Wood or plastic? Choosing the right pallet for your cargo

Both wooden and plastic pallets have a place — the right choice depends on how your cargo moves, how often the pallet comes back, and what it has to survive on the way.

When wood wins

• One-way and export shipping, where pallets may not return
• Lower upfront cost per unit
• Heavy or irregular loads — and easy field repair
• Heat-treated and ISPM-15 compliant for international trade

When plastic wins

• Hygiene-critical lines — food, pharma, cold storage (mould- and germ-free)
• Closed-loop systems where pallets cycle back
• Automated racking, stacking and nesting to save floor space
• RFID tracking, easy cleaning, anti-slip, no nails or splinters — and ISPM-15 exempt

A quick rule of thumb

If the pallet leaves and doesn't come back, wood is usually the economical, export-ready choice. If it stays in your operation and hygiene or automation matter, plastic pays for itself. Still unsure? Tell us your load and lane and we'll spec it with you.