The world is moving towards all things sustainable, and the logistics and transportation industry is no different. Efforts are being made at various stages and levels to reduce the environmental impact of supply chains, and the rise of sustainable export pallets is a step in this direction. Today, traditional pallets made from non-recyclable items are taking a backseat and sustainable alternatives are being adopted. Let’s have a closer look at the onset of eco-friendly exporting and how sustainable export pallets can contribute to larger sustainability initiatives, help reduce your carbon footprint, and improve your business operations.
Why are Traditional Pallets a Grave Concern?
Pallets are used across diverse industries for transportation, storage, and distribution needs. From manufacturers and retailers to freight companies to food industries, all use pallets for transporting all their products. Considering the number of companies that use pallets for their everyday operations, the daily global consumption of pallets accounts for a significant number. Traditionally, pallets were made of either wood or plastic.
- Wood Pallets: Excessive use can pave the way for deforestation on a large scale.
- Plastic Pallets: It can significantly increase the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Either way, it ends up harming the environment. That’s why sustainable explore pallets are the need of the hour and a growing trend across all industries.
Different Types of Sustainable Export Pallets
Considering the demand for sustainable export pallets, diverse options are available in the market today.
All materials are designed to reduce waste and carbon footprint; here are some popular types –
- Recycled Wood Pallets: Made from repurposed wood, they bring in all benefits of traditional wood pallets without the need for fresh lumber.
- Recycled Plastic Pallets: Instead of brand-new plastic, they are made from recycled plastic.
- Presswood Pallets: Made from recycled wood chips – a biodegradable, compact and lightweight option.
- Cardboard Pallets: Ideal for transporting lighter goods and are 100% recyclable.
Depending on the needs of your industry, you can switch to an appropriate alternative and do your bit towards the environment.
Why Switch to Eco-Friendly Pallets? Proven Benefits
More and more industries are switching to eco-friendly export pallets. Here are some reasons why –
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: As these pallets are built using recycled or biodegradable materials, they help bring down greenhouse gas emissions. So, any company with a focus on eco-friendliness can adopt these pallets and contribute to their sustainability initiatives.
- Compliance Requirement:Beyond being an ethical concern, traditional pallets can also lead to compliance issues. While the Australian government doesn’t mandate sustainability in pallets, certain laws are indirectly pushing companies towards more sustainable practices. For instance,
- The Biosecurity and ISPM 15 Compliance policy prevents the usage of untreated wood as it can lead to pest infestations.
- As per the National Waste Policy, there is increasing stress on recycling and sustainability, thus promoting the use of pallets that can be recycled.
- Lightweight and Cost-Effective: Certain sustainable plastic export pallets like Presswood or cardboard ones are lightweight, allowing for easy transportation. As they are light, compact, and easy to carry and move, they can significantly reduce your shipping costs and help simplify your supply chain operations. Also, they are a durable choice, making them an ideal choice for all your long-term storage needs.
Adopting Sustainable Export Pallets: Challenges
The switch to eco-friendly export pallets is greatly recommended, but it poses several challenges –
- Upfront Cost: Sustainable pallets can be a costlier alternative than traditional wood pallets. But if you consider the lifespan and reusability of these sustainable options, they will prove to be a cost-effective choice.
- Availability Concerns and Lack of Awareness: Sustainable pallets are not yet a popular choice, and most people are not even aware of the existence of such an option. Also, traditional pallets are readily available, but these eco-friendly options are hard to source. At Apaloose Pallets, we help deal with this concern by selling high-quality pallets of all kinds, suitable for diverse uses.
- Durability: Some sustainable options, like cardboard pallets, are not very sturdy and durable and are therefore not suited for certain applications. They can’t be used to store or transport heavy loads. However, as several recycled wooden and plastic pallet options are available, that should not be a major concern. You can restrict the use of cardboard pallets for lightweight uses, such as storing and transporting food and beverage items.
Go Forward in Your Sustainability Initiatives with Us at Apaloose Pallets
At Apaloose Pallets, we are a trusted manufacturer and supplier of premium quality export pallets. With all standard sizes to choose from, we are capable of catering to all your diverse pallet requirements. With quality at the core of our initiatives, you will only invest in high-grade pallets with us. So, with us, make a move towards sustainability and a greener future without having to make any compromises. Simultaneously secure your products and protect the environment.