The use of
pallets remains at the heart of logistics operations such as transport and
warehousing. While wooden pallets are definitely the most common to find in
many places, there is a growing concern about their use contributing to
environmental risks that can otherwise be avoided. Pallets made of other
materials especially metals and plastics are increasingly becoming better
options.
Your company
can significantly reduce its carbon footprint by replacing wooden pallets with
non-wood pallets. Wooden materials used in making pallets have greatly
contributed to the problem of deforestation. The pallets made of wood will
definitely not last long and soon end up at landfills together with traces of
chemicals used for treatments in warehouses. Such pallets cannot be recycled
and that also partly explains why there is shortage of pallets required for
material handling as well as distribution of finished products to retail outlets.
Even the weight associated with wood increases the amount of fuel consumed
during transportation thus more emissions of greenhouse gases.
Depending on
your material or product handling requirements whether at a warehouse or during
transportation, you should choose metal pallets or plastic pallets. These
pallets offer by far more benefits in many ways compared to wooden pallets. You
get more durable pallets that can handle more weights thus more efficiency in
your operations. Pallets made of aluminum or plastic have the advantage of
being recycled into new ones while ensuring consistent quality. That
significantly reduces waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
Metal and plastic materials are molded utilizing modern technology into
lightweight pallets of any desired size and features that further enhance
handling efficiency for the best practices in warehousing, shipping or
transport operations.
Wooden pallets
are of inferior quality compared to metal or plastic pallets that can increase
many times the weight of materials or goods handled. They are also easy to
clean and meet high hygienic requirements demanded in some industries
especially those dealing with foods and medicines. Stainless steel pallets for
instance will be commonly used in hospitals, restaurants and similar
environments where hygienic operations are given great priority. Although
wooden pallets will still continue to be used for the foreseeable future,
without strict use they can increase risks in many ways. Wood in some
conditions will facilitate growth of harmful bacteria, while if some chemicals
are used for treatment will pose risks to the environment.
With the voice
to reduce carbon footprint growing louder and not only for business
organizations but individuals as well, it is important to replace your wooden
pallets with metal pallets or plastic pallets. This will definitely present
significant cost savings over the long-term as you wouldn’t need frequent
replacements. International shipment requirements are also increasingly
discouraging use of wooden pallets and therefore making informed choices when
buying pallets is necessary.
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