When it comes to choosing pallets for industrial use, the decision between wooden skids and plastic pallets can be crucial for your business. Both options offer their own set of advantages and considerations, making it essential to understand their differences.
In this article, we will compare wooden skids and plastic pallets across various factors to help you make an informed decision including pros and cons and major manufacturers of each.
Comparison of Wooden Skids and Plastic Pallets
| Factors | Wooden Skids | Plastic Pallets |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Natural wood, typically hardwood | Plastic resin, often recycled |
| Pros | – Cost-effective | – Durability and long lifespan |
| – Widely available | – Resistance to moisture and rot | |
| – Easy repair and customization | – Hygienic and easy to clean | |
| – Lightweight and stackable | ||
| Cons | – Susceptible to moisture | – Higher upfront cost |
| – Prone to splintering | – Limited repair options | |
| – Heavier than plastic | – Limited availability of sizes | |
| Durability | Moderate to high | High |
| Sizes available | Various sizes and configurations | Limited standard sizes |
| Weight load capacity | Varies depending on construction | Varies depending on design |
| Environmental impact | Renewable resource | Recyclable and eco-friendly option |
How Wood Pallets Are Made
Wood pallets are typically made using various types of wood, including hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch, as well as softwoods like pine and spruce. The choice of wood depends on factors such as cost, durability, and availability.
The manufacturing process involves the following steps:
- Wood Selection: Suitable wooden boards or planks are chosen based on their quality and strength. The boards should be free from defects, such as knots or splits, to ensure structural integrity.
- Cutting: The selected wood boards are cut into the desired dimensions for the pallet. The sizes can vary depending on the region and specific industry requirements. Common sizes include 48″ x 40″ (the most widely used size), 42″ x 42″, and 48″ x 48″.
- Assembly: The pallet is assembled by arranging the cut wood boards in a specific pattern. Typically, two sets of boards are used as top and bottom decks, with additional boards placed perpendicularly or diagonally between them to form the pallet’s structure.
- Fastening: Nails or staples are commonly used to fasten the boards together. The fasteners should be strong enough to securely hold the pallet together but not too long to avoid protruding from the surface.
- Finishing: Some pallets may undergo additional finishing processes, such as sanding or treating with preservatives, to enhance their durability and longevity.
- Quality Control: After assembly, the pallets are inspected to ensure they meet industry standards and specifications. This includes checking for structural integrity, proper fastening, and smooth surfaces.
The construction and dimensions of wood pallets can vary depending on regional standards, industry requirements, and specific applications. However, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has defined standard sizes to facilitate international trade and logistics.
The most common size, known as the “ISO pallet,” measures 48″ x 40″ (or 1,219 mm x 1,016 mm) and is widely used across different industries.
It’s important to note that the manufacturing process may vary among pallet manufacturers, and some may employ additional techniques or technologies to enhance pallet strength, durability, and sustainability.
The Largest Wooden Pallet Manufacturers
The wooden pallet manufacturing industry consists of several large manufacturers that operate globally. While specific rankings may vary over time, some of the biggest wooden pallet manufacturers include:
- PalletOne: PalletOne is one of the largest wooden pallet manufacturers in North America, with multiple production facilities across the United States.
- CHEP: CHEP is a global leader in pallet and container pooling services. They operate in over 60 countries and provide a range of pallet solutions, including wooden pallets.
- PECO Pallet: PECO Pallet is a major provider of rental pallets in North America. They supply millions of high-quality wooden pallets to various industries.
- Kamps Pallets: Kamps Pallets is a leading pallet supplier in North America, offering a wide range of new, recycled, and reconditioned wooden pallets.
- Millwood: Millwood is a prominent wooden pallet and packaging systems manufacturer. They offer a variety of pallet solutions, including new, recycled, and custom pallets.
- Pallet USA: Pallet USA is a large wooden pallet manufacturer and supplier based in the United States, serving industries such as warehousing, logistics, and manufacturing.
- IFCO: IFCO is a global provider of reusable packaging solutions, including wooden pallets. They offer pallet pooling services and operate in various countries.
These are just a few examples of the biggest wooden pallet manufacturers, and there are many other regional and local manufacturers around the world. The industry is highly competitive, and the rankings can change over time based on factors such as production capacity, market presence, and customer demand.
How Plastic Pallets Are Made
Plastic pallets are made using a molding process with various types of plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or recycled plastics. The manufacturing process for plastic pallets typically involves the following steps:
- Material Selection: Suitable plastic materials are chosen based on their durability, strength, and other desired properties. HDPE and PP are commonly used due to their strength, resistance to moisture and chemicals, and recyclability.
- Molding: The selected plastic material is melted and injected into a mold using high-pressure molding machines. The mold is designed to form the shape and structure of the pallet, including the top deck, bottom deck, and support beams.
- Cooling and Solidification: After the plastic material is injected into the mold, it is cooled and allowed to solidify, taking the shape of the mold. This ensures the pallet retains its structure and dimensional stability.
- Finishing: Once the plastic pallet is solidified, it may undergo additional processes such as trimming or cutting excess plastic, removing any imperfections, and adding reinforcement features like ribs or gussets for increased strength.
- Quality Control: The finished plastic pallets undergo quality checks to ensure they meet industry standards and specifications. This includes checking for structural integrity, dimensional accuracy, load-bearing capacity, and other performance criteria.
Plastic pallets can be produced in various sizes and designs to accommodate different industry needs. Common sizes include 48″ x 40″ (the most widely used size), 48″ x 48″, and 42″ x 42″.
However, the flexibility of the molding process allows for customization, and plastic pallets can be manufactured in non-standard sizes to meet specific requirements.
Unlike wood pallets, plastic pallets do not require nails or fasteners for assembly. They are molded as a single piece, providing a seamless and durable structure. Additionally, plastic pallets offer advantages such as resistance to moisture, insects, and chemicals, ease of cleaning, and longer lifespan compared to wood pallets.
The Largest Plastic Pallet Manufacturers
The plastic pallet manufacturing industry is comprised of several major manufacturers that operate on a global scale. While the specific rankings may vary over time, some of the biggest plastic pallet manufacturers include:
- Schoeller Allibert: Schoeller Allibert is one of the largest manufacturers of plastic packaging and storage solutions, including plastic pallets. They have a wide range of pallet options designed for various industries.
- Craemer: Craemer is a leading manufacturer of high-quality plastic pallets, crates, and containers. They offer a diverse range of pallet solutions that are known for their durability and reliability.
- ORBIS Corporation: ORBIS is a major supplier of reusable packaging solutions, including plastic pallets. They provide a comprehensive range of pallets designed for different applications and industries.
- CABKA Group: CABKA Group specializes in the production of plastic pallets, containers, and transport solutions. They offer a variety of pallet options that are designed to be lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly.
- Rehrig Pacific Company: Rehrig Pacific is a provider of reusable packaging and handling solutions, including plastic pallets. They offer a range of pallet solutions designed for industries such as food and beverage, agriculture, and retail.
- Plastic Pallet & Container: Plastic Pallet & Container is a leading manufacturer and supplier of plastic pallets and containers. They offer a wide range of pallet options, including nestable, stackable, and rackable designs.
- CABKA_IPS: CABKA_IPS is a global provider of plastic pallets and containers. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of pallet solutions designed for various industries, including retail, agriculture, and automotive.
These are some of the largest plastic pallet manufacturers globally, but it’s important to note that the industry is highly competitive, and rankings can change over time. Additionally, there are many regional and local manufacturers that contribute to the plastic pallet market.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between wooden skids and plastic pallets for your business requires careful consideration of various factors. Wooden skids are cost-effective, widely available, and easily customizable, but they may be susceptible to moisture and require regular maintenance. On the other hand, plastic pallets offer durability, resistance to moisture, and hygiene benefits, but come with a higher upfront cost and limited size availability.
Ultimately, the decision between wooden skids and plastic pallets depends on your specific business requirements, budget, and preferences. It’s advisable to assess factors like durability, load capacity, environmental impact, and availability to determine the best option for your industrial needs.
Remember to consult with pallet suppliers, consider your specific application, and evaluate the long-term costs and benefits before making your final decision.