The term palleting refers to the use of pallets in the storage and transportation of goods. Pallets, as standardized platforms, are fundamental for streamlining logistics operations and global supply chains.

According to a report by Persistence Market Research, the global pallet market was valued at USD $88 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $114 billion by 2032. This demonstrates the enormous relevance of pallets in today’s economy.

Pallets have traditionally been made of wood. However, today more sustainable alternatives exist such as plastic, cardboard or recycled material pallets. The adoption of sustainable pallets is a key piece for moving towards a circular economy in the logistics sector.

Circular Economy: The Necessary Evolution

The circular economy is an economic model that promotes the constant reuse and recycling of resources and raw materials. It seeks to minimize waste and emissions from the design stage.

This model contrasts with the traditional linear economy, based on “extract, produce, use and dispose”. The circular economy understands that resources are finite and proposes new lifecycles for products and materials.

In the field of palleting, the circular economy implies evolving from a single-use pallet made with new wood, to a reusable, repairable and ultimately recyclable pallet.

Wood pallets have the advantage of being reusable up to 15 times if properly repaired and reinforced. Even at the end of its life, it can be recycled and used in the manufacture of furniture, structures or biofuel.

Benefits of a Circular Approach in Palleting

By adopting reusable and sustainable pallets, multiple benefits are generated:

• Significant reduction of waste, especially plastics and wood.
• Conservation of natural resources by maximizing the useful life of materials.
• Decrease in the emission of greenhouse gases.
• Savings in logistics costs due to the reuse of pallets.
• Promoting innovation in new sustainable pallet models.

According to the Forest Stewardship Council, the total adoption of circular pallets in the United Kingdom could conserve 700 hectares of forest per year and avoid emissions equivalent to 125,000 London-Madrid flights.

Circular Solutions for Sustainable Palleting

There are already interesting proposals for sustainable pallets that demonstrate the great potential of the circular economy in this field. Some outstanding examples are:

• KraftPal Pallets: Made with 100% recycled and recyclable materials. They guarantee up to 20 uses and reduce CO2 emissions by 80% per pallet.
• Eco Pallets: Reusable wood eco pallets with environmentally friendly treatments.
• Lightweight Pallets: Use of lightweight, optimized materials in quantity, which minimizes the carbon footprint.
• Smart Pallets: Incorporate technology like GPS to optimize collection and management.
• Cardboard Pallets: Biodegradable and made from post-consumer recycled paper. They would require changes in logistics chains to be massively adopted.

What are the Benefits of Using Plastic Pallets?

According to Ribawood, there are several benefits of using plastic pallets over wood pallets, and they include:

• Recyclability and Sustainability: Plastic pallets are 100% recyclable, reusable, and more sustainable as the manufacturing process re-employs previously used materials, avoiding waste.
• Hygiene: Plastic pallets do not accumulate moisture and are not attacked by insects, fungi, or bacteria, making them safer for infection or infestation controls. They do not require anti-fungal or bactericide treatments, saving time and money when importing or exporting, and ensuring health safety when transporting or storing goods.
• Longevity: Plastic pallets have a longer shelf life than wood pallets.
• Weight and Volume: Plastic pallets are lighter and occupy far less space when stacked or nested than wooden pallets, making them easier to handle and transport.
• Improved Hygiene: Plastic pallets don’t absorb bacteria, chemicals, odors, or other contaminants the way wood pallets do.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Despite the higher initial cost, the cost per trip of a plastic pallet is often significantly lower due to their durability.
• Environmental Impact: Plastic pallets are more environmentally friendly compared to wood pallets, as they reduce deforestation and can be recycled, promoting a circular plastic economy.
• Safety: Plastic pallets do not have weak spots at their points, resulting in lower risks of units failing under a heavy load.

The way forward is clear: the symbiosis between sustainability and profitability involves reinventing current palleting practices under the principles of the circular economy. Emerging technologies will also play an enabling role in this transition.