The 13 key reasons why retailers are choosing plastic pallets

The UK economy is going through a prolonged period of turbulence, caused by a wide-range of factors, including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, the fallout of the war in Ukraine, and poor fiscal decision making, to name but a few. Rising inflation and the cost of living crisis has impacted people’s confidence and ability to spend, which, in turn, has impacted the retail sector.

In addition to the financial pressures facing consumers, retailers have also faced several other challenges over recent years, including the continued growth in internet shopping and changing consumer behaviour. However, this sector continues to grow and remains an increasingly important cog within the UK economy. According to government research into the state of the retail industry – published in July 2024 – the output of the sector was £112 billion in 2023, which represented 4.9% of the UK’s total economy – and an increase of 2.4% on 2022.

Despite this growth, many retailers are implementing various cost-cutting measures, including closing down bricks-and-mortar stores and reducing their workforces. Additionally, logistics and operations managers are under increasing pressure to boost efficiency and achieve long-term savings across their supply chains, particularly within their warehouses and fulfilment centres.

One effective strategy for achieving these goals is the use of plastic pallets and pallet boxes. In this blog, we will explore our 13 key benefits these solutions offer to retailers, helping them to navigate the current economic challenges while improving operational efficiency and sustainability.

1. Durability and Longevity

Plastic pallets are renowned for their durability and extended lifespan compared to traditional wooden pallets. They resist damage from moisture, chemicals, and pests, which makes them a robust option for retailers. This resilience leads to a reduced need for frequent replacements, ultimately lowering long-term costs. In addition, plastic pallets can comfortably endure more cycles of use, enhancing the efficiency of retail operations and providing a higher return on investment​.

2. Hygiene and Cleanliness

Retail environments, particularly those dealing with food and pharmaceuticals, demand high hygiene standards. Plastic pallets meet these requirements due to their non-porous surfaces that are easy to clean and sanitise. They do not absorb liquids, thereby preventing the growth of bacteria. This feature is crucial for maintaining product safety and compliance with health regulations, making plastic pallets a preferred choice in sectors where cleanliness is paramount​. We have written a blog that provides everything you need to know about hygienic pallets – take a look.

3. Safety

Plastic pallets enhance workplace safety by eliminating common hazards associated with wooden pallets, such as splinters and protruding nails. Their uniformity in size and weight facilitates safer handling and stacking, reducing the risk of accidents. Moreover, the sturdy construction of plastic pallets ensures that they do not break under heavy loads, thereby safeguarding both products and personnel during transportation and storage​.

4. Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing concern in the retail industry, especially those that operate large fleets of vehicles. Plastic pallets can help to address this issue as they are often made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This cycle reduces waste and the demand for new raw materials. The use of plastic pallets can significantly lower the environmental footprint of retail operations, aligning with corporate sustainability goals and enhancing brand reputation​, which is becoming increasingly important with eco-conscious shoppers. Want to know more? Here are our top tips for creating a greener warehouse.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

While the initial investment in plastic pallets may be higher than wooden pallets, their durability and lower maintenance costs make them cost-effective in the long term. They require fewer replacements and repairs, which translates to savings on purchasing and labour costs associated with pallet maintenance. This cost efficiency is particularly beneficial for large-scale retail operations that rely on extensive pallet usage​. We have worked out the sums for you. Read our blog: Are plastic pallets cheaper than wood?

6. Lightweight and Space-Saving

Plastic pallets are generally lighter than wooden pallets, reducing shipping costs and making them easier to handle. Additionally, products such as nestable pallets and folding large containers allow for efficient storage when not in use, saving valuable transportation and warehouse space. This space-saving capability is particularly advantageous for retailers with limited vehicles or storage areas​.

7. Consistency and Reliability

The uniform size and shape of plastic pallets improve the efficiency of automated handling systems. Unlike wooden pallets, which can vary due to the nature of wood, plastic pallets maintain consistent dimensions and weight, ensuring smooth operation in automated environments. This reliability enhances the overall efficiency and predictability of retail logistics​.

8. Enhanced Load Capacity

Plastic pallets are engineered to withstand heavy loads without deforming, making them ideal for transporting and storing bulk goods. Their robust construction supports high load capacities, which is essential for retailers managing large volumes of products. This capability ensures that products are transported safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage​.

9. Versatility

Plastic pallets come in various designs tailored to different storage and transportation needs. Options like rackable, stackable, and nestable pallets provide flexibility for retailers. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from warehousing to in-store displays, enhancing operational efficiency across different areas of retail​.

10. Regulatory Compliance

Plastic pallets do not require heat treatment or fumigation to comply with international shipping standards, such as ISPM 15. This compliance makes them a hassle-free option for global logistics, ensuring that retailers can meet international shipping requirements without additional treatment processes. This regulatory advantage simplifies global operations and reduces logistical complexities​. They are the perfect choice for retailers with cross-border networks.

11. Brand Customisation

Retailers have the capability to customise plastic pallets with their branding, enhancing brand visibility during transportation and storage. This customisation not only promotes brand recognition but also allows retailers to use pallets as part of their marketing strategy. Branded pallets can be particularly useful in retail environments where they are visible to customers, adding a professional touch to product displays​.

12. Temperature Resistance

Plastic pallets can withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for various environments, including refrigerated storage and outdoor settings. This temperature resistance ensures that the pallets maintain their structural integrity and performance in diverse conditions, providing reliable support for products in any environment​.

13. Ease of Handling

The uniform and ergonomic design of plastic pallets makes them easier to handle with forklifts and other materials handling equipment. This ease of handling reduces the time and effort required for moving pallets, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing labour costs. Efficient handling is particularly important in fast-paced retail environments where quick turnaround times are essential​.

Examples of plastic pallets in action across the retail industry

The Plastic Pallet for Automation: In this article, we explain in more detail how plastic pallets are the perfect choice for automation systems. We discuss how we supplied 36,000 APB 1210 Pool plastic pallets to a major supermarket chain for use in its highly automated, high bay chilled environment with powered conveyor, turn tables and random placement.

Plastic Pallets Streamline Automation Systems for Major High Street Department Store: This blog provides an in-depth look at how a major high street department store optimised its distribution centre using plastic pallets. We supplied 24,000 APB 1210 Pool plastic pallets, which perfectly fit their automated storage and retrieval systems, achieving enhanced efficiency, consistent operations, and sustainability.

Why Nestable and Heavy-Duty Pallets Are the Gold Standard for Point of Sale: This article shares the benefits of using nestable and heavy-duty plastic pallets in point-of-sale (POS) applications. These pallets save space, support heavy loads, and are easy to handle, making them ideal for retail displays and storage – whilst also helping to increase consumer interest, and, ultimately, sales.

Conclusion

For more than three decades, we have worked closely alongside many of the leading names across the retail sector, supplying a range of products that have delivered a plethora of immediate and long-term benefits. From enhanced durability, improved hygiene and cost savings, to increased operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability, plastic pallets and pallet boxes are without doubt an excellent choice for modern retail logistics.

To explore more about how plastic pallets can benefit your retail business, visit our dedicated retail page on our website, phone our team today on 01323 744057 or email sales@goplasticpallets.com.