
Returnable pallets are a game-changer for sustainable logistics. By reusing pallets instead of constantly producing new ones, companies can significantly reduce their environmental impact.
A single returnable pallet can be used hundreds of times, which means a significant reduction in waste and the need for raw materials. The average lifespan of a returnable pallet is around 50 to 100 trips.
Using returnable pallets can also save companies money in the long run. According to industry estimates, the cost of a returnable pallet can be recouped in just a few months through reduced material costs and increased efficiency.
For your interest: Garden Pallets
What are Returnable Pallets?
Returnable pallets are designed for multiple uses, which significantly reduces waste and enhances cost savings. They're a game-changer for businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices without compromising on product safety and integrity.
These pallets are a forward-thinking approach to logistics and supply chain management. They cater to the needs of businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact.
By switching to returnable pallets, businesses can reduce waste and save money. It's a win-win situation for the environment and the bottom line.
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Benefits of Returnable Pallets
Returnable pallets offer a cost-effective solution for businesses, with the initial investment being offset by long-term savings. They can be used multiple times, reducing packaging costs.
One of the key benefits of returnable pallets is their environmental impact. They reduce disposable materials involved in the supply chain, thereby decreasing waste. This appeals to growing consumer preferences about sustainable lifestyles.
Returnable pallets can also be made stackable and optimized for storage, making them more space-friendly on transport and storage. This is particularly useful for businesses with limited storage space.
Returnable pallets are often made harder than others, minimizing the possibility of damage during transportation. This ensures that goods arrive intact, reducing the risk of product damage.
Here are some key benefits of returnable pallets:
- Long-term savings through multiple uses
- Reduced environmental impact
- Increased storage efficiency
- Minimized damage during transportation
Overall, returnable pallets offer a practical and sustainable solution for businesses looking to reduce costs and minimize their environmental footprint.
ORBIS Pallets
ORBIS Europe offers returnable plastic pallets for different industries, making them a convenient option for storing and transporting heavy goods.
These pallets often have runners for simplified handling and moving with forklifts, making them a practical choice for many businesses.
ORBIS food & beverage pallets are available in Standard footprints and are compatible with existing processes and supply chains.
They can be used in combination with layer pads and top frames to securely stack pallet loads of cans, bottles, and similar products.
ORBIS Europe's returnable plastic pallets are designed for easy and quick maintenance on site, eliminating the need for special tooling.
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Choosing the Right Pallet
Choosing the right pallet can be a daunting task, but it's essential to get it right. There are many factors to consider, such as the products you want to transport, the means and routes of transportation, and your existing processes.
ORBIS offers a range of plastic pallets, including returnable plastic pallets for beverage cans, and pallets with dimensions such as 1120 x 1300 / 1120 x 1420 / 1180 x 1265 mm, and ISO dimensions 1200 x 1000 mm.

The right pallet for you will depend on your specific needs. Our packaging consultants can help you choose the perfect pallet for your application.
Returnable pallets can be made stackable and optimized for storage, making them more space-friendly on transport and storage. They can also be made harder than others, minimizing the risk of damage during transportation.
Here are some benefits of returnable pallets:
- Compared to traditional packing, the initial investment in returnable packing might be quite a bit higher, but the long-term saving is enormous.
- Returnable Pallets reduces the disposable materials involved in the supply chain and thereby decreases waste.
- Returnable Pallets can be made stackable and optimized for storage.
- Returnable pallets and containers are usually made harder than others, minimizing possibilities of damage while goods are being transported.
Some returnable pallets, such as folding large containers (FLCs), are more robust solutions for transporting bulky items. They can also provide some levels of ease in handling and movement, improving efficiency in the supply chain.
Sustainable Logistics Solutions
Sustainable logistics solutions are crucial for reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact. Companies are shifting from traditional wooden pallets to durable plastic pallets, which can be reused multiple times and are 100% recyclable.
ORBIS, a company that produces reusable plastic pallets, uses recycled plastics in their production process, reducing CO2 emissions and waste. These pallets are also splinter-free and mold-free, resulting in lower maintenance and waste disposal costs.

Reusable plastic pallets can make a tremendous number of trips before being recycled, making them a cost-effective option compared to wood pallets. In fact, they can be used dozens of times before being reground into a new recycled plastic pallet.
The iGPS plastic pallet is a durable and reusable shipping platform that can be used multiple times before being recycled. It reduces plastic landfill waste and keeps plastic pallets out of the environment. This pallet is also significantly lighter than a wood block pallet, reducing fuel burned and greenhouse gases released by supply chain transportation.
Here are some key benefits of returnable pallets:
- Initial investment is higher, but long-term savings are enormous
- Reduces disposable materials and waste in the supply chain
- Can be made stackable and optimized for storage
- Minimizes damage to goods during transportation
Returnable pallets and containers are also made of top-grade material, making them less likely to get damaged in shipping and handling. This reduces waste and promotes reuse, making them a more sustainable option.
Types of Pallets
Returnable pallets come in a variety of types to suit different needs and applications. Each type has its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific uses.
Plastic returnable pallets are a popular choice due to their lightweight and moisture-resistant properties. They can be molded into different sizes and shapes, making them versatile and ideal for multiple applications.
Wooden returnable pallets are traditional and effective, offering strength and rigidity. They're often used for heavier loads and can be repaired and reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective option.
Metal returnable pallets are known for their sturdiness and can ensure maximum load capacity and durability. They're suitable for heavy-duty applications in industrial settings.
Stackable returnable pallets are designed for optimal space-saving, interlocking when stacked to maximize storage efficiency during transit or storage.
Types of Pallets
Folding Large Containers are a great option for businesses with limited storage space. They can be folded into compact shapes for easy storage when not in use.
The returnable pallet sleeve system is another type of pallet that's worth considering. It features a durable pallet base with removable sleeves that can be easily assembled and disassembled.

These sleeves have overlapping allowance and folding provision, making them perfect for businesses with limited space. This feature allows for efficient storage and transportation.
The returnable pallet sleeve system is highly versatile and can be customized for individual products. This ensures that items are securely held in transit, regardless of their size or shape.
Here are some benefits of returnable pallet sleeve systems:
- Saves space with folding provision
- Customizable for individual products
- Suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and auto industries
- Environmentally friendly due to reusability
By choosing the right type of pallet, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and promote sustainability.
Types of
In the world of pallets, there are several types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. ORBIS Europe offers returnable plastic pallets for different industries.
ORBIS food & beverage pallets are designed to securely stack pallet loads of cans, bottles, and similar products. They come in standard footprints and are compatible with existing processes and supply chains.
Plastic returnable pallets are made from durable plastic, making them lightweight and resistant to moisture. They can be molded into different sizes and shapes, making them ideal for multiple applications.

Wooden returnable pallets are traditional and effective, offering strength and rigidity. They are often used for heavier loads and can be repaired and reused multiple times.
Metal returnable pallets are known for their sturdiness, ensuring maximum load capacity and durability. They are suitable for heavy-duty applications in industrial settings.
Stackable returnable pallets are designed for optimal space-saving, interlocking when stacked to maximize storage efficiency during transit or storage.
Here's a summary of the main types of returnable pallets:
Advantages of Returnable Pallets
Returnable pallets offer a range of advantages that make them an attractive option for businesses and organizations.
One of the most significant benefits of returnable pallets is their cost-effectiveness. While the initial investment may be higher compared to single-use pallets, returnable pallets offer significant savings through multiple uses and reduced waste disposal costs.
By utilizing returnable pallets, you can reduce your environmental impact. This is because returnable pallets contribute to reducing landfill waste and lowering carbon footprints, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Returnable pallets are designed with safety in mind, minimizing the risk of damages during transit and ensuring the protection of goods.
The design and durability of returnable pallets also optimize space in transport and storage, enabling smoother operations and faster turnaround times.
Here are some key statistics on the advantages of returnable pallets:
- Cost savings through multiple uses
- Reduced waste disposal costs
- Lower carbon footprint
- Improved safety during transit
- Increased logistics efficiency
Future of Packaging Solutions
Sustainability is the path that every business must take today, and returnable packaging solutions like pallets and FLCs are a crucial part of that journey.
Companies seeking to enhance their logistics efficiency and reduce their ecological footprint should consider incorporating returnable packaging solutions into their operations.
The benefits of returnable packaging are numerous, and one example is the PalletGuard Neo Variants provided by Nilkamal BubbleGUARD under their Returnable Containers range.
This innovative solution has the potential to revolutionize logistics and packaging for multiple industries.
By choosing reusable packaging solutions, businesses can significantly reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact.
Applications of Returnable Pallets

Returnable pallets are used in various industries to streamline logistics and reduce costs. They're especially useful in the food and beverage industry, where they help prevent contamination and ensure freshness.
In the automotive industry, returnable pallets support lean manufacturing and just-in-time delivery models by facilitating the movement of parts and components within manufacturing plants.
Returnable pallets are also efficient for distributing products from warehouses to stores in the retail and e-commerce sectors, reducing shipping costs and allowing for streamlined inventory management.
Here are some key industries that use returnable pallets:
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Automotive Industry
- Retail and E-commerce
- Pharmaceutical Sector
Central America Pallet
In Central America, a specialized pallet design meets local market needs.
The Central America pallet is designed for the region's specific pallet measurements, making it a versatile option for various applications.
This pallet is injection moulded, indicating a manufacturing process that creates a durable and long-lasting product.
It can be used for crates, cans, kegs, and PET bottles, showcasing its adaptability in different industries.
Applications

Returnable pallets have a wide range of applications across various industries. They're widely used in the food and beverage industry to transport goods without contamination, ensuring freshness and compliance with safety regulations.
In the automotive industry, returnable pallets facilitate the movement of parts and components within manufacturing plants, supporting lean manufacturing and just-in-time delivery models. This helps streamline production and reduce waste.
Returnable pallets are also efficient for distributing products from warehouses to stores in the retail and e-commerce sector, reducing shipping costs while allowing for streamlined inventory management.
The pharmaceutical sector uses returnable pallets to ensure that products remain secure and traceable throughout the distribution process, which is crucial for maintaining product integrity and regulatory compliance.
Here are some key industries that benefit from returnable pallets:
- Food and Beverage Industry
- Automotive Industry
- Retail and E-commerce
- Pharmaceutical Sector
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to take pallets from behind stores?
Before taking pallets from behind stores, always ask the business owner for permission. Some businesses may require pallet return, so it's best to clarify beforehand
Can you really order Amazon return pallets?
Yes, you can purchase Amazon liquidation pallets, which contain excess inventory, through third-party marketplaces that partner with Amazon. These pallets often include returns, shelf-pulled, damaged, and overstock items.
Is there money to be made with return pallets?
Yes, reselling products from Amazon return pallets can be profitable, with a high margin of over 30% possible due to the low purchase price and high percentage of new or functioning items. Discover how to capitalize on this opportunity and start making money with return pallets.
Sources
- https://orbiseurope.eu/en/pallets/
- https://www.nilkamalbubbleguard.com/blogs/blog/what-are-returnable-pallets
- https://www.dwreusables.com/pallets/
- https://igps.net/resources/recycled-plastic-pallets-choosing-sustainable-reusable-plastic-shipping-pallets-slp/
- https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/returnable-pallets.html
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