Wood pallets a sustainable option

Covid-induced changes in consumer spending and trade have forced logistics providers to make innovative changes.A growing focus on sustainable green solutions to protect the environment and reduce pollution has seen an increase in the use of environmentally friendly logistics products such as collapsible pallet boxes, folding pallet containers, customised pallet containers, and reusable, eco-friendly pallet boxes.According to the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA), wood pallets and sustainability still go hand-in-hand.Despite concerns around deforestation and issues about pallets possibly transmitting bacteria and pests, wood pallets are still considered better for the environment.“When considering their life cycle, wooden pallets can have a potential net carbon positive impact,” says a spokesman for the NWPCA. It is estimated that every cubic metre of wood used as a substitute for other materials reduces CO2emissions to the atmosphere by an average of 1.1 tons CO2. “Also, nearly 95% of all wooden pallets are recovered, repaired and recycled compared to alternative packaging materials, such as plastic, that have a recycling rate at little over 10%,” said the spokesman.