Why choose plastic pallets? Five advantages to improving supply chain efficiency

So, when you think of pallets, you probably picture the wooden ones that are used all the time for shipping and storing things. However, have you ever heard of plastic pallets? At first, they might sound a little strange, but they have many advantages that make them a smart choice for businesses that want to optimize moving and storing their products in a more efficient manner.

Better for the Environment

Plastic pallets are much more environmentally friendly than wooden pallets, which is one of the main advantages of plastic pallet. Wooden pallets require trees to be chopped down in order to manufacture, which can destroy nature and increase the depletion of our woodland areas. This can mean less oxygen in the air and loss of habitats for animals. That said, plastic pallets are made of recycled materials, so no trees are cut down. Plastic pallets can also be recycled again after their use, helping keep waste out of landfills. Plastic pallets are an excellent way for businesses to make a big impact on saving our planet whilst reducing their carbon footprint, which includes the total greenhouse gases they create.

Save Money on Transportation

Plastic pallets are cheap and help businesses save money on transportation costs. Unlike wooden pallets, plastic pallet boxare lighter in weight, saving fuel used to carry the pallets from one point to another. Using fewer fuels is not just saving money but also reducing pollution. Plastic pallets also have greater strength and durability than wooden pallets. This also allows them to last for years without replacing it. If they do not break easily, then businesses will not need to keep buying new pallets constantly. This translates into savings on transportation and maintenance for companies.

Keep Products Safe

The importance of product safety in business enterprises and how plastic pallets play a key role in safely transporting and storing products. Wood pallets can also splinter and become damaged with time, which is harmful to the products they carry. This can expose products to damage or contamination from dirt and debris from the broken wood. These wooden pallets can sometimes have protrusions that could scratch or damage them, whereas plastic pallets have a smooth and consistent surface. They are also less cumbersome to clean than wooden pallets, allowing businesses to maintain a hygienic state and reduce contamination risks. If they fail to comply, these can be particularly critical for food and medical products that must be kept clean and safe for use.

More Storage Space

The superiority of plastic pallets does not come into question in the storage of goods. Due to their standard shapes and sizes, plastic pallets can be stacked in a manner the saves space. This lets businesses fit more goods into the same space as wooden pallets. Plastic pallets are better in stacking ability and can therefore optimize the storage of the warehouse more effectively. Plastic pallets can also be customized to accommodate specific storage requirements, which helps improve efficiency and organization in a warehouse.

Transporting Across Borders Is Not as Difficult

Finally, plastic pallets can significantly simplify the cross-border movement of goods, avoiding delays. Pallets made from wood are regulated very tightly in some countries, which can lead to problems for businesses. Sometimes, these rules slow things down or ultimately ban wooden pallets from entering some places or countries. On the other hand, heavy duty plastic pallets are often exempt from these stringent requirements. That means they can be moved across borders with fewer delays, which makes international shipping smoother for businesses.

All in all, plastic pallets provide a lot of great benefits and are a perfect solution for businesses that want to enhance their supply chain. Shifting from traditional wooden pallets to plastic pallets is one way that businesses can contribute to environmental protection while saving money on transportation, ensuring their products arrive safely, maximizing the use of storage space, and facilitating border crossings. NEXARA has a range of plastic pallets that can be tailored to your specific requirements. Reach out for more details on how we can assist in your supply chain and streamline your business.