by Plastic Pallet have been gaining popularity as an alternative to wood pallets for transportation and storage of goods. Several factors have contributed to the increased adoption of plastic array by industries around the world.
Durability and Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of plastic array is their superior durability and longevity compared to wood pallets. Plastic array are resistant to cracking, splitting, rotting and other damage from moisture, impacts, and harsh storage and transportation conditions. On average, plastic array can last up to 25 years with proper care and maintenance. In contrast, wood pallets usually last only 1-3 years before needing to be replaced. The long lifespan of plastic array means businesses have to spend less frequently on replacing damaged pallets.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
Along with a longer lifespan, Plastic Pallet also require little to no ongoing maintenance. They are corrosion resistant so they don’t need treatments like waterproofing. Plastic array don’t splinter or crack so there is no repairs required. Businesses save on maintenance labour costs and downtime associated with repairing wood pallets. Fungi, termites and other wood-destroying organisms cannot damage plastic array eliminating pest control costs. Additionally, plastic array don’t absorb moisture so there are no drying costs associated with them.
Lighter Weight
Plastic array are 30-50% lighter than equivalent wood pallets of the same size. The lighter weight enables plastic array to be loaded and unloaded more easily by forklifts and pallet jacks. It also allows operators to lift a greater number of pallets and goods at one time. The reduced weight per pallet results in lower shipping costs since fewer pallets or more product can be transported per truck or container. It also reduces stress on warehouse floors and racks since plastic array impose a lesser weight burden.
Safety and Hygiene
Hygiene is a major concern in some industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals. Wood pallets can harbour splinters, bacteria and absorb odours that are difficult to remove. Plastic Pallet have a smooth, sealed surface that is easy to clean and sanitize. Nail protrusions and wooden surfaces that can cause injury are absent in plastic array. They are more hygienic and help prevent contamination of goods during storage and transit. Plastic array also eliminate risks like splinters or collapsing wood that can cause accidents in warehouses and processing areas.
Customization
Plastic array can be customized with company logos, part numbers or other product information easily molded into the pallet during manufacturing. This aids in traceability and theft prevention. Specialized Plastic Pallet for unique product shapes and configurations can also be produced using rotomolding and other plastic forming techniques. Such customization capabilities are difficult with standard wood pallets.
Cost Analysis
An initial investment in plastic array may be higher than wood pallets. However, when all the savings over the typical 10-15 year operational lifespan are accounted for, Plastic Pallet actually have a lower total cost of ownership. With reduced maintenance, no repairs or replacement, plastic array end up being more affordable in the long-run. They eliminate costs associated with damages, spoilage and productivity losses too. A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis clearly shows plastic array to be the more sustainable and economically viable option for most industrial users.
Global Boom in Plastic array
Plastic arrayhave seen astronomical growth globally in the past two decades buoyed by their advantages. North America currently leads the plastic array owing to early adoption in industries like food and beverages. Europe and Asia Pacific regions are also witnessing strong double-digit annual increases as industries recognize the value proposition of plastic over wood. Emerging economies are showing keen interest too as businesses try to optimize supply chain efficiencies. The plastic array industry has also consolidated with major manufacturers offering complete supply chain solutions. Innovation in materials, designs and manufacturing has made plastic array even more effective. Going forward, plastic array are set to increasingly replace wood worldwide.
New technologies are further enhancing the value of plastic array. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags can be molded into pallets allowing accurate tracking. Sensors can monitor environmental conditions of goods. Advanced plastics offer improved load bearing abilities. Reusable plastic containers (RPCs) that double as pallets are gaining popularity in certain industries. 3D printing promises customizability at an even lower cost. As sustainability concerns rise, some bioplastic formulations may make pallets partly renewable too. With durable, cost-effective and customizable plastic alternatives readily available, industry experts believe wood pallets’ days are numbered in large-scale commercial applications. Plastic Pallet appear poised for continuous growth and dominance in the pallet landscape of tomorrow.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
