14 April 2025
With more than 130 years of carrier service experience, it is safe to say we know what we are talking about, at IPP, when it comes to pallets.
Our company is used by well-known brands and focuses on sustainability and providing high-quality, reusable, pay-per-use pallets. We predominantly use wooden pallets, but due to increased demand have also been expanding into sustainable plastic pallets in recent years. Here we explore the rise in use of plastic pallets and the pros and cons of plastic vs wood.
Wooden Pallets
These are flat structures, used to stably transport goods and heavy loads. Our high-quality wooden pallets are provided for use across the supply chain and for display purposes. We offer standard-size pallets, which are commonly used in the UK for export, and a range of other sizes to meet specific needs.
Wooden pallets are a lower-cost option. They are used to transport stock from brands, producers and retailers, including industrial supply chains and fast-moving consumer goods for major grocery brands. Our timber pallets are made from solid, certified sustainable timber to transport items safely and securely. Despite being heavier than plastic pallets, they are durable – lasting up to five years with the correct care and storage.
By repairing and maintaining pallets we ensure they remain in use for as long as possible. However, they can become weakened due to handling and pests. At the end of their lifespan they are responsibly converted to biomass to reduce environmental impact. Along with this, our wooden pallets are sustainable as customers use them on a pay-per-use basis. The pallet pooling company then repairs them if needed, before sending to the next client.
Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets are hard, flat platforms made from durable plastic which are used for transporting, storing and handling items. In recent years they have seen increased demand from the likes of food, drink, pharmaceutical and automotive industries.
IPP offers a range of plastic pallets in varying sizes. They are more robust than wooden pallets due to resistance from pests and handling. Being plastic also means they are easy to clean and safer to handle due to no nails and splinters.
The use of plastic means they are generally lighter than their wooden counterparts, so easier to handle and transport. However, they are generally more expensive and have a lower weight-bearing capacity, but are recyclable at the end of their useful life. Unlike wooden pallets, plastic is exempt from international standards requiring them to be heat-treated or fumigated to prevent the spread of pests.
A pallet for your needs
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pallets, which is why IPP provides both wooden and plastic depending on its client’s needs. The team are experts in advising which is the best solution for your supply chain and optimising logistics to ensure quality delivery at the right place and time. There’s a focus on sustainability and pallets are used on a pay-per-use basis, meaning businesses can spend their time and resources on their needs.
Use IPP for your pallet needs
For more information on how we can help you at IPP, check out our products and expertise. Alternatively, contact us to see how we can help.