Manufacturers and engineers are always in search of cheaper, faster, and better ways to get the work done. The same idea goes to the packaging industry. Because of this, in the late 90s and early 2000s, cardboard boxes and corrugated boards started replacing woods in different areas of packaging. In the same way, pallets also needed an upgrade.
What are corrugated pallets?
Paper pallets (corrugated pallets) are made from paperboard sheets, corrugated material, and other reinforced paper goods, rather than wood.
On the other hand, a wooden pallet is a flat transport structure that stably supports goods while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or any jacking device. A wooden pallet is the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage efficiencies.
Differences between Corrugated Paper Pallets and Wooden Pallets
The Load Capacity
Wooden pallets can carry a load of 4,600 lbs (about 2087kg).
Paper pallets can carry a load of between 3,000 to 15,000 lbs (about 4536kg).
Weight
Wooden pallets can weigh between 30 to 70 lbs (about 13.6kg to 31.8kg). While paper pallet weighs between 13 to 16 lbs (5.9 to 7.3kg).
Cost per Pallet
Wooden pallets cost around $10 to $25 US.
Paper pallets cost $7 to $20 US.
Wooden Pallets
The sizes of a wood pallet can range from 30 x 30 inches to 48 x 48 inches. However, the standard dimension is 48 x 40 inches. They are always rectangular.
On the other hand, corrugated paper pallets, when converted into corrugated boxes, can be customized to suit your needs – in terms of shape, size, and durability – including weight loads, sizes and stack heights.
Also, you can choose from low profile pallets, light, medium, and heavy-duty constructions, all with die-cut options to customize the top sheet for the product being shipped.
If you’re going to ship a rounded product, you probably want a round carton box to ensure an even weight distribution and maneuverability around the product, about 1440 pounds of savings on a 45-foot export shipping container.
Since cardboard pallets weigh less than wooden pallets, they are perfect for delivering freight. They are fuel-saving, and also offer more room for your product in each shipment.
Safety of Corrugated Paper Pallets vs. Wooden Pallets
Corrugated paper pallets are safer to handle than wooden pallets. Because the nails, staples, and fragments found in wood pallets come with a certain degree of hazard.
Also, wood can be attacked by insects, fungi, and bacteria. Even though insects can easily access anything, wood seems to be more like a natural habitat for them. Therefore, wooden pallets would require a lot of treatment processes to fortify it from the attacks of certain contaminants, especially if it will be used for international shipping.
Paper pallets, on the other hand, do not need so much treatment, and they are perfect for a clean-room environment. Additionally, corrugated cardboard pallets are made with non-wicking cores for additional stability and moisture resistance.
Corrugated papers contribute to reducing the hazardous materials in your facility, around your products and employees.
Corrugated Paper Pallets
Recycling wooden pallets can be expensive. They must be taken to a facility that will shred the wood. And, the recyclers must have access to metal separating tools like a magnet to take out the nails and staples before recycling. The process can be quite expensive.
Paper pallets, on the other hand, can be put bale along with corrugated cardboard boxes and other corrugated packaging products. Doing this will lower your disposal costs and can also generate revenue upon proper disposal. This is a big win for corrugated pallets since they can only be used for one trip.
For your packaging needs, contact your box packaging suppliers in Malaysia, Golden Corrugated Box. We provide custom box packaging for specific requirements. For more information, please feel free to get in touch with us.
