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What Is the Difference Between Wood and Plastic Pallets?

Wood pallets dominate open distribution and export at lower upfront cost; plastic pallets dominate closed-loop, washable, and pharmaceutical applications at 5-10x higher cost but 10x longer life.

Resource: AnswerSources: 4

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Quick Answer: Wood pallets dominate open distribution and export at lower upfront cost; plastic pallets dominate closed-loop, washable, and pharmaceutical applications at 5-10x higher cost but 10x longer life.

Bulk wood pallet inventory at a US national supply warehouse

Detailed Answer

Wood pallets: lower upfront cost ($4-28 typical); ISPM-15 export-ready; widely available; biodegradable; 5-7 cycle typical life; require kiln-dry for cold chain. Plastic pallets: higher upfront cost ($30-150 typical); 10x longer life; washable for food and pharma; consistent dimensions; do not require ISPM-15; not biodegradable; less national availability. Wood dominates open distribution. Plastic dominates: pharma closed-loop; automotive Tier-1 lineside JIT; dairy washable cold-chain; cleanrooms. Choose based on application closed/open loop, cost horizon, sanitation requirement.

Authoritative Sources

NWPCA
ISO
MHIA
Plastic Pallet Council

Companion Resources

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