Metal pallets are fast becoming the preferred choice of companies, who have previously used standard wooden pallets to transport goods and raw materials. Here’s why. As the global economy continues to grow and manufacturers strive to meet demand by streamlining supply chains, metal pallets are becoming a more appealing option than ever before. They offer a number of benefits over traditional wooden pallets that make them superior for industrial usage in general and for specific supply chain applications. This article explores some of the most common reasons why businesses worldwide are switching to metal pallets in 2022.
Ease of Tracking and Identification
The first advantage of metal over wooden pallets is the ease of tracking and identification. As a product moves through the supply chain, the company producing it will mark the pallets used to transport it. This is done with a pallet mark, a unique code that the pallet carries and that can be used to track the product further. This code can be used to follow the pallet through the supply chain, and then be used again at each stop in the chain to trace the product back, allowing companies to identify any bottlenecks in their supply chain and take action to rectify the problem. Because of the ease with which metal pallets can be marked, companies can use pallet tracking to track their products more effectively than with wooden pallets.
Sturdiness and Durability
A second advantage of metal over wooden pallets is sturdiness and durability. As a material, metal is a lot more durable than wood, and this durability is what makes a metal pallet such a good choice for industrial use. Because of their durability, metal pallets can support heavier loads, and will last longer than wooden pallets, with some estimates suggesting they could last up to three times as long as wooden pallets. To put this in perspective, the average lifespan of a wooden pallet is around 10 to 12 months, while the average lifespan for a metal pallet is at least three years. The sturdiness of metal pallets means that they can withstand heavier loads, and therefore, require less frequent replacement than wooden pallets.
Environmentally Friendly
Another advantage includes environmentally friendliness. Wooden pallets are treated with chemicals to increase their durability and prevent rotting, but these chemicals can be harmful to humans. Wooden pallet manufacturers typically use two main chemicals in their treatments – copper chromate and a mixture of tannic acid and anthraquinone. As these chemicals leach out of the pallet and into the soil, they can have a detrimental impact on the environment, as they are toxic and can have harmful effects on both humans and animals. Metal pallets, however, do not use any chemicals in their treatment, making them a much healthier and safer choice when compared to wooden pallets. The metal pallets are 99.9% free of any harmful chemicals, and are therefore much safer for the environment. They are also better for employees working with them, as they do not pose the same health risks as wooden pallets.
Expected Growth in demand for Metal Pallets
A fourth advantage of metal pallets is that there is expected growth in demand for metal pallets in the future. Wooden pallets are not expected to disappear anytime soon, but timber stocks are dwindling, making it harder to find sustainably sourced pallets. Some countries have started to impose fines for importing unprocessed timber, and a recent drought in Southeast Asia has led to a reduction in timber production. These issues will make it more difficult to find sustainably sourced wooden pallets, and will likely increase the demand for metal pallets instead.
Safety Concerns with Wooden Pallets
A fifth advantage of metal pallets is safety concerns with wooden pallets. Wooden pallets are often found in places where there is a risk of fire, such as warehouses and stockrooms. In the event of a fire, wooden pallets are extremely dangerous, as they easily catch fire and are difficult to extinguish. Because of their flammability and ease of ignition, wooden pallets are responsible for a significant number of deaths each year. In 2017, there were over 5,500 recorded fires involving wooden pallets, resulting in the deaths of 50 people, and the injury of over 1,000 more. With metal pallets being significantly less flammable than wooden pallets, they are much safer for employees and are less likely to contribute to fire-related deaths and injuries.
Conclusion
Metal pallets are quickly becoming the preferred choice for companies worldwide, and Range Storage offers an excellent selection. As the global economy continues to expand, manufacturers are looking for ways to streamline their supply chains, and metal pallets offer a number of advantages over their wooden counterparts. They offer better traceability and identification, are sturdier and more durable, are more environmentally friendly, and are safer than wooden pallets, making them a more appealing option for industrial use. As the demand for sustainably sourced wooden pallets continues to wane, expect to see more industrial users switching to metal pallets in the coming years.
