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As one of the country’s largest cities, Melbourne is a key hub for trade and distribution. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and adaptability, the logistics and supply chain sector in Melbourne is increasingly turning to solutions like plastic pallets to face challenges of a rapidly evolving global marketplace while ensuring efficiency and sustainability within their operations.
At the start, wooden pallets were mainly used, however, with the shortage in timber supply1, companies in Melbourne are pushed to adapt and find new strategies to optimise their supply chain. As companies strive to streamline their processes and adapt to the timber shortage, plastic pallets have emerged as the most viable alternative.
Why Plastic Pallets?
Durability
Plastic pallets, especially in Melbourne are designed to withstand to chemicals, alkali, and even harsh weather conditions, which are common in the region. Additionally, plastic pallets have good impact resistance and can hold heavy loads without cracking or breaking. This makes them a great investment for the future as companies can reduce maintenance costs in the process.
Hygiene
Certain sectors such as agriculture or pharmaceuticals rank hygiene of high importance. Plastic pallets do not absorb moisture, eliminating the risk of rot, infestation, or mould. The smooth surface of plastic pallets also allows them to be cleaned and sanitised easily and thoroughly to remove any airborne dust that can build up on the pallets over time.
Cost-Effectiveness
Although the up-front cost of plastic pallets tends to be higher compared to wooden pallets, they are about 25% to 30% lighter compared to other materials, which translates to lower freight costs when transporting goods. Additionally, with proper care, plastic pallets can last up to 10 years, which allows companies to further cut down on costs to replace the pallet.
Where can plastic pallets be used?
Food & Beverage Industry
The food and beverage industry is one of the largest manufacturing industries in Australia. It is also one of the best cases where plastic pallets should be utilised. When dealing with food, there are high hygiene and safety standards that companies need to comply with. Additionally, during transport, there is a risk of contaminants transferring to the pallets. However, plastic pallets can be easily cleaned and dried without needing to worry about mould. They are also resistant to moisture and bacteria, which allows companies in this industry to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of their produce throughout the logistics process.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Another industry where health and safety are paramount is the pharmaceutical industry. With the involvement of sensitive medical supplies and pharmaceutical products, strict contamination controls are applied. As previously mentioned, plastic pallets are resistant to pest infestation, therefore they don’t need to undergo chemical treatment, reducing the chances for the transported medical and pharmaceutical products to be mixed with harmful chemicals.
To conclude, as Melbourne continues to grapple with timber shortages, the switch to plastic pallets, particularly in sectors like food and beverage and pharmaceuticals, is becoming imperative. Plastic pallets in Melbourne offer unparalleled benefits in durability, hygiene, and sustainability, making them an excellent choice for businesses looking to adapt and thrive in this bustling city.
Here at Eco Pallets, we have a wide range of sizes and types of plastic pallets that we’re bound to have something that will work for your business.Contact our expert team today to find out more about our offerings.
