For businesses based in logistics and manufacturing, timber pallets are an essential business cost. When considering what pallet type is needed, many companies opt for new timber pallets without considering all options available. The reality is that used timber pallets are also able to offer an abundance of benefits for businesses with cost savings being top of the list.

As a continuation from our article about how new timber pallets can improve warehouse operations, in this blog, we will explore the virtues of used versions in terms of reducing spend for businesses. Keep reading if you want to know how used timber pallets can help you both save and make money!

Are Timber Pallets Widely Used in the UK?

Although small, the UK is mighty when it comes to warehouse and logistics operations representing why the market for timber pallets is so large. In fact, across the UK and EU, there are an estimated three billion wooden pallets in circulation. Also considering the UK is a large user of pallets, the fact that the global market is estimated to be worth $193.2 billion by 2025 is also a relevant piece of information to consider.

In What Ways Can Selecting Used Timber Pallets Save Money for a Business?

Considering that 71% of UK logistics companies reported an escalation in transportation costs, it’s easy to understand why businesses across the country need to find money-saving methods. This is also combined with increased operational costs, which means that profits are cut much more harshly than in previous years.

While there are many ways to save money, such as focusing on energy efficiency and automation of tasks, reducing spending on essential items is vital. Wooden pallets are the perfect resource for this, thanks to the available market for used items. The reason that new wood pallets can be expensive is because of the longevity of the products that they are intended to offer. This represents the quality that older products can offer, which is why more businesses are increasingly choosing used timber pallets over new ones. The ways in which used timber pallets can save money for a business are as follows:

• Lower Initial Spend: The main and most obvious reason is that used timber pallets cost much less than brand new options. These refurbished products can come in anywhere from 30% – 60% cheaper than new equivalents offering an appealing option for cost-savvy companies. By spending less on items, it means overall logistics costs can be reduced. Also, once a great supplier is found, companies have an easy way to source more used timber pallets when they are required.
• Local Opportunities: Sourcing used timber pallets can also cost less as the likelihood of a second-hand supplier being nearby is higher than having a company that sells new pallets. This is because sometimes, businesses will pay to have their pallets refurbished to sell when they are no longer needed, or there will always be a local carpenter who is up for the job. This saves costs by reducing delivery and travel costs associated with collecting pallets.
• Extended Usability: Businesses also save money by selecting timber pallets that can be used for a long period of time. Wooden pallets are one of the strongest transportation tools, with many being built to transport extremely heavy-weight items. This means they are constructed to last, which is still the case even when they are secondhand. Additionally, timber pallets can be easily repaired and refurbished, giving them a finish that is as good as new. This means companies don’t have to keep spending out on new timber pallets as used ones will not only stand the test of time but can be continually refurbished to offer new-like finishes.
• Wide Selection of Sizes: Another factor that can mean buying timber pallets is a costly outlay for companies is when bespoke sizes are needed. When choosing used options, there will always be a wide selection of sizes where companies may have only needed unique measurements for certain items. Even though it may mean a little bit of searching, this point does mean that businesses can reduce spend on custom pallets.
• Less Chance of Ongoing Maintenance Needs: As mentioned, one of the benefits of selecting a timber pallet is that they are durable plus can be repaired easily. If you are selecting a used product that has been recently refurbished, it means it’s in great condition, offering reliable performance for a longer time. This not only means less is being spent on an item which is closely matched to the quality of a brand new item but that companies don’t need to consider spending on repairs for an extended period.

What Additional Benefits Are Available From Choosing Used Timber Pallets?

It’s not just the initial cost savings that offer benefits to businesses. In fact, the additional advantages provided from selecting used timber pallets can improve operations and also lead to even more money being saved.

Enhanced Safety and Operations

Refurbished timber pallets are extremely reliable and robust, which is why some companies choose them over plastic timber pallets. This means that they are a safer solution for employees to interact with, reducing the chance of costly workplace accidents. Another cost that is protected is that of damaged materials. If a pallet is faulty, this could become an issue.

Resale Potential

In the same way that there is a market for buying used pallets, the resale market for these reconditioned items is also strong. This means that not only can companies save money when making initial purchases, but they also have the opportunity to sell them once they are no longer needed. It’s also important to consider that pallets serve not just logistics and warehousing needs but also regular purchases for other uses, such as raw materials or DIY projects.

Environmental Sustainability

Another advantage of selecting used timber pallets is the various environmental benefits of selecting refurbished products. In addition to satisfying different sustainability initiatives, there are sometimes grants and funding available for businesses that adopt green solutions. This means money could be made from either purchasing these products or grants may be selected to fund the initial purchases, offering even more ways to save money. Additionally, the consumer interest in being a sustainable business needs to be mentioned as this is a factor that can directly relate to increasing profits.

Improve Operational Efficiency

Financial savings can also be accessed through the efficiency of these reliable transportation solutions. Having robust logistical solutions means staff can work quicker and also potentially transport heavy loads with fewer journeys.

If you want to pick up some more tips relating to this, articles like our blog about how to wrap timber pallets are great resources to check out.

How Can A&M Pallets Limited Help Businesses to Source Used Timber Pallets?

If the cost savings mentioned in this article appeal to you, then our collection of used timber pallets are ideal. All of our pallets are professionally reconditioned, available in a selection of different grades and pass our stringent quality testing. We also have more than 40,000 pallets available at any one time meaning they can be sourced rapidly. We also only use reclaimed timber to make any fixes to our used pallets, which also means they meet high sustainability standards.

In addition to providing a selection of heat-treated pallets that have been used before, we also offer plastic solutions and brand-new designs within our extensive pallet collections.With used pallets being suitable for all of the same uses that new pallets offer, companies can save money without having to compromise on their operational standards by exploring our selection. Do you still want to learn more? Click here to contact our knowledgeable team, who can help you source the perfect used timber pallets for your business.