Supply chain sustainability depends on efficient packaging and transport. To achieve this, supply chains lower packaging cost, maintain quality, and minimize product damage in transit.
The majority of businesses have been used to losing a few units every time they transport products. But, this loss has been addressed because of technological advancements and the introduction of new ways to reduce normal loss.
These days, most shippers utilize wooden pallets for big shipments. As plastic pallets came into the picture, the wooden alternatives are becoming less relevant. This is because plastic pallets and crates can protect products in transit. Below are the main reasons supply chains prefer to plastic pallets over their wooden counterparts:
They are Durable
As an organic material, wood is susceptible to pests and rot, making them undependable and problematic to use over a long period of time. As they have to deal with heavy loads and industrial machinery, they can get damaged which can lead to compromising the whole pallet’s overall integrity. Also, using wooden pallets repeatedly can also result in material splinters or nails wriggling out of place, damaging products. Visit www.fibertechinc.net for plastic pallet options.
However, supply chains do not have to deal with these problems when they use plastic pallets. This is because these containers are sturdy and do not have nails. Also, they are susceptible to rot or pests. Even if they are used extensively, they will not pose a hazard to products or forklift operators because they can last for at least ten years.
They are Resistant to Water
Natural elements like water impact wooden pallets. When not treated, wooden pallets can rot and can be a good breeding ground for fungi when they come in contact with water. Fungi reduce the strength of pallets and find their way into products to be transported. Meanwhile, plastics do not absorb water because they have polyethylene which features nonpolar properties, preventing fungi, rot and other damaging elements from affecting the pallets and the products inside them.
They Don’t Have Gaps in their Decks
Often, plastic pallets have little to no gaps between their decks while wood can have an inch and a half gap. With plastic pallets, products won’t be able to slip into gaps which can result in damage. In addition, forklift operators will find it difficult to safely pick up the entire batch.
While the majority of shippers make use of slip sheets to preventing this when they use wooden pallets, plastic pallets eliminate the risk and the need to purchase these sheets.
