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Tim Turner

Wooden Pallet Alternatives While Avoiding Plastic Pallets

If you’re looking for wooden pallet alternatives, it’s time to rethink your approach to logistics. Traditional wooden pallets may have been the industry standard for decades, but with advances in material innovation, sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to wooden pallets like Rhino Pallet have emerged.


A Rhino Loading Honeycomb Cardboard Pallets onto A Lorry

Whether you’re concerned about weight, cost, or sustainability, Rhino Pallet—made from our advanced RhinoBoard Honeycomb Cardboard Sheets is the solution you’ve been searching for.


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Why Traditional Wooden Pallets Fall Short


While timber pallets are robust and versatile, they come with several significant drawbacks:


Standardization Limits Flexibility


The standard 48x40-inch pallet size dominates the industry, with 72% of companies reporting its use.


However, this size doesn’t suit every product. Companies shipping smaller goods often waste space and money due to mismatched pallet sizes.


This inefficiency not only increases costs but also contributes to unnecessary material usage. With Rhino Pallet, custom sizing eliminates this problem, allowing businesses to optimize their supply chains.

A chart displaying pallet type usage across industries over the past 4 years
Pallet type usage over the past 4 years

Weight and Transportation Costs


Wooden pallets are heavy, with some weighing as much as 25kg. This added weight increases shipping costs, particularly for air freight, where lighter loads can translate to significant savings.


For comparison, Rhino Pallets weigh just 5kg, offering substantial savings in transportation expenses. Research shows that reducing pallet weight can lower freight costs by up to 20% (nationalforests.org).


It's evident from the chart above that there is an increasing demand and awareness of the cost and weight savings of using cardboard based pallets. Don't get left behind.


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Maintenance and Durability


Wooden pallets are prone to splintering, cracking, and warping, requiring frequent maintenance. This is a concern for the 70% of companies that reuse wood pallets, as consistent repair costs add up over time. They are also susceptible to contamination, making them less suitable for industries like food and pharmaceuticals.


Regulatory Compliance


Exporting wooden pallets often requires compliance with ISPM 15 standards, which mandate heat or chemical treatments to prevent pest infestation.


These treatments add costs and processing time, making wooden pallets less efficient for international shipping. In fact, 55% of international shippers take extra measures like treatment to comply with regulations.


By comparison, Rhino Pallets are ISPM 15-exempt, removing the need for such treatments and streamlining the export process.


ISPN 15 Wooden Pallet Inspection

Environmental Concerns


While wood is technically renewable, harvesting it at scale has a significant environmental impact. Wooden pallets often end up in landfills, contributing to waste and undermining sustainability efforts.


With 94% of companies still using wooden pallets, finding eco-friendly alternatives is critical. Studies comparing wooden and plastic pallets highlight the need for more sustainable options (psu.edu).


The Problem with Plastic Pallets


For businesses considering plastic pallet alternatives, it’s important to understand their limitations:


Non-Biodegradable


Plastic pallets are not biodegradable, posing long-term environmental concerns. Their production also relies on fossil fuels, further increasing their carbon footprint.


While 43% of companies report using plastic pallets, many are reconsidering their sustainability impact.


Costly Investment


While plastic pallets are reusable, their initial cost is significantly higher than other pallet options, making them less viable for many businesses. For companies prioritizing cost-effectiveness, plastic is often not the ideal solution.


Limited Repair Options


Unlike wooden pallets, which can be repaired, damaged plastic pallets are often discarded, adding to waste and replacement costs. Studies have highlighted the lifecycle challenges of plastic pallets (link.springer.com).



Why Rhino Pallet Is the Ultimate Wooden Pallet Alternative

Rhino Pallet offers a groundbreaking alternative, combining strength, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. Made from our strong 20mm corrugated honeycomb sheets, Rhino Pallet delivers exceptional performance across various industries, including warehousing, distribution, and international shipping.


Key Features:


  • Custom Sizing: Tailor pallets to fit your exact needs, avoiding wasted space and money associated with traditional pallet dimensions.


  • Lightweight Design: Weighing just 5kg, Rhino Pallet significantly reduces shipping costs.


  • Exceptional Strength: Capable of supporting loads up to 1 ton, Rhino Pallet rivals the durability of timber pallets.


  • Custom Configurations: Available in four-way forklift entry or three-strip configurations, Rhino Pallet ensures seamless handling.


  • ISPM 15-Exempt: No heat or chemical treatments are required, expediting shipping times for exports and reducing compliance costs.



Advantages of Honeycomb Cardboard Pallets


Strength-to-Weight Ratio


RhinoBoard’s honeycomb design ensures high compression strength while remaining lightweight. This reduces overall transportation costs without compromising durability. Honeycomb designs also outperform traditional corrugated materials (pallitegroup.com)


Eco-Friendly and Sustainable


Made from recyclable and biodegradable materials, Rhino Pallets contribute to a lower carbon footprint and align with sustainability goals. With 67% of companies using corrugated boxes on pallets, pairing Rhino Pallets with these solutions enhances overall sustainability.


Industry-Wide Versatility


From conveyor belt systems to international shipping, Rhino Pallet’s design suits various industries, providing flexibility and efficiency in logistics.


Custom Sizes and Configurations


Available in standard sizes like 1200mm x 1000mm and 1200mm x 800mm, as well as fully customizable dimensions, Rhino Pallet adapts to your specific needs.


Learn more about RhinoBoard’s versatility: https://www.rhinopack.co.uk/strong-cardboard-sheets-uk



Additional Enhancements


To add durability and versatility, consider pairing Rhino Pallet with our Strong Cardboard Edge Protectors, designed to reinforce edges during transit:


Comparing Alternatives

Feature

Wooden Pallets

Plastic Pallets

Rhino Pallet

Weight

Up to 25kg

15-20kg

Just 5kg

Eco-Friendliness

Renewable but wasteful

Non-biodegradable

Fully recyclable

Durability to Cost Ratio

Moderate

High

High

Cost Efficiency

Moderate

High initial cost

Cost-effective

Regulatory Compliance

ISPM 15 required

None

ISPM 15-exempt

FAQs


What can I use instead of wooden pallets?

Rhino Pallet, made from honeycomb cardboard sheets, is the ideal alternative to wooden pallets. It’s lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly.


What is the cheapest alternative to pallets?

Honeycomb cardboard pallets are one of the most cost-effective options, offering significant savings in both material and shipping costs.


Which of the following is a good substitute for pallets?

For strength, sustainability, and cost-efficiency, honeycomb cardboard pallets are unmatched. Rhino Pallet is perfect for a wide range of industries.


Are cardboard pallets strong enough for heavy loads?

Yes! Rhino Pallet supports loads of up to 1 ton, making it a reliable choice for heavy-duty shipping.


Why are plastic pallets not sustainable?

Plastic pallets are non-biodegradable, rely on fossil fuels for production, and contribute to long-term environmental waste.


Explore More

Check out these related blogs:



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Learn More


For more industry insights, read The Pallet Report 2024: https://www.mmh.com/article/the_pallet_report_2024_exploring_the_options

Contact us here to see how we can help you reduce your logistic costs forever.


If you have any other questions, you may find the answers here - https://www.rhinopack.co.uk/faq



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