The traditional life cycle of a pallet

From Single-Use to Sustainable Solutions

Pallets are a critical part of the global logistics cycle. But like all cycles, pallets must end up somewhere. Traditionally, a pallet’s journey involves multiple uses until it eventually becomes scrap wood destined for landfills.

But with innovations in recycling and sustainability, businesses like Born Again Pallets are changing the narrative. By extending the pallet lifecycle through a circular economy model, Born Again Pallets is keeping tonnes of CO2 out of the atmosphere every year.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• The traditional life cycle of a pallet
• The impact it has on our environment
• How sustainable practices are transforming the lifecycle of a pallet 
• How together we can benefit both businesses and the planet

Born Again Pallets is committed to recycling pallets for large and small businesses around Australia. Whether you have a pallet surplus or you would like to buy inexpensive refurbished pallets, we can help.

The Environmental Cost of Pallets

Before we look at the traditional life cycle of pallets, let’s understand the environmental cost first. 

Here are some key points to remember as we work through the article:

• In 2020, half a billion pallets were made, a number that has increased since.
• A single tree log can produce the timber for 4 pallets.

Therefore, it takes 125 million trees to create the world’s pallets each year. 

Wood also contributes significantly to carbon emissions with an average footprint of 4.12 kg CO2 eq. That’s just for production. When we take the trees from the land, we have even more of a carbon footprint. Putting pallets into landfill to decompose also releases a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere.

In Australia alone, millions of pallets are in circulation, with many discarded after minimal use. This wasteful practice not only strains natural resources but also creates avoidable carbon emissions from unnecessary timber harvesting, manufacturing, and disposal processes.

So, how does this happen?

The Traditional Pallet Lifecycle: From Production to Landfill

We’ve established that pallet use is a resource heavy practice. And unfortunately, under traditional practices, the lifecycle of a pallet is often limited to a single or short-term use. Here’s how it works:

1. Harvest: Timber is harvested, processed, and cut to size.
2. Assembly: Pallets are assembled to their required use and specification.
3. Distribution: Pallets are purchased by businesses and distributed.
4. Transport: The timber pallets enter the logistics chain.
5. Reuse: Undamaged pallets are reused several times.
6. End of life: Eventually, the pallet must be discarded due to wear and tear.
7. Disposal: Timber pallets are often dumped in landfill or burned.

In this traditional model, pallets typically have a short life cycle, averaging around 5 use cycles before they’re deemed unusable. This is a huge problem for businesses and the environment.

Born Again Pallets’ Circular Economy Approach

As businesses and consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing push for sustainable practices in all aspects of logistics. 

Born Again Pallets is at the forefront of this movement, transforming the traditional pallet lifecycle into a circular model that prioritises reuse, refurbishment, and recycling.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Collection: We collect pallets from businesses for refurbishment.
2. Assessment: Pallets are assessed for condition and the potential for repair.
3. Refurbishment: Replace damage boards, reinforce weak points to meet industry standards.
4. Redistribution: We put pallets back into circulation to businesses looking for cost effective solutions.
5. Recycling: We break down pallets that can no longer be prepared as mulch, wood chips, and creative DIY projects.

This circular approach ensures that the timber used in each pallet remains in circulation for as long as possible, reducing the need to cut down new trees.

The Benefits of a Circular Pallet Lifecycle

Shifting from a traditional, linear pallet lifecycle to a circular one offers a range of benefits to businesses looking to cut costs and become more environmentally friendly:

Conservation

By extending the life cycle of a pallet, fewer trees are needed to produce new pallets. This reduction in timber demand helps combat deforestation and preserves vital forest ecosystems.

Reduced carbon footprint

Our circular model minimises the carbon emissions from manufacturing, transporting, and disposing of pallets. By keeping pallets in circulation longer, businesses can lower their carbon footprint, making them the ethical choice for consumers.

Cost saving

Refurbished pallets offer a cost-effective alternative to new pallets. Businesses can save significantly by choosing recycled pallets that deliver the same durability and performance as new ones.

Waste reduction

Landfills are already overflowing with waste from business and commerce. Much of this is avoidable. A circular pallet life cycle reduces the amount of wood waste ending up in landfills, helping address the global waste management crisis.

Supply chain efficiency

The circular model contributes to the logistics industry as a whole. With more pallets available to go around, we can prevent pallet shortages like those that took place following the pandemic. 

Regulatory compliance

Governments and industries are always pushing for stricter environmental regulations. By proactively embracing sustainable practices, companies are better prepared for future policy changes.

How We Can Help You Join The Sustainable Pallet Lifecycle

By adopting a circular economy approach, your business can transform how you handle pallets. Together, we can turn what was once destined for landfill into a valuable, reusable resource.

Born Again Pallets is leading the way in this shift towards sustainability. We take pride in extending the life cycle of timber and reducing the strain on our environment through pallet recycling. 

This approach doesn’t just make environmental sense—it also makes economic sense. We want to offer your business a more affordable and sustainable solution for your logistics needs. As industries continue to evolve, embracing a circular pallet lifecycle is key to building a greener, more resource-efficient future. For businesses looking to balance profitability with sustainability, choosing recycled pallets is a step in the right direction.

Contact us today and get started on your journey to a greener logistics footprint.