Pallets serve as the crucial links that connect different segments of the supply chain together, ensuring the smooth and efficient flow of goods between each stage. Without them, the supply chain would face significant challenges and disruptions, and any scope for profitability would be lost amongst the resulting disorganisation.  

There are so many options available in the market these days, making the right choice for your needs can often become more confusing than it needs to be. 

With 22 years of experience and many accolades under our belt, including UK Packaging Awards ‘Design Team of the Year’, we can offer expert advice on which pallets are best suited to different industries. 

Let us help you make the right choice for your business.

So, which pallet is the best pallet for you? 

While you can opt for wooden, presswood and plastic pallets, each of these is available with differing features, loading capacities, hygiene standards, and more. Choosing will depend on many factors as you will need to consider your industry, application, product requirements and sustainability goals before making a decision.

Why don’t we take a closer look at each variety.  

Wooden Pallets

These have been the industry standard for decades thanks to the abundance of raw materials that have been available to produce them, ensuring a steady supply chain for pallet manufacturers. However, growing environmental concerns over depleting renewable resources have led to an exploration of alternatives in the pallet industry, including presswood and plastic varieties, but we’ll take a closer look at these later. 

Best known for their high load bearing capacity, wooden pallets are ideal for transporting various dense and heavy products. For this reason, they are predominantly used for transportation within the following industries:

• Food and beverage – packaged goods, raw materials, and bulk items such as sugar and grains 
• Pharmaceutical – vaccines, medical supplies, and equipment 
• Retail – electronics, clothes, and furniture 
• Construction – construction materials such as bricks, tiles and cement 
• Agriculture – fruits, veg, and grains 
• Automotive – automotive parts, engines, and other components 
• Logistics and shipping – as listed above, all kinds of goods shipped by air, sea, and land

Durable, cost-effective and affordable in comparison to their plastic counterparts, wooden pallets also fit seamlessly into standard racking systems which makes them a popular choice for warehouse and storage applications. In addition to this, they are preferred carrier for one-way shipping where pallets are not expected to be returned after delivery due to their low cost per unit. 

Presswood Pallets 

Made by pressing saw dust and recycled, processed wood chips into shape under high pressure and temperatures, presswood pallets offer a sustainable alternative to wooden pallets. Thanks to their manufacturing process, these pallets are ISPM15 exempt and hence suitable for international shipping without needing additional treatments. They are also a great choice for businesses that are engaged in global trades and those that are seeking to enhance their eco-friendly initiatives. 

Preferred by pharmaceuticals and food and beverage industries due their clean and hygienic attributes, these pallets are free of nails and splinters which helps to reduce the risk of contamination.  

Presswood pallets are used for transporting goods in the following industries: 

• Pharmaceutical – pharmaceutical products, medicine, medical supplies
• Food and beverage – food items and packaged goods 
• Retail and consumer goods – electronics, clothing, and household items 
• Agriculture and horticulture – fruit, veg, and plants 
• Export and international shipping – various goods 
• Chemical and industrial manufacturing – chemical products and industrial goods 
• Automotive – automotive parts and components 
• Ecommerce and fulfilment centres – order fulfilment and ecommerce shipments 

Plastic Pallets 

Having gained popularity for various applications, plastic pallets have many unique features which lend well for use across several industries. 

For one, they are resistant to both moisture and bacteria, offering increased levels of hygiene and sanitation in comparison to wooden pallets which require treatments to comply with ISPM15. Thanks to this, plastic pallets can be used in both wet and dry environments without causing any issues. They are also resistant to chemicals and corrosive substances. 

Plastic pallets are easy to clean and can be reused time and time again, reducing waste whilst minimising a business’s overall spend on pallets. Owing to their reusability, they are also favoured by businesses with close-loop supply chains. 

Plastic Pallets are used in the following industries to transport goods: 

• Food and beverage – fresh produce, meat and poultry, and drinks 
• Pharmaceutical – medicine, medical supplies, and equipment 
• Retail and distribution – electronics and textiles 
• Automotive – auto parts and components 
• Electronics – electronic components and devices 
• Agriculture and horticulture – plants and flowers 
• Recycling and waste management – recyclable materials 
• Warehouse and storage – general storage and transportation of goods

Selecting the right pallet for your application is vital to ensure the smooth functioning of your supply chain whilst adhering to budget and sustainability goals. While wooden pallets may excel in heavy-load applications, providing a cost-effective solution, presswood pallets shine in export and hygiene environments, promoting sustainability. Plastic pallets are rising offer versatility, hygiene and reusability which have made them quite a popular choice. 

The table below outlines the specifications of each pallet that is available for purchase at Kite Packaging:

As a UK pallet specialist, we supply an array of pallets made in different styles and materials so that we can cater to the varying needs of businesses across different industries. We offer wholesale discounts on all of our products, placing us competitively in the market so, if you’re looking to purchase bulk quantities, you’re in the right place!