The use of substitute material pallets for grocery distribution

Trends in pallet material substitution in the U.S. grocery distribution industry were investigated through 444 mailed questionnaires and 20 interviews with persons involved in pallet decisions at grocery distribution centers. Results indicated that all responding companies (100%) are using solid wood pallets for sending goods to their customers. However, some are also using substitutes (plastic, corrugated paperboard, and wood composite pallets). Plastic is the most common substitute material and is used by approximately 22 percent of the responding companies. The most commonly used plastic pallet is the twin-sheet thermoform type. Many interviewees claim that their main reason for switching to plastic pallets is the cost savings resulting from long pallet life. The majority of the responding companies plan to continue using solid wood pallets. However, the number of companies planning to use some plastic pallets is estimated to increase to 37.2 percent by 1997.