18 WESTERN PALLET
pallet users have become familiar with block pallets. “People began to recognize that the block pallet is very functional. In many ways, it is much more functional and can reduce operating costs. He noted that the slide is consistent with manufacturing trends--75% stringer and 21 to 25% block.
“I think we are starting to see that growth in block manufacturing starting to ebb a bit, and it makes sense. Certainly, the rental companies are all on block pallets, and the pools are maturing. But the growth in the recent past from stringer to block pallet was significant.
More new wood pallets, fewer recycled being purchased
This year’s survey showed an increase in wood pallet purchasers buying new, with a significant drop in those purchasing used pallets, which speaks to the continuing degradation of pallet core quality.
“The availability of the core that becomes the basis for used repaired or remanufactured pallets in the marketplace has declined,” Dr. White said. “And as that declines, the quality of used pallets has also declined.” He cautioned, however, that the used pallet market very much pertains to the 48x40 pallet, which is only 35% of the pallet market. “This doesn’t really tell us what is going on with repairing the odd sizes…” He suggested that increased purchases of new pallets might help improve quality in the used pallet market.