The paper pallet, the plastic pallet and the metal pallet. We have often heard of them, but how exactly do they differ from their wooden competitors? In this triptych, LogistiekProfs discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pallet. Last week we kicked off with the plastic pallet, this week we zoom in on the paper variety: favourite of furniture giant IKEA.
The paper pallet made its introduction to the pallet market several years ago. And not without success. IKEA, for instance, announced 2011 that it was swapping the wooden pallet for its paper competitor. The paper pallet is worth considering for the following reasons:
- the pallet is very light. It weighs less than both the wooden and plastic versions. The model IKEA uses is 90 per cent lighter than its wooden predecessor. This has quite an impact on transport costs;
- Paper pallets are free of mould and insects and therefore more hygienic than wooden pallets;
- Regular wooden pallets are not allowed in some countries Paper pallets are allowed in all countries;
- the pallet is fully recyclable. After use, it can simply be disposed of as waste paper. So the pallets do not have to be returned, which is necessary for plastic pallets, for instance, because they are so expensive.
And that recycling turns out to be necessary too, because the paper pallet has a short lifespan. Many pallets can only be used a few times. In addition, the paper pallet has two major drawbacks:
- pallets are basically incapable of carrying very heavy loads. Yet there are already many types on the market that are indeed strong. For example, IKEA claims that the model it uses can carry a load of up to 750 kg.
- pallets are less resistant to moisture and extreme weather conditions. However, manufacturers are developing pallets that can withstand this. Of course, this comes at a price.
All in all, the paper pallet seems like a good alternative to the wooden standard. Yet critics wonder if IKEA didn't count itself rich too soon with the savings on transport costs. The furniture retailer blew high off the tower when it switched to paper pallets, but does not comment on it four years on.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
