Benefits of wooden pallets
CO2-balance:
27,5 kg*
Lower energy consumption
The production of a wooden pallet consumes 0.11 kWh of electricity*
Renewable
Wood from sustainably managed forests
Weight
Dry wood is comparatively light (EPAL pallet Euro1 weighs 25kg)
Electrostatics
No charging possible
Bacterial contamination
Wood is antibacterial because it contains substances that kill micro-organisms
Profitability
Companies are often located in rural areas and make an important contribution to regional economic performance
Special sizes
Wooden pallets can be produced individually and can be produced in smaller quantities
Recycling
100% recyclable, e. g. in incinerators for energy generation
Price
Standard dimensions made of wood can be produced in large quantities by automated plants
Repair
Repair possible, thus reusable
Disadvantages of plastics
CO2-balance:
44,2 kg*
High energy consumption
The production of a plastic pallet consumes 34.04 kWh of electricity*
Non renewable
Plastic consists of the finite raw material crude oil
Weight
Plastic pallets are heavier than wood with the same dimensions and load-bearing capacity
Electrostatics
Undesirable electrostatic charges may occur
Bacterial contamination
More bacteria have been detected on plastic pallets in studies
Profitability
Fewer jobs due to major automation in production
Special sizes
No flexible production, few standard dimensions as mass product
Recycling
Not 100% recyclable, hazardous substances are released during incineration
Price
Dearer than wooden pallets
Repair
No repair possible or repair very expensive
*Source: Pallet Carbon Calculator von ECCM/Camco Group, Skogs Industrierna und timcon
