5 reasons why plastic pallets are sustainable

The word ‘plastic’ is often automatically associated with being bad for the environment. Naturally, your assumption might be that wooden pallets are the more environmentally conscious and sustainable choice. Based on many factors, this isn’t always the case.

There’s a lot of emphasis on businesses, small, medium and large, to accept responsibility for reducing the effects of climate change. Most organisations have a set of sustainability goals and an environmental commitment that outline the actions the business and employees take to ensure their supply chain is sustainable.

In our industry, millions of companies store and transport goods around the world on pallets. Contrary to what you might think, plastic pallets are a much more cost-effective and sustainable way to store and transport your products than wooden pallets.

Here’s how plastic pallets can support your sustainability goals:

1. Reuse plastic pallets for up to 10 years

In their lifetime, pallets experience a lot of harsh treatment. They get knocked during handling, experience dynamic loads during shipping, static loads during storage, and constant changes of temperature and humidity, particularly if they’re used for outside storage.

Plastic pallets are incredibly durable and can make hundreds of trips before becoming unfit for use. You can reuse your plastic pallets over and over again with little wear and tear affecting the plastic. Rather than frequently replacing your wooden pallets, plastic pallets can withstand up to 10 years of movement.

2. Recycle your plastic pallets into new ones

Did you know that 98% of Exporta’s pallets come from recycled plastics? It’s important that plastic pallets don’t go to landfills, which is where most wooden pallets ultimately end up. Unlike wooden pallets, plastic pallets that have reached the end of their lifespan can be ground down into plastic granules, which are then moulded into new plastic pallets.

All plastic pallets sold by Exporta are recyclable and benefit from our free recycling scheme.
We arrange the collection of plastic pallets that are ready to be recycled, and take them on to our recycling partners to go through the recycling process.

3. Plastic pallets avoid ISPM15 regulations

Wooden pallets are strictly governed by the ISPM15 regulation, which applies to all packaging products made from solid timber thicker than 6mm. If you’re importing or exporting solid wood packaging, it will need to meet ISPM15 standards.

If you repair, remanufacture or modify wooden pallets, they need to be re-treated and restamped to comply before they can be reused. Plastic pallets completely avoid the ISPM15 regulation. This undoubtedly speeds up your supply chain and prevents any unwanted costs and delays.

4. Plastic pallets can reduce environmental contamination

Plastic pallets are single-piece polypropylene moulding that can be easily pressure washed or sanitised if any hazardous spillages or contact occurs. This makes plastic pallets a safer and cleaner alternative to wooden pallets, which are a porous material that traps contaminants.

Plastic pallets are safer for people handling the pallets and the goods inside and prevent contaminants from leaking into the environment, harming plants and animals.

5. Plastic pallets can reduce fuel costs and emissions

Plastic pallets are ideal for air freight shipping. They’re lightweight and durable meaning they can handle very heavy load weights without damage. Lighter pallets use far less fuel when being transported which helps to reduce fuel costs.

This not only saves your business money when shipping goods but can help to lower the carbon emissions produced by transportation.

Exporta’s commitment to sustainability

In addition to 98% of our plastic pallets being made from recycled plastic, and our free pallet recycling scheme, we have an eco-rating system that allows you to choose your plastic pallet knowing its effect on the environment.

When shopping for plastic pallets with Exporta, look for our eco grading system:

• Eco – The plastic pallet can be recycled at the end of its life
• Eco Plus – The pallet is made from recycled material and can be recycled after use
• Eco Max – As well as being made from recycled material and recyclable, the pallet can also be repaired.

We have also partnered with The Heart of England Forest and Trees for Life (Scottish Highlands) to plant a tree for every new account opened with our loyalty programme, Business Plus.

Find out more about Exporta’s dedication to a green supply chain.