Why crates and pallets benefit the environment

As a key recipient of the timber industry’s output, crates and pallets generate a positive impact on the environment. Despite what might seem like a ravenous depletion of natural resources caused by large commercial logging operations, this is not the case. In fact, the lumber used in everything, from home building to crates and pallets, leaves the environment in better shape through factors we'll explore below.

Also, when compared to plastic pallets, wooden pallets end up being a more environmentally sustainable option. Not to mention, wooden crates and pallets deliver an economic boon on regional and world economies equally. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly the industry does that helps our beautiful planet be in better shape than before.

1. Creating a net carbon positive impact

First, the logging processes that help manufacture crates and pallets will take away more carbon than it creates. While it takes carbon and energy to make lumber, sustainable forestry practices are in place to allow new trees to flourish while supplying the sufficient wood we need as a society.

Moreover, leaving forests alone can also be bad for the environment because each tree stores its own carbon. Thus, forests need to be cut down strategically, or else the wild trees release their innate carbon through rotting and old age. This further enhances the risk that naturally occurring wildfires can distribute an even bigger quantity of carbon into the atmosphere.

And, when lumber is used for items such as crates and pallets, this keeps out carbon for as long as the structure remains intact. Which brings us to the next benefit…

2. Recycled pallets provide sustainable options

A 2018 study from Virginia Tech showed that 95% of pallets become recycled into other important materials, which further reduces the atmosphere’s susceptibility to carbon. Even more, the study found that the pallets headed to landfills have been reduced by 86%.

It’s important to note that brand-new quality pallets can be resold as used pallets, again keeping carbon out of the environment. Additionally, once the pallets no longer serve their purpose, the wood can be turned into material such as biofuel, mulch, and animal bedding.

3. Crates and pallets reduce contamination and infestations

Another study found that wooden pallets absorb bacteria in a natural way that plastic pallets simply cannot. Likewise, the bacteria naturally want to penetrate the wood but they die in a matter of hours, whereas bacteria cannot go anywhere into plastic so they remain on the surface.

Finally, heat-treated wood with ISPM 15 certification is crucial for goods exported in both crates or pallets. This certification confirms that the wood has been treated to mitigate the risk of pests and pathogens. No doubt, letting these pesky problems grow out of control will incur many costs in both money and resources, so it’s best to nip them in the bud with proper wooden packaging.

Let us work for your benefit

Now that you know how we’re helping the environment thrive, let us show you how we can help your business prosper by fulfilling your custom shipping needs. Please contact CW Crates & Pallets knowing full well that our partnership will be mutually beneficial, much like the lumber industry and our forests benefit one other.