Pallets are a key component of the shipping and warehousing industry in the United States. Did you know that in 2016 there were 849 million pallets manufactured?

While most people might associate pallets with wood, there are multiple pallet materials and types of pallets to choose from for your business. If you don’t want wood pallets there are alternative materials for pallets you can use. You can also visit for crate manufacturer.

Continue reading to learn more about the different pallet material types and how they’ll benefit your business.

Wood Pallets

Wooden pallets are the most common and most demanded of the different pallet materials on the market.

Wooden pallets are popular because they are fairly and competitively priced in relation to the durability and ease of repair that you get with your investment.

The ease of repair greatly increases their lifespan and helps you get the most for your money. They’re also a very easy material to recycle, which is great for the environment.

It is important to note that wood isn’t as durable as other materials, so serious damage could prevent repairs. Wood pallets are also difficult to clean and disinfect compared to alternative pallet materials.  Visit plainpallets for more assissance with wooden or plastic pallets.

Plastic Pallets

Plastic pallets have continued growing in popularity with shipping and warehousing business owners in recent years.

One of the biggest benefits of using plastic pallets is that they’re much easier to clean and disinfect compared to wooden pallets. They also weigh less which makes them easier to handle and move. 

Best of all, plastic pallets are more durable than wooden pallets, and when they need to be replaced they are 100% recyclable.

The downside to plastic pallets is that it is easier for them to become deformed under the stress of carrying the load placed on them. It is important to know what the plastic is made of so that you’ll know how durable it is.

Metal Pallets

Metal pallets are popular because they’re made from the heaviest pallet material and they are the most durable. Metal pallets are usually made from aluminum or steel and are mostly used in the metal industry.

One of the big benefits of metal pallets is that they are easy to clean and disinfect. They also have a very long lifespan because of their strength and resistance to impact.

If you’re storing barrels of liquid or chemicals they’re a great choice because they work well with spillage pallets.

The biggest downside to using metal pallets is their weight. Because they weigh so much they cost more to transport from Point A to Point B. 

Cardboard Pallets

Cardboard pallets are specifically designed for lightweight loads. They are great because they’re recyclable and easy to handle. They’re also the least expensive alternative pallet material.

The downside to cardboard pallets is that you can only expect one use out of them before they need to be replaced. They’re the least durable of all the pallet materials.

Now You’re an Expert on Pallet Materials

If you’re looking for new pallets for your business you need to consider the options at your disposal. There are plenty of options when choosing pallet materials for your business.

Each material has its benefits and drawbacks but there is a perfect option for any application you need pallets for.

For more helpful posts about business, lifestyle, and everything in between, be sure to explore more of our blog!