14 Pallets West
JUNE 2017
2 billion wood pallets are used every day in domestic shipping and warehousing operations; and about $400 billion worth of American trade is exported annually using wood pallets and containers. Based on wood pallets reliability, custom-ization, and safety performance, our in-dustry’s products are trusted by Amer-ica’s shipping companies and the global supply chain network.
“Through more than 30 years of research and innovation, the wood pallet industry is shaping the future of packaging around sustainability and safety. To this end, we are working hand in hand with the USDA to promote the growth of biobased wood pallets and mandatory purchasing requirements through the agency’s BioPreferred® program. USDA has recognized the NWPCA’s Pallet Design System to certify and label wood pallets for their strength, stiffness and dura-bility."
In order to test the pallets, DOC formed a study group, which visited IKEA to find out about the benefits and challenges of paper pallets. The group also conversed with several paper pallet vendors before purchasing a small amount for testing.
The group concluded in its report to the Oregon Legislative Assembly: "Through the test phase, DOC learned that, overall, the cardboard pallets tested did not work for the agency’s transport and storage needs. In addition, cardboard pallets present a number of logistical and
cost issues for the agency. "
Read the entire report at this link.
Photo and caption from the Department of Corrections report.