Why Plastic Pallets Are the Smarter Long-Term Choice
When comparing plastic pallets to traditional wood pallets, the benefits of plastic are clear—especially for companies that value hygiene, durability, and long-term savings. While wood pallets have been the industry standard for decades, heavy duty plastic pallets are quickly becoming the smarter option for modern logistics and warehousing operations.
Here are five key reasons plastic pallets are a better investment than wood:
- Longer Lifespan & Tougher Performance
Unlike wood, plastic pallets are built to last. They’re resistant to breakage, splintering, and warping, making them ideal for repeated use and heavy loads. If you need a heavy duty pallet that can hold up under pressure, plastic wins every time. - Customizable to Your Exact Needs
Whether you need a specific size, color, or design, custom pallets made from plastic offer more flexibility than wood. You can even integrate barcodes or RFID for enhanced tracking. - More Hygienic & Easy to Clean
Plastic pallets are resistant to bugs, mold, and contamination. Unlike wood, they can be steam cleaned or pressure washed—ideal for industries with strict cleanliness requirements. - Sustainably Made & Recyclable
Many plastic pallets are made from recycled materials and can be reused again and again. If you’re focused on sustainability, plastic offers a greener path than disposable wood options. - Safer for Workers
With no nails, sharp edges, or splinters, plastic pallets reduce the risk of workplace injuries. This makes them safer to handle across any supply chain.
| Comparison | Plastic | Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal for exporting (satisfies all requirements) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Extreme fire and flame resistance | ✅ | ❌ |
| Many major insurance companies offer discounts for using | ✅ | ❌ |
| Resistant to bug infestation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Offers bar coding and RFID tracking capabilities | ✅ | ❌ |
| Can be cleaned with steam or high-pressure washes | ✅ | ❌ |
| Contain nails and easy to break, splinter and cause injuries | ❌ | ✅ |
| Recycled, green and sustainable | ✅ | ❌ |
| Custom colors | ✅ | ❌ |
Whether you’re shipping products across the country or storing materials long term, choosing heavy duty plastic pallets over wood can lead to better performance, lower costs, and improved workplace safety.
Still wondering what is a skid for shipping or how a packaging skid fits into your operation? Contact Custom Built Plastic Pallets® to learn more about how our custom plastic solutions can support your exact needs.