Pressed wood pallet or a classic solid wood pallet? When you ship abroad or use pallets one-way, this question quickly matters: weight, space in the warehouse and the rules for wood packaging differ considerably. This comparison puts both designs side by side fairly, using the data of the models in our category pressed wood pallets.
The differences at a glance
For the pressed wood pallet, we use the values of the Euro pallet PSP 80 120 E2 F8 LF1. Solid wood pallets come in a great many versions, so we describe them without blanket figures.
| Criterion | Pressed wood pallet | Wooden pallet (solid wood) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | pressed wood made from waste and residual wood | boards and blocks of sawn timber |
| Own weight | 11.5 kg in the 800 x 1200 mm format | depends on the design, see the manufacturer's data |
| Load | static 2700 kg, dynamic 900 kg | depends on design and manufacturer |
| Stacking when empty | nestable, the pallets fit into each other | usually not nestable |
| Export (ISPM15) | material stated in the product data as processed wood according to ISPM15 | check depending on destination and design |
| Repeated use | mainly intended for shipping and export | built for repeated use, individual parts can be replaced |
The values of the pressed wood pallet are manufacturer data. The respective product page is authoritative.
What sets the pressed wood pallet apart
Pressed wood pallets are formed and pressed from wood residues. According to the manufacturer, they are a recycled product made from waste and residual wood. For shipping, this brings three properties:
- Low weight: the Pressed wood pallet Euro pallet PSP 80 120 E2 F8 LF1 1200x800x120 mm weighs 11.5 kg. The manufacturer therefore also recommends it for air freight.
- Little space in the warehouse: empty pallets can be nested into each other.
- Simple export: according to the manufacturer, no phytosanitary certificate is needed; the material is stated as processed wood according to ISPM15.
The Euro pallet has 9 feet and can be entered from all 4 sides. The entry width is 648 mm, the entry height 100 mm.
What speaks for the solid wood pallet
Solid wood pallets are widespread in the movement of goods. They are built for many trips, and damaged boards can often be replaced. If you exchange pallets with carriers or customers, you usually work with wooden pallets of a defined design.
For export, solid wood deserves a closer look: which treatment and marking is needed depends on the destination country. Check the import rules of the destination and the details of the specific pallet before you plan a shipment.
Empty wooden pallets can be stacked, but not nested. As a result, they need more space in the warehouse and on the return trip than nestable pallets.
Pressed wood in smaller formats
Besides the Euro pallet, pressed wood pallets come in smaller sizes, for example for displays or small shipments:
- The Pressed wood pallet Half pallet PSP 60 80 F64 600x800x120 mm weighs 4.5 kg and carries 500 kg dynamic, 1500 kg static. It has 6 feet.
- The Pressed wood pallet, quarter pallet, PSP 4060, F46 400x600x120 mm weighs 2.5 kg and carries 250 kg dynamic, 750 kg static. The manufacturer describes it as a one-way pallet made of recycled wood according to PEFC.
If weight is decisive for shipping, plastic is also worth a look: the Plastic pallet export, 1200x800x140 mm TIDUS Ultralight 1208 weighs 4.6 kg and carries 2500 kg static, 1000 kg dynamic.
Which pallet for which use?
Export shipments abroad
If the pallet stays with the recipient, low weight and little effort with export rules count most. This is where the pressed wood pallet has advantages. Even so, check the requirements of the destination country and of your carrier before every shipment.
Repeated use in your own warehouse
If pallets keep circulating through warehouse, production and trucks, a solid wood pallet is a proven choice. Empty pressed wood pallets, on the other hand, need little space in storage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pressed wood pallet a Euro pallet?
The pressed wood pallet PSP 80 120 E2 carries the term Euro pallet in its name and has the 800 x 1200 mm format. It is made of pressed wood and is nestable, so it is built differently from a solid wood pallet. If you want to exchange pallets with partners, clarify in advance which design they require.
Can I use pressed wood pallets in racking?
The product data give values for static and dynamic load, but no value for racking. Ask the manufacturer or us before using them in a rack.
Do I need a certificate for pressed wood?
For the Euro pallet PSP 80 120 E2 F8 LF1 and the half pallet PSP 60 80 F64, the manufacturer states that no phytosanitary certificate is needed. The product data for the quarter pallet F46 do not include this statement. Please check before shipping whether the destination country requires further documents.
How to choose the right pallet
- Clarify the route: does the pallet stay in your business or go abroad?
- Check the weight of your goods and the load on the pallet.
- Choose the format to suit your goods and vehicle.
You will find all models in the category pressed wood pallets. We are happy to answer questions about choosing a pallet: +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.