Functionality has always been a critical necessity for any industrial process. With warehouse processes, in particular, functionality is at the top of the quality checklist for every piece of equipment. Does this particular piece of equipment fulfil a function? Does it do so efficiently? Can it perform more than one purpose?

The pallet as we know it today is one such equipment. A staple in any warehouse setting, the modern pallet rose to prominence in the early 20th century along with the invention of the forklift. In tandem with the forklift, the pallet made it possible to transport heavy loads with ease and convenience.

As the use of pallets rose over the decades, the designs for the pallet was further refined, with different types of pallets going into production. As well, accessories such as pallet cages and pallet collars were invented for further functional versatility. These accessories made it possible for fragile items to be stacked with minimal risks of damage. With its reliability, functionality, and reusability established, the pallet became mainstays in technical professions.

Two types of pallets are used prominently in the industry: the wooden or hardwood pallet, and the plastic pallet. There are key differences to both types, and not just regarding material used in their production. Below are the critical points of difference between the two.

WOODEN PALLETS:

• LIGHT DUTY – intendended for light, evenly distributed loads, the wooden pallet is the most common type used in warehouses – and is prevalent particularly for faster moving consumer goods, which typically involves lightweight packages.
• SIMPLICITY – Wooden pallets have a straightforward design, composed of an overlapping configuration of planks that are nailed or interlocked together. Because of this simple design, wooden pallets can be easily produced, as well as easily dismantled and repurposed.
• AFFORDABILITY – Wooden pallets are made of light, natural material, which is relatively cheap to procure. This material makes wooden pallets an affordable option for those looking to invest in a number of them for warehouse purposes.

PLASTIC PALLETS

• RATED – Omni-tuff plastic pallets offer users peace of mind with storage and transport of heavier equipment, due to their high ratings of up to 6T for Static Loads.
• DURABILITY – Plastic pallets are ideal for the transport and storage of certain types of products due to its resistance to certain types of chemicals. As well, plastic pallets do not splinter or allow boards to pop off, which can be a concern with wooden pallets.
• LIGHTWEIGHT – Plastic pallets are considerably lighter than wooden pallets, with a rough estimate of about 20-30% less weight. Because weight adds up during transport and shipping, plastic pallets can be the more cost-effective option between wooden and plastic pallets.
• USER SAFETY – Because plastic pallets are entirely fabricated as a single piece, there are no moving or removable parts that can increase the risk of injury when plastic pallets are being handled.

For information on how to choose the right application for your warehouse or storage use, contact us today.