In addition, environmental issues, the impact of Packaging Regulations (Recycling), and questions regarding the sustainability of forestry, have also encouraged many users to move away from the traditional wooden pallets, to plastic pallets manufactured from recycled materials - and which themselves are recyclable.

Meets AQIS requirements for export to Australia & New Zealand
Use of plastic pallets for exports to Australia & New Zealand removes the requirement for the Treatment Certificates which apply to wooden pallets, and the associated risks of consignments being quarantined on arrival, through documentation and certificate expiry problems. Other countries are also considering implementation of restrictions on the importation of goods on wooden pallets, because of potential infestations, which could contaminate the country's forestry.

Meets FAO International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15) requirements for export to the USA , Canada , China , Korea , and India among others.
Use of plastic pallets for exports removes the requirement to comply with ISPM 15. These guidelines for regulating Wood Packing Material in International Trade, describes phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with wood packing material (including dunnage), made of coniferous and non-coniferous raw wood, in use in international trade. Non-compliance with ISPM 15 on wooden transport platforms runs the risk of having your consignments being quarantined on arrival or refused entry altogether. The USA , Canada , China , Korea , and India among others have already implemented ISPM 15. Other countries, such as The EU and Mexico , will also be implementing ISPM 15 before the end of 2005.

Working life averages 10 times that of a wooden pallet 
In a closed loop distribution scenario, with normal handling and loading within design limits, a plastic pallet has a potential life span of up to, and even exceeding ten years. When compared to a wooden pallet, this extended life could be as much as ten times longer. There will be no weakening of the material, no loosening of nails, or changing shape. In terms of longevity, the plastic pallet will easily out-perform its wooden alternative.

100% size and strength consistency
By virtue of the moulding process, and inherent quality control procedures involved in the hi-tech manufacturing process of plastic pallets, the dimensional accuracy and load ratings of plastic pallets are always 100% consistent. Unlike a wooden pallet which is constructed from a number of inconsistent parts of varying strength, plastic pallets are moulded under extreme pressure, in highly polished accurate moulds. The process itself produces an exceptionally high quality product.

Impervious to moisture, weak acids & alkalis
Regardless of the operating conditions, plastic pallets will not absorb moisture even under the most adverse conditions. Generally, both polyethylene and polypropylene pallets are unaffected by weak acids and alkalis.

Suitable for hygienic areas 
In hygienic areas, and clean rooms, the cross contamination issues from the mould and dust inherent in wooden pallets is of great concern. All styles and types of plastic pallets remove these concerns. In addition, the specialist hygienic pallets have totally smooth sealed enclosed surfaces, removing any possibility of impurities accumulating in the pallet's structure.

No mould, or dust contamination issues
Plastic pallets, made in polyethylene or polypropylene are not subject to any inherent mould or dust contamination issues. Whether of open or closed deck design, the surfaces of plastic pallets are smooth, and the moulding process under high temperature and pressure produces sealed material. In many applications, the "blue stain mould" which can appear in new wooden pallets, especially under conditions of high humidity, is unacceptable, both because of contamination, and also product presentation issues.

Easily cleaned
Plastic pallets can be repeatedly steam cleaned or washed, to remove any airborne dust, or spilt products which accumulate on the pallets over a period of time.

Safer handling, without nails & splinters
Plastic pallets are safer to handle in a despatch area, without the possibility of loose component parts breaking free under manual lifting conditions, and causing injury. Perhaps more importantly, there are no nails, sharp edges or splinters in plastic pallets to damage either operatives' hands or to damage products being loaded onto the pallets.

An investment for the future
Taking into account the excellent working life of plastic pallets, and the environmental issues, plastic pallets are an investment for the future. Although the initial investment in plastic pallets is higher than the wooden alternative, in a closed loop scenario, plastic pallets are recognised as an asset, and as such their cost should be depreciated over their working life.