material handling update | Pallets, Containers & Packaging Wood pallets still reign supreme, but they’re not right for every application. Here’s a look at some alternatives. In the pallet world, wood has always been king, traditionally claiming about a 95-percent share of the overall market. And for good reason; there’s a lot about the material to love. "It is cheap, strong, and safe," says Laszlo Horvath, director for the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech. But wood does have its disadvantages. For starters, there’s the risk of splinters and protruding nails. And because wood pallets can harbor insects, pathogens, and mold, there’s the issue of sanitation. Drawbacks like these have driven interest in "alternative" pallets made from materials such as plastic, paper, and metal. "For pretty much every disadvantage that wood has, there is a pallet out there that helps users [avoid] that problem," says Horvath. So what’s the best type of pallet to use? As is often the case, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the choice will vary with the application. What follows is a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each type of material and the applications to which it is best suited. PLASTIC: CLEAN BUT COSTLY Next to wood, plastic is the most common material used for making pallets. Studies show that plastic accounts for 11 percent of the market demand, with 37 percent of pallet users employing at least some plastic units, according to Horvath. And interest in plastic is on the rise: In a 2013 report, the market research firm The Freedonia Group projected that demand for plastic pallets would grow at a double-digit pace through 2017. Plastic pallets offer many advantages: They’re impervious to pests and mold, they’re free of splinters and nails, and they’re easy to clean. Plus, they’re […]