pallets provide durability in different ways, such as product damage reduction and retailer load rejection.
New Or Used Pallet Price
Secondly, there is a big difference in the prices of recycled plastic pallets and wood pallets. Wood pallets account for more than 95% of pallets on the market. A newly modified wood pallet, measuring 48-by-40-inches, can cost anywhere between $11.25 and $12.50. However, a heavier duty pallet style could be $25 or more. Meanwhile, new plastic pallets can cost around $10 up to $100. Or, you can reduce that price by buying recycled plastic pallets. Of course, plastic pallets seem to be more expensive but they last longer and deliver a lower cost per trip. Surely, the difference in the price of recycled plastic pallets and wood pallets can affect which type you buy.
Pallet Purchase Life Span
While the price of wood is less than plastic, both pallets have different life spans. As a result, one will likely cost more than the other. Plastic has a higher initial cost but lasts longer, making plastic pallets cost less over the item’s lifetime. Plastic pallets have a lifespan of 10 or more years, if maintained correctly. They can usually handle at least 250 trips. Meanwhile, wood pallet’s lifespan depends on usage and repairs. However, wood splinters easily, can become contaminated and gain weak points at the joints. Therefore, they can only perform low to moderate trips per pallet. In fact, the cost of wood pallets and plastic pallets usually tend to break even around 5 or 6 trips. So, if one plastic pallet is used for 10 trips, the cost per trip is significantly lower than a wooden pallet’s. If you run a container moving business, you may want to consider using plastic pallets. Certainly, look at life span when comparing the differences between wood and recycled plastic pallets.
Environmental Efficiency Of Plastic vs Wood
Next, there is a big difference in the environmental efficiency of wood and recycled plastic pallets. Wood pallets are considered more eco-friendly. They can truly be reused, recycled and repaired when needed. In fact, when the wooden pallet can’t be repaired anymore, it can be turned into mulch or pet bedding. Then, after it finally breaks down, it can return to Earth. Meanwhile, plastic pallets can be reused and recycled, but cannot be repaired. They are made from a non-renewable resource and have a high carbon footprint, making them known as not eco-friendly. Though they can be recycled and made into other pallets, they will never completely break down, adding to plastic pollution. Of course, there is a big difference in how wood pallets and recycled plastic pallets contribute to environmental efficiency.
Wide Range Of Project Uses
Finally, there is a difference in how wood pallets and recycled plastic pallets can be contribute to other projects. Both wood and plastic pallets can be utilized for DIY ideas. For example, pallets can be used to make outdoor seating. Many homeowners prefer plastic pallets for outdoor furniture as wood pallets can splinter, absorb water and become infested. Or, you can repurpose wood pallets for indoor furniture by sanding them, painting them, and coating them with protective liquids. A few ideas for wooden pallets are bookshelves, a coffee table or wall art. Of course, you can use whatever pallet type you see fit to create DIY projects. Just be sure to have an operation plan before starting your project. Certainly, learn how wood pallets and recycled plastic pallets can differ when using them for other projects.
There are several differences between buying recycled plastic pallets and wood pallets. First, a big difference between plastic and wood pallets is durability within the workplace. Plastic pallets resist most liquids while wood pallets easily absorb liquids. Secondly, there is a difference in the price of pallets as wood costs less than plastic. However, the cost of plastic pallets cost less when looking at the products complete lifespan. Plastic solutions can last more than 250 trips while wood options can only be used for low trip amounts. More so, wood and recycled plastic pallets differ in their environmental aspects as one has a smaller carbon footprint than the other. Finally, wood and plastic pallets can be used for different projects such as DIY furniture. These are the top differences to know when picking between recycled plastic pallets and wood pallets.
