Creating a new food process

This article answers some common questions about using wooden pallets as part of a manufacturing or shipping operation.

What are the advantages of using pallets?

First, they are reusable to move goods from one destination to another. They also allow a manufacturer or shipper to consolidate the number of containers used on an outgoing shipment — using fewer than would otherwise be needed if each unit were individually packed. This variant is called unit load devices (ULDs). ULDs standardise shipping containers and make them easier to use.

Are there any restrictions to using pallets?

Yes. Don't use wooden pallets that are damaged. It would help if you took care not to use a wooden pallet that has been in contact with toxic (e.g., creosote, oil) substances. It's also best if you can keep your wooden pallets dry and away from chemicals such as paint and pesticides that are used in buildings where the pallets are stored between uses. If your wooden pallets aren't in good condition when you get them back, it might be better to replace them rather than refurbish them for reuse.

Can you still buy wooden pallets?

Yes, though metal pallets are now very common in most applications because they're easier to move and use than wooden ones. They don't require the kind of care that wood does. These days, many new pallets are made of plastic or composites that are lighter, stronger, and cheaper than pallets made from trees or recycled wood products.

However, some applications — particularly those with a lot of manual handling — continue to rely on wooden pallets due to their ruggedness and durability over the long term. Examples include:

• Heavy-duty shipping of bulk materials such as sand or gravel.
• Large sacks of foodstuffs

Do you have to be careful when using wooden pallets?

Yes. If wood gets wet, it can rot because of the organisms that live in water. Wood also tends to shrink if not adequately dried after getting wet, which damages the structure of the wood cells. Therefore, it's essential to keep your wooden pallets away from sources of moisture, including rain and snow. Also, avoid exposing them to extremes in temperature and exceptionally rapid or frequent changes in temperature because this will cause damage too.

If you would like to find out more, contact a company that supplies wooden pallets today. A member of the team will be happy to assist you.