Types Of Pallets For Industry Use And The Benefits Of Recycling Them

By Author: Lynnette Griffin
Total Articles: 3
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Pallets are a regular sight in most factory and warehouse settings where large items and products need to be transported on a daily basis. For the most part, pallets seem like a straightforward item: they are wooden platforms with slots underneath for the forks of a forklift or pallet jack. Pallets come in many different size dimensions, lengths and widths. Several standards models are available and typically include the following: Stringer Pallets - These are made from timber with the top deck boards affixed to stringers. These are also known as two-way pallets because they can only be lifted from two directions instead of from all four sides. These are considered the standard and most economical pallets that are ordered in large quantities for daily industry use. Block Pallets - These utilize both parallel and perpendicular stringers and are more durable than the standard stringer pallet. Plastic Pallets - While pallets are typically made of wood, there are also plastic alternatives, which are often favored for its resistance to odors, solvents and humidity. They are also easier to stack and clean. Heat Treated ...
... Pallets - According to export shipping regulations, all pallets used for overseas transport must be heat-treated or fumigated before being deemed acceptable for use. Heat-treated pallets are environmentally safe and resistant to wood burrowing insects. For the most part, pallets are made from softwood and are considered expendable. Some of the more durable block pallets may be made from hardwood and can withstand more frequent use than their stringer counterpart. The type of pallet used also depends on what they intend to be used for. If the load includes chemicals or an excessive capacity, then block or plastic pallets are often implemented in place of the more replaceable stringer variety. Pallets are not exactly known to be long-lasting. After all, they are subject to strenuous and heavy use on a daily basis. Eventually, pallets will begin to chip, dent and wear out. Once a pallet reaches the stage where it is beyond usable, it will need to be scrapped and replaced. Luckily, most pallet manufacturers also specialize in business waste recycling. This means that as businesses accumulate a number of old and damaged pallets, they have a place where they can turn them in where they will be recycled and put to good use. In order to promote eco-friendly services, most centers allow businesses to turn in their old pallets where every piece is dismantled. Any pieces of salvageable wood are carefully inspected and reused for creating new pallets. This prevents useable wood from ending up in the landfill, which would be an unnecessary waste and definitely not good for the environment. As the world transitions to more environment-friendly and sustainable solutions, more manufacturers are doing what they can to contribute to a greener Earth. Most pallet suppliers are adding recycling services as a way of making a positive difference. Wood is one of the most salvageable materials that are unfortunately almost always thrown away instead of being reused.