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There’s no question that pallets are indispensable in logistics and warehousing, but with recent changes in the global supply chain and the rise of e-commerce, pallets are needed more than ever. Additionally, the sharp rise in direct-to-consumer sales fueled by the pandemic has further highlighted the need for reliable pallets across many business sectors. Even retailers that have shifted to digital often maintain a physical footprint, but even those that do not continue to operate on distribution partnerships.
This activity and change have led to a higher demand for wooden pallets, but that demand must be met with a balanced eye toward sustainability. More production means the pallet industry needs more wood, but only so much is available anytime.
Although plastic pallets and hybrid pallet production have reduced reliance on resources like virgin wood, manufacturing processes take up a lot of resources as well. This means that pallet manufacturers need to examine their production practices from beginning to end in order to reduce dependence on limited resources.
To further emphasize the need for sustainable practices in pallet manufacturing, a large segment of the public wants sustainable products, making it a smart marketing move to reduce waste and your company’s carbon footprint. Positioning your brand as invested in sustainability can go a long way in attracting attention from potential buyers.
Also, pallet manufacturers can often benefit financially from making a commitment to sustainability. Taking part in sustainability initiatives can save on energy and material costs, and you may also find that sustainability can make your production processes more efficient.
Although it’s easy enough to talk about sustainable pallet production, it can be complex to put a plan into action. Making the transition from traditional manufacturing to processes that contribute to a circular economy can take time, but thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to get the process started.
If you want to know how to implement sustainable pallet manufacturing practices effectively, below are some tips:
As noted above, some pallet manufacturers have begun producing plastic or hybrid pallets. This can be an environmentally conscious approach to manufacturing pallets, but it doesn’t automatically make plastic pallets more environmentally friendly.
The processes involved in producing plastic pallets must also be approached with the goal of sustainability, otherwise you simply trade one problem for another. If you’re trying to figure out how to implement sustainable pallet manufacturing practices effectively, you’ll want to consider the ramifications of energy usage across all aspects of the process.
As mentioned above, part of the focus when it comes to sustainable pallet manufacturing is the virgin wood used in the process. The environmental impact caused by harvesting raw materials can be substantial, especially when pallet manufacturers are competing for these resources with other industries.
If you cannot make sacrifices in the wood you use in the pallet manufacturing process, consider other aspects of your business instead. For example, the machinery your company uses to manufacture or transport pallets may be able to be converted to become more energy-efficient.
Likewise, the office spaces and equipment your business uses to handle administrative tasks can be examined to see if there are steps you can take toward more sustainable operations. Don’t limit your efforts because you can’t reduce your reliance on raw materials.
Many pallet manufacturers who want to know how to implement sustainable pallet manufacturing practices effectively find that recycling pays off. Recycling has been an initiative among clean energy advocates for many years, and recycling pallets can be profitable and sustainable.
Some pallet manufacturers have made recycled pallets a part of their inventories, sometimes selling pallets that have gone through the recycling process at a lower price. These pallets may come from the manufacturer’s inventory, third-party recyclers, or other sources.
The best part is that pallet recycling has the potential to create a win-win scenario in which your company reconditions used pallets and sells them at a discount to customers. This means your company spends less on virgin wood, customers receive the pallets they need at a lower cost, and fewer raw materials are needed in the process.
If you want more ideas to boost your pallet company, contact Pallet Company Marketing. We specialize in creating personalized solutions for professionals in pallet manufacturing, including pallet company website design.
Schedule your consultation today to learn how our team can help your pallet business gain greater visibility.
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