Plastic vs Wood Pallets – Which Should You Choose?

An important foundation of efficient logistics starts with making smart choices about your shipping materials. Every day, businesses move millions of products across warehouses and distribution centers, and the type of pallet you select can significantly impact your operations. From cost considerations to product safety, the right pallet choice influences transport efficiency, storage optimization, and overall supply chain performance. Combining them with quality pallet stretch wrap solutions can help your shipping strategy become even more robust. At MMP Corp, we understand that effective pallet management goes hand-in-hand with superior stretch hood film technology to ensure your products arrive safely at their destination. But are plastic pallets better than wood? Let’s explore more.

What Are Plastic Pallets?

Plastic pallets are a modern approach to material handling, constructed from high-density polyethylene or polypropylene materials. These pallets are designed for durability and reusability, offering easy cleaning and maintenance compared to traditional alternatives. Their non-porous surface makes them ideal for industries with strict hygiene requirements.

The food and beverage industry relies heavily on plastic pallets due to their resistance to bacteria and contamination. Pharmaceutical companies also prefer these pallets because they can be thoroughly sanitized between uses. Export logistics operations frequently choose plastic pallets since they don't require heat treatment and face fewer international shipping restrictions.

Key benefits of plastic pallets include their hygienic properties, excellent moisture resistance, and lightweight construction. They don't splinter or shed particles, making them perfect for clean room environments. Additionally, thanks to their consistent dimensions, automated handling can be more reliable in modern warehouse systems.

What Are Wood Pallets?

Wood pallets remain the traditional workhorse of the shipping industry, constructed primarily from hardwood or softwood lumber. These pallets have served businesses for decades, offering a cost-effective solution for material handling needs. Their widespread availability and standardized designs make them the go-to choice for many operations.

Manufacturing facilities commonly use wood pallets for heavy-duty applications, while retail distribution centers appreciate their affordability for high-volume operations. Domestic freight operations often prefer wood pallets because of their lower initial investment and easy availability from local suppliers.

The primary advantages of wood pallets include their affordable upfront cost, easy repairability when damaged, and complete recyclability at end-of-life. Local carpenters can quickly fix broken boards, and damaged pallets can be ground into mulch or biomass fuel, supporting circular economy principles.

Plastic vs Wood Pallets: Key Differences

When evaluating plastic pallets vs wooden pallets, several critical factors come to light. Costing is usually the most immediate consideration – wood pallets typically cost around $10-30 each, while plastic pallets can range from $40-120. However, plastic pallets last 10-15 years compared to wood pallets' 2-3 year lifespan.

Durability strongly favors plastic options. While wood pallets can crack, splinter, or rot when exposed to moisture, plastic pallets maintain structural integrity across various environmental conditions. Weight differences also matter – plastic pallets weigh 30-50% less than wood alternatives, reducing shipping costs over time.

Hygiene considerations make plastic pallets superior for food and pharmaceutical applications. Wood pallets can harbor bacteria in their porous surface, while plastic pallets resist microbial growth and clean easily with standard sanitizers.

However, environmental impact can be a complex comparison. Wood pallets use renewable resources and biodegrade naturally, but plastic pallets' longer lifespan and recyclability can offset their petroleum-based origins. For export shipments, plastic pallets avoid ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements that wood pallets must meet, simplifying international logistics.

Which Pallet is Best for Your Business?

Determining whether plastic pallets are better than wood depends on your specific operational needs. Consider your budget constraints, product types, export requirements, and warehouse conditions when making this decision.

Choose plastic pallets for long-term use scenarios, especially when handling hygiene-sensitive products like food or pharmaceuticals. Their durability makes them ideal for closed-loop supply chains where pallets return for reuse. Export-heavy businesses benefit from avoiding wood treatment requirements and customs delays.

Choose wood pallets when managing tight upfront budgets or handling domestic shipments exclusively. They work well for one-way shipping where pallet return isn't expected. Industries dealing with very heavy products may prefer wood pallets' high weight capacity and easy repairability.

Don’t Forget Pallet Wrapping – MMP Corp's Stretch Hood Film

Regardless of your pallet choice, proper securing is a crucial factor for transport and storage success. Both wood and plastic pallets benefit from quality wrapping solutions that prevent load shifting and protect products from environmental factors.

MMP Corp's stretch hood film technology provides superior load stability for any pallet type. Our advanced films conform perfectly to your load profile, creating a secure barrier against dust, moisture, and tampering. The stretch hood application process works efficiently with both plastic vs wood pallets, ensuring consistent protection across your entire operation.

Our solutions offer several important benefits:

• Enhanced load stability that reduces product damage during transport

• Excellent protection from environmental contamination

• Reduced packaging waste compared to traditional wrapping methods.

The film's clarity allows for easy product identification while maintaining security, and its puncture resistance ensures reliable protection throughout the supply chain.

The Economic Impact of Stretch Hood Film

The differences between plastic vs wood pallets provide insight into using them with stretch hood film in logistics. Stretch hood film is more than just a packaging option; it’s a strategic asset that can boost business profit.

Businesses will improve production efficiency, lowering energy, equipment, and packaging costs. This provides a platform for businesses to support environmental efforts and receive carbon tax credits according to their market. Faster packaging equates to less labor and better product protection, which reduces transport damage.

Automating this process boosts output, thereby easing delays. The global stretch hood film market is forecasted to expand, mostly in construction, food, and cosmetics, due to the need for strong, economical packaging. Using stretch hood film is a reliable, cost-saving move that is also a good long-term investment.

Contact MM Corp Today To Order Pallet Wraps

Both plastic and wood pallets offer unique advantages depending on your business requirements. Wood pallets provide cost-effective solutions for budget-conscious operations and domestic shipping needs, while plastic pallets excel in hygiene-critical applications and long-term use scenarios. The plastic pallets vs wooden pallets decision ultimately depends on your specific operational priorities, budget constraints, and industry requirements.

Success in logistics comes from making informed choices that align with your business goals. Pairing the right pallet selection with MMP Corp's premium stretch hood film technology ensures maximum safety and efficiency during transport, regardless of which pallet type you choose.

Contact MMP Corp today to learn how our stretch hood solutions can optimize your pallet wrapping operations and protect your valuable products throughout their journey.

References:

1. Plastic Pallets vs. Wood Pallets: Differences, Advantages, and Disadvantages (Freightera, updated June 2023). Retrieved July 24, 2025, from https://www.freightera.com/blog/plastic-pallets-vs-wood-pallets-differences-advantages-and-disadvantages/

2. Plastic Pallets vs Wood Pallets: Which Are Better? (Mecalux, December 1, 2022). Retrieved July 24, 2025, from https://www.mecalux.com/blog/plastic-pallets-vs-wood-pallets

3. Stretch Hood Film Growth Forecast 2035 (Future market insights, April 22, 2025). Retrieved August 8, 2025, from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/stretch-hood-films-market