Plastic vs wooden pallets: which is better? Comparison and price

Plastic vs wooden pallets: which should you choose? This is one of the most common questions when a company chooses pallets for storage, transport or export. There are good arguments for both, and there is no single right answer that applies to every situation. The right choice depends on the application, the budget, hygiene requirements and whether the pallet circulates in a closed system or makes a one-way trip.

In this article we compare the plastic pallet and the wooden pallet in practical terms: price, weight, load capacity, durability, hygiene, export and recycling. We also go through the typical choices in different industries and the most common mistakes, and give clear decision rules on when to choose a plastic pallet and when a wooden one. Suomen Lavacenter supplies both, so we can help you choose the solution that suits your use.

What is a plastic pallet?

A plastic pallet is a pallet usually made from polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) that withstands moisture, chemicals and repeated use. Many kinds of plastic pallets are available: light models intended for one-way use or export, heavy and reinforced industrial pallets, and hygienic, smooth-surfaced pallets for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Models are often divided into solid-deck and open-deck (slatted) pallets, and by load capacity into light and heavy ones. The most common plastic pallet sizes in Finland are 1200 x 800 mm (EUR size), 1200 x 1000 mm and 1100 x 1100 mm, which is particularly popular in export and container shipping. You also see many black plastic pallets on the market, which are often made from recycled plastic.

What is a wooden pallet?

The wooden pallet is still the most common type of pallet in Finland and across Europe. The best known are the standardised EUR pallet (EPAL) measuring 800 x 1200 mm and the Finnish FIN pallet measuring 1000 x 1200 mm. There are also lighter one-way pallets and custom-size pallets.

The strengths of the wooden pallet are its low purchase price, good availability, repairability and established standards, which ensure consistent quality and exchangeability. The wooden pallet is the natural choice for most domestic storage and transport. Read more about the differences between pallet sizes in the article pallet sizes and dimensions.

Plastic vs wooden pallets: comparison table

Below is a concise comparison of the most important differences. Exact values depend on the pallet model, so treat the table as indicative. If needed, request a quote and we will give you the exact details.

Plastic and wooden pallet prices

Price is often the deciding factor. The price of a plastic pallet is typically higher at the time of purchase than that of a wooden pallet of the same size, because the raw material and the durable mould cost more. On the other hand, a plastic pallet can work out cheaper over long-term use if it circulates within the same system dozens or hundreds of times, because the cost is then spread over more shipments.

So rather than the purchase price, it is worth comparing the life-cycle cost. A simple rule of thumb: divide the price of the pallet by the estimated number of uses. A cheap wooden pallet that lasts a few trips can end up more expensive per trip than a durable plastic pallet that circulates for years. Then again, in one-way transport the pallet does not come back, so the low purchase price decides it and the wooden pallet almost always wins.

The price of both plastic and wooden pallets depends on the size, the type, the order quantity and whether you buy a new or used pallet. A used plastic pallet is a clearly cheaper option than a new one when its surface cleanliness and condition are good enough for the purpose. Read more about how prices are formed in the article pallet price.

Weight and load capacity

The weight of a plastic pallet varies a lot by model: light export and one-way models weigh only around 3.5-7 kg, while heavy industrial and racking pallets can weigh 15-25 kg. A light plastic pallet reduces the total weight of the shipment and can lower freight costs, especially in air freight and when there are many pallets. For comparison, a wooden EUR pallet typically weighs around 25 kg.

Load capacity is stated in three ways: dynamic (in motion, for example when moved by forklift), static (stacked and stationary) and racking (in pallet racking, supported only at the edges). Racking load capacity is the lowest of these, and exceeding it is a common cause of broken pallets, so always make sure the pallet can handle the way you use it. The dynamic load capacity of a heavy plastic pallet is often in the region of 250-1250 kg, and the static capacity can be several thousand kilos. A wooden EUR pallet has a dynamic load capacity of around 1500 kg and a static capacity of up to 4000 kg. Read more in the article pallet load capacity.

Durability, hygiene and cleaning

This is where the plastic pallet has a clear advantage. Plastic does not absorb moisture or go mouldy, and it has no nails or splinters that can come loose. A plastic pallet can be washed and disinfected, which makes it a natural choice for the food, pharmaceutical and cleanroom industries and for other settings with strict hygiene requirements. The smooth surface is also consistent in quality, which suits automated handling and robotics.

A wooden pallet is mechanically strong and easy to repair, but it can absorb moisture and dirt and cannot be washed in the same way. For most ordinary storage and transport uses, wood is still entirely adequate and cost-effective. If wooden pallets are used in damp conditions, make sure they stay dry while in storage.

Plastic and wooden pallets in storage

In storage, racking load capacity, dimensional accuracy and use of space are what matter. A plastic pallet has very consistent dimensions, which helps automated warehouses and dense racking. It also does not bring debris or splinters into the warehouse. A wooden pallet is an affordable way to fill a large warehouse, and a good-quality EUR or FIN pallet works well in pallet racking as long as the racking load capacity is not exceeded.

If pallets stand for a long time or are stacked high, check the static load capacity and that the pallet is straight. A warped or damp wooden pallet can make a stack unstable. Also read the comparison new or used pallets, as a used pallet is often perfectly adequate for storage.

Plastic and wooden pallets in transport

In transport, weight, price and the direction of travel decide. A light plastic pallet reduces the total weight of the shipment, which can save on freight. In repeated, returnable traffic, a durable plastic pallet pays for itself. In one-way shipments where the pallet does not come back, a low-cost one-way pallet or wooden pallet is usually the most sensible choice, as there is no point in tying up capital in an expensive pallet that stays with the customer.

Also consider how many pallets fit in the load space: the footprint of the pallet (for example 800 x 1200 or 1100 x 1100) directly affects how many pallets you can get into a truck or container. The same logic applies to both plastic and wooden pallets.

Export: does the pallet need ISPM 15 treatment?

Exporting outside the EU is one of the most important reasons to choose a plastic pallet. The international ISPM 15 standard applies to wooden packaging materials, which must be heat-treated (HT stamp) to pass customs in many destination countries. A plastic pallet contains no organic material, so it is exempt from the ISPM 15 requirement: a plastic pallet needs no heat treatment and no separate stamp.

If you export a lot and the destination countries vary, a plastic pallet removes the extra step and uncertainty that heat treatment brings. At worst, an untreated wooden pallet can be held at customs in the destination country, which delays delivery. If, on the other hand, you use wooden pallets for export, make sure they are ISPM 15 heat-treated. Suomen Lavacenter also supplies heat-treated wooden pallets for export: ask for more details with a quote request.

Plastic pallet sizes

The right plastic pallet size is chosen according to the handling system and the mode of transport. The most common sizes are:

• 1200 x 800 mm: the same footprint as the EUR pallet, suitable for European logistics.
• 1200 x 1000 mm: common in industry and for heavier loads.
• 1100 x 1100 mm: popular in export and container shipping, especially on Asian routes.
• 800 x 600 mm: a half size for smaller batches and retail use.

A black plastic pallet made from recycled material is often the cheapest option when the appearance of the pallet does not matter. Choose a size that fits your existing pallet system, rack spacing and transport equipment. Request a quote and we will tell you which plastic pallet sizes and models are currently available.

Plastic or wooden pallets in different industries

The best choice often depends on the industry and its requirements. These are the typical recommendations:

Food and beverage industry

Hygiene and washability are key, so a plastic pallet is the most natural choice in many settings, especially in production and intralogistics, where pallets come into contact with unpackaged products. Wooden pallets are often used for incoming raw material batches and outgoing shipments for cost reasons.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare industry

Strict requirements for cleanliness and consistent quality favour the plastic pallet. A smooth, washable surface and dimensional accuracy support both hygiene and automation.

E-commerce and intralogistics

Fast turnover and automation favour consistent-quality plastic pallets inside the warehouse. For outgoing shipments that stay with the customer, a low-cost one-way or wooden pallet is often more cost-effective.

Construction and manufacturing

Heavy point loads and demanding conditions favour the strong and repairable wooden pallet. A low purchase price and good availability make the wooden pallet a practical choice for large volumes.

Export and international trade

When exporting outside the EU, a plastic pallet avoids ISPM 15 treatment and simplifies logistics. The alternative is a heat-treated wooden pallet. In container shipping, 1100 x 1100 mm is a popular size.

Recycling and the environment

Both types of pallet are recyclable, but in different ways. At the end of its service life, a plastic pallet is 100% remeltable into new products, and a broken plastic pallet should always be sent for material recycling. A wooden pallet, on the other hand, is made of a renewable material: it can be repaired, reused and finally used for energy or as recycled material.

For both, the most sensible thing to do for the environment is to keep the pallet in circulation for as long as possible. Read how pallet recycling works in practice: even broken pallets can be useful.

New or used plastic pallet?

As with wooden pallets, it is worth considering a used option for plastic pallets too. A used plastic pallet is cheaper than a new one and an ecological choice when its condition and cleanliness are good enough for the purpose. Check a used plastic pallet for cracks, warping or excessive wear in the load-bearing structures.

If hygiene requirements are strict or the pallet is going onto an automated line, a new pallet is often the safer choice because of its consistent quality. The same tips apply to wooden pallets: read more in the article new or used pallets.

The most common mistakes when choosing between plastic and wooden pallets

• Choosing on purchase price alone. The cheapest pallet is not the cheapest if it breaks quickly or is held at customs. Compare the life-cycle cost.
• Forgetting the requirements of export countries. An untreated wooden pallet can be held at customs: remember ISPM 15 heat treatment or choose a plastic pallet.
• The wrong size. The pallet does not fit the rack spacing or the load space efficiently. Measure your system before ordering.
• Mixing up load capacities. Dynamic, static and racking load capacity are different things, and overloading leads to breakages.
• Buying new when used would do (or the opposite: choosing used for a strict hygiene application).

How to choose the right pallet: checklist

Go through these questions and the choice will quickly become clear:

• Where is the pallet going: storage, domestic transport or export?
• Are there hygiene requirements (food, pharmaceuticals, cleanroom)?
• Does the pallet circulate in a closed system, or is it a one-way shipment?
• How heavy is the load and how is it handled (forklift, pallet truck, racking)?
• Are the products exported outside the EU (ISPM 15)?
• Is the purchase price or the life-cycle cost the deciding factor?
• Is a used pallet enough, or do you need a new one?

Plastic or wooden pallets in brief

A plastic pallet is durable, hygienic and convenient for export, but more expensive to buy. A wooden pallet is affordable, strong and easy to obtain, and it covers most domestic needs. In short: choose a plastic pallet when you value hygiene, a long life cycle or straightforward export, and a wooden pallet when you want an affordable, strong and flexible basic pallet.

When should you choose a plastic pallet?

• For export outside the EU, when you want to avoid ISPM 15 heat treatment.
• For settings where hygiene is key (food, pharmaceuticals, cleanroom) and the pallet must be washable.
• For a closed loop or your own pallet pool, where the same pallet circulates many times.
• For automated handling, where a consistent and dimensionally accurate pallet is needed.
• When you want to reduce shipping weight with a light plastic pallet.

When is a wooden pallet better?

• For low-cost purchasing and large volumes, when the budget decides.
• For one-way transport, where the pallet does not come back.
• For heavy point loads, where the mechanical strength of wood is an advantage.
• When you want the pallet to be easy to repair and recyclable locally.
• For domestic storage and transport, where standard pallets are sufficient.

Why get your pallets from Suomen Lavacenter?

Suomen Lavacenter supplies both plastic pallets and wooden pallets, new and used, in different sizes and for different purposes. Because we offer both, we do not steer you towards a particular material but help you choose the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your use. Deliveries are handled quickly, and we also buy your surplus pallets. Browse our pallet range or request a quote.

Summary: plastic or wooden pallet?

Plastic and wooden pallets are not opposites but tools for different situations. The plastic pallet excels in hygiene, durability and export, the wooden pallet in price, strength and availability. Consider whether the pallet circulates in a closed system or makes a one-way trip, how important hygiene is and whether the products are exported outside the EU: the answers will quickly point you to the right choice.

Need plastic or wooden pallets quickly? Suomen Lavacenter helps you choose the right solution and delivers pallets to suit your needs. Call +358 29 170 3899, email info@suomenlavacenter.fi or send a quote request.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, a plastic or a wooden pallet?

In terms of purchase price, a wooden pallet is usually cheaper. However, a plastic pallet can work out cheaper in a long, closed loop because it withstands more uses. For single use and one-way transport, a wooden pallet is almost always the cheapest choice.

How much does a plastic pallet weigh?

The weight of a plastic pallet varies by model from around 3.5 kg to around 25 kg. Light export and one-way pallets are the lightest, heavy industrial and racking pallets the heaviest. For comparison, a wooden EUR pallet typically weighs around 25 kg.

What is the load capacity of a plastic pallet?

The dynamic load capacity of a heavy plastic pallet is often around 250-1250 kg, and the static capacity can be several thousand kilos. Racking load capacity is the lowest, so always check the value that matches how you use the pallet before loading it.

Does a plastic pallet need ISPM 15 treatment for export?

No. The ISPM 15 standard only applies to wooden packaging materials, so a plastic pallet is exempt from the requirement. No heat treatment or HT stamp is needed when exporting on a plastic pallet. Wooden export pallets, on the other hand, must be heat-treated.

Can a plastic pallet be washed?

Yes. A plastic pallet can be washed and disinfected, because plastic does not absorb moisture. This is why plastic pallets are well suited to food, pharmaceutical and other settings that demand high standards of hygiene.

What sizes of plastic pallets are available?

The most common plastic pallet sizes are 1200 x 800 mm, 1200 x 1000 mm and 1100 x 1100 mm, plus the smaller 800 x 600 mm. Choose the size according to your existing pallet system, rack spacing and transport equipment.

Can a plastic pallet be recycled?

Yes. At the end of its service life, a plastic pallet can be fully remelted into new plastic products. A broken plastic pallet should be sent for material recycling.

Are used plastic pallets available?

Yes. A used plastic pallet is cheaper than a new one and an ecological choice when its condition and cleanliness are good enough for the purpose. Check that there are no cracks or warping in the load-bearing structures.

Can plastic and wooden pallets be used in the same system?

Yes, as long as their footprints and load capacities suit the racking and handling equipment. Many companies use plastic pallets for hygiene-sensitive or export applications and wooden pallets elsewhere. We can help you combine pallet types sensibly.

Which is better, a plastic or a wooden pallet?

There is no single right answer. A plastic pallet is better for hygiene, a long life cycle and export, while a wooden pallet wins on affordability, strength and availability. The choice depends on the application, and we are happy to help you choose.