There are six types of pallets if we classify them based on the material with which they are made. Thus, we find Wooden Pallet Supplier Malaysia - the most widespread - but there are also pallets made of wood fibre, cardboard, plastic or expanded polystyrene pallets and, finally, metal.

The correct choice of material must be made taking into account the load to be transported by each type of pallet. This also depends on the structure's own weight: the greater the weight, the greater the resistance of the pallet. However, there are certain materials such as fibre or polystyrene that have been created to achieve greater efficiency in this regard. Let's see in detail the characteristics of each one.

Choice of pallets according to their weight and resistance

Once the dimensions of the pallets have been determined, it will be necessary to define the use that will be given to the structure. How many loads can each pallet support? How do you react to shocks?

To some extent, this depends on its weight and the assembly of the parts themselves. In this way, the resistance to compression ensures the load that it can carry and to it is added the resistance to bending and impact. We can classify them into three types of pallets at the level of resistance:

Light pallets (one way): they weigh up to 9 kg and are the most economical. They tend to run out after first use and are used for export and storage since in these processes the pallets are not normally recovered.

Heavy pallets: with an average weight between 17 and 25 kilos, these pallets are much more resistant to use and also to the weight they can carry. They are reusable and are often used in industrial sectors that need to transport large loads. Their strong point is in durability, which makes them more efficient in the medium / long term.

Medium pallets: located between 10 and 16 kilos, it is an intermediate option between the previous ones since it seeks efficiency between the weight of the pallet and the amount of load it can support.

Types of pallets according to their material

The manufacture of pallets is based on three large families of materials: wood, cardboard and plastic. However, specifically, we find six different types of pallets on the market:

1. Wooden pallets

Wooden pallets take up a large part of the market and are the most used due to the relationship between resistance, reliability and price they offer. The UNE-EN 12246 standard establishes the “Wood quality classes used in pallets and packaging”.

In general, the sawn wood with which the pallets are manufactured comes mainly from:
  • Conifers: these are evergreen species such as fir, larch and various varieties of pine. This type of wood is lighter but less robust than the next.
  • Leafy: they are the trees that produce and shed leaves such as birch, acacia, alder, maple, chestnut, poplar, ash, beech, elm, banana and oak. It is characterized by the quality of the result since it gives rise to a much more resistant and somewhat heavier wood.
If the used wooden pallets for sale are to be used for export, they must be treated to be suitable for this transport. The NIMF-15 norm designates the procedure that guarantees correct disinfection of the wood and must be marked as such.

2. Wood fibre pallets

Wood fibre pallets are born as an ecological and lighter alternative to the previous ones. They are made from wood chips and amino resins, which facilitates their recycling.

They are used for export since their composition is approved according to the NIMF-15 standards and, in addition, their weight reduces transport costs. Although smaller than a traditional wooden pallet, it presents an interesting resistance. The fibre pallets do not have nails or screws, so it prevents the film from tearing.

3. Cardboard pallets

The cardboard pallet falls within the one-way pallet classification since it is disposable. It stands out for its great lightness (variable between 0.95 and 4.50 kg. Depending on the size) and, being single-use, guarantees optimal hygiene conditions, which is why it is widely used in the food industry. They also do not have nails or screws, since the corrugated cardboard pieces are glued together.

4. Plastic pallets

The plastic pallets have been designed in polyethene, polypropylene or other high-density compounds. These types of compact plastics offer resistance to stacking and do not require sanitary treatments for export, since they are rot-proof and washable. They are chosen as an alternative to cardboard in industrial logistics since they are more durable.

5. Expanded polystyrene pallets

Expanded polystyrene is synonymous with polyexpan. As with the plastic ones, the expanded polystyrene pallets have a constant lower weight than the wooden ones and the main advantage is their low cost. They are also suitable for export.

6. Metal pallets

Metal pallets are specially designed to withstand huge dynamic loads (around 2,000 kilos). They can be manufactured from steel or aluminium. They register the highest prices in the market, but they are very efficient due to their enormous duration. They have holes to be handled with cranes.