How Much Do Recycled Wooden Pallets Cost

Price Differences Between Recycled And New Wood Pallets

As shipping and freight costs continue to rise around the world, business owners in Australia are always looking for new and more cost-effective logistics solutions. But sometimes, “new” doesn’t always mean better.

The prices of new pallets are rising in order to meet the needs of supply chains in manufacturing, retail, and warehousing. Many businesses are now turning to refurbished pallets as a cheaper yet reliable alternative.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about:

• The cost of new and refurbished wooden pallets
• How much you can expect to pay
• Why refurbished pallets could be a smarter choice

The Cost Of Wooden Pallets In Australia

When it comes to understanding the cost of wooden pallets, it’s important to note that prices can vary widely depending on several factors. Before we get into those, let’s look at the cost of wood pallets in Australia.

You can expect to pay between $20 and $30 for new pallets, and between $10 and $16 for refurbished pallets in Australia.

What Affects the Cost of Wooden Pallets?

Several factors influence the cost of wooden pallets in Australia, including:

• Wood types: Hardwood pallets are generally more expensive than softwood pallets due to their superior strength and longevity.
• Pallet sizes: Larger pallets or those with higher weight capacities tend to cost more.
• Supplier: Prices can fluctuate depending on where you source your pallets, with local availability and supplier reputation playing significant roles.
• Bulk buys: Buying a number of pallets in bulk from the one manufacturer can often lead to cost savings per piece.

Regardless of these factors, it’s clear that refurbished can lead to a far cheaper overall cost for pallets of similar quality.

What Drives The Cost Of Wooden Pallets Up?

Like many things involved in shipping and logistics, and business in general, the cost of wooden pallets has been on the rise in recent years. This has been born out of a range of international and local factors impacting all supply chains.

1. Supply and Demand

There’s a growing demand for local pallets all over the world. Demand for import pallets and pallet wood has surged in China, Europe, and the United States, leaving less timber pallet wood on the homefront in Australia.

2. Geopolitical Factors

The global pallet timber industry has also been hit hard by massive geopolitical events, including COVID-19, Brexit, and the Ukraine-Russia War. Disruptions lead to inflation and logistical delays, further driving the availability of timber pallets down, while the costs are going up.

3. Labour shortages

Another serious impact on the availability and price of timber pallets is labour shortages. In the shipping, transport, and logistics sectors, employment levels have still not recovered following the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Logging restrictions

Many states and territories in Australia are imposing strict limits on logging the hardwood necessary for Australian businesses. These restrictions are consistently driving prices up across the country. This trend also diverts the hardwood from pallet making into other uses like furniture building and construction.

Fortunately, working with local pallets and refurbishing them for continued use, is a great way to stay cost-effective.

Why Refurbished Pallets are a Smart Investment for Australian Businesses

For businesses looking to reduce costs without compromising on quality, refurbished wooden pallets offer an excellent solution. 

Cost-Effectiveness

Refurbished pallets are the best option for cost savings. As mentioned earlier, refurbished pallets can be up to 50% cheaper than brand-new ones. This is particularly beneficial for businesses operating on tight margins or those with large-scale pallet needs.

When it comes to cheaper pallet prices, you may think that you’re paying for a lower quality. On the contrary — refurbished pallets undergo a rigorous remanufacturing process.

Quality and Durability

While the lower cost might raise concerns about quality, many refurbished pallets are restored to meet or exceed industry standards. Businesses can choose from different grades of refurbished pallets depending on their specific needs. 

Many refurbished pallets are typically in near-new condition, offering the same level of performance as new pallets at a fraction of the price.

Better Sustainability

Sustainability is a massive priority for Australian businesses. It improves your carbon footprint and, in turn, the trust consumers have in your business. Refurbished pallets are recycled, meaning they prevent additional timber from being harvested, helping you meet your goals.

This is why recycled pallets are a great option. Once a pallet reaches the end of its life, it can be repurposed or further recycled, making it a circular and environmentally friendly alternative.

How Born Again Pallets Can Help

As pallet prices continue to rise, understanding the cost of wooden pallets and exploring refurbished alternatives is more important than ever. For Australian businesses, refurbished pallets offer a practical, budget-friendly solution without compromising on quality. 

Whether you’re looking for cost savings, sustainability, or reliable performance, refurbished wooden pallets can help you achieve your business goals while keeping expenses under control.

Across Australia, businesses are discovering the benefits of switching to refurbished wooden pallets. Born Again Pallets has been on the ground floor of this changing logistics culture. We specialise in repurposing, upcycling, and refurbishing timber pallets, helping you reduce waste and save money.

When you work with us, you can:

• Ensure your unused or damaged pallets are recycled
• Prevent good wood from ending up in landfills or as fire hazards
• Minimise your waste fees and promote sustainability
• Contribute to a circular economy

Take a step towards smarter, greener business practices with Born Again Pallets today! Shop now or find out more about how we can help your business.