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The Marvellous World of Manufacturing

Not many people give much thought to the fact that almost every object you touch as you go about your day had to be manufactured by someone. When you stop to consider the impact that the processing and manufacturing industry has had on the modern world, it can blow your mind. My mind was blown when my son arrived home from his new job at a local processing and manufacturing plant and told me about the industry he was now working in. Since then, I have learnt all kinds of cool things which I would love to be able to share with the rest of the world.

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The Marvellous World of Manufacturing

Choosing Pallets: Wood or Plastic?

by Anthony Harvey

Pallets are widely used pieces of equipment for transporting and storing goods. That's because they are readily available, practical and cost-effective, among other reasons. However, they come in different materials, sizes, strengths, costs, maintenance requirements, etc. Therefore, you will need to consider such factors to find the most suitable for your cargo. Most importantly, you will need to choose the correct material because it will affect your costs, maintenance, transport and storage efficiency and cargo safety, among other issues. Typically, wood and plastic are the principal material options you will find. Each option has its pros and cons, and here is your ultimate guide to help you choose between the two.

Cost-Effectiveness

Wooden pallets are generally the more economical option. They are usually more readily available and relatively easier to make. On the other hand, their plastic counterparts require more complex manufacturing processes, making them costlier. Therefore, if you are trying to keep your pallet acquisition costs low, wood is the best option to buy.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your pallets. Therefore, it helps to consider the maintenance requirements of the pallets before buying them. Plastic pallets are generally easier to maintain than their wooden counterparts. That's because plastic doesn't rot, it's vermin resistant and it doesn't stain. In addition, you don't have to worry about keeping plastic pallets free of mould, as is the case with wooden pallets. Therefore, occasional cleaning and proper storage practices are enough to keep your plastic pallets functional for longer.

However, wooden pallets tend to have the edge over their plastic counterparts when it comes to the ease of making repairs. That's because wood is typically easier to fix when damaged than plastic. Therefore, keep that in mind when considering maintenance levels.

Strength

The strength of your pallets matters because you need something that can hold up well against the weight of your goods without breaking and causing damages and losses. Generally, wood tends to be naturally stronger and heavier than plastic. Therefore, it can support heavier cargo than plastic.

Hygiene

Hygiene is critical when transporting and storing your goods, especially if it's food items. Therefore, it helps to be mindful of the hygiene levels of the pallets you intend to buy. Generally, plastic pallets are more hygienic than their wooden counterparts. That's because, unlike wood, plastic is resistant to moisture, staining and vermin infestation. Therefore, you don't have to worry about hygiene issues that may result from rotting, mould growth, odour absorption and infestation.

For more information on pallets, contact a professional near you.

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