What is a Wood Pallet Processor?
A wood pallet processor is a piece of industrial equipment used to automatically create wood pallets from raw lumber. The processor cuts, drills and assembles the lumber into wooden pallets of a specified size and shape. This process helps to quickly manufacture pallets for use in shipping, construction, and other industrial applications. Wood pallet processors are a cost-effective and time-efficient way to produce large quantities of pallets.Relative cost of processing wood pallets
In the European Union, where exports are a major part of the economy, wood pallets play a significant role. In fact, an estimated $75 billion of products are shipped on wood pallets each year. In addition, these pallets consume a large amount of wood-based material. However, recent legislation proposed by the European Commission may severely limit the use of wood pallets for exports to EU countries.
The lumber industry generates about $6 billion annually from pallets. Yet, most pallets are not recycled, and over half of them are disposed of in landfills. Furthermore, many pallets are filled with nails that are difficult to remove. The relative cost of processing wood pallets is relatively low, which means that it is an attractive business opportunity.
Another issue is the cost of timber. Timber byproducts can be processed into fuel pellets, building materials, mulch, and insulation. In the United States, one single application consumes more hardwood than all the others combined. However, some environmental groups have declared wooden pallets to be wasteful and call for more ecological alternatives.
A more accurate comparison is possible if a company considers the total cost of ownership. A total cost analysis will take into account the frequency of reorders and other operational costs. The analysis will give a more accurate picture of the overall budget for pallet production and disposal. In some cases, a business can reduce its overall costs by reducing the amount of bark it has to remove before it can be processed into lumber.
Another benefit of using moulded wood pallets is that they are lighter than conventional hardwood pallets. They are also durable enough to be reused. The materials used in moulding process are often waste or damaged logs. This makes moulded wood pallets a more sustainable option for pallet manufacturing. They are also easier to manufacture and require less material.
The relative cost of processing wood pallets can vary from $0.50 per pallet to $4 per pallet. The cost depends on several factors, including the number of wood pallets and their size.
Equipment used by wood pallet processors
Wood pallet processors face new challenges that require innovative machinery. While the old-fashioned approach to wood pallet recycling focused on separate work cells, modern technology enables companies to achieve similar goals in a more efficient way. In the past, manual stacking and forklift movement were necessary to process pallets.
The end products produced by wood pallet processors may include animal bedding, boiler fuel, pellets, and briquettes. They may also be used for landscape mulch, playground cover, or composite lumber. In addition, some companies use pallets for other purposes. This means that the equipment must be able to handle a variety of materials.
Some companies manufacture automated pallet assembly systems. Others provide machinery and supplies for pallet nailing and gluing. Viper Industrial, for example, offers coil and machine quality bulk nails for pallet assembly. And Alliance Automation manufactures automated pallet repair and dismantling equipment. Litco provides extruded and molded wood pallets. Its pallet assembly and pallet repairing systems support sorting, stacking, and painting stenciling.
Modern material handling systems rely heavily on wood pallets. They help reduce transaction costs by enabling efficient storage and transportation. In the United States alone, two billion wood pallets are in use. Although there are many types of materials used for pallets, wood is the most popular choice due to its price/performance balance.
The physical condition of a pallet is extremely important. A damaged pallet can result in product contamination. For instance, if wood slivers or nails protrude from it, they can cause foreign material to get into the product. This can lead to microbial or pest contamination. For these reasons, quality wood pallets must be maintained at all times.
The most common sizes for wood pallets used in pallet repair operations are 48 x 40 inches and 42 x 42 inches. However, 48 x 48-inch stringer pallets are the least common size. According to Bush and Araman (2012), 48 x 40-inch stringer pallets account for seventy-three percent of cores produced in a wood pallet repair facility.
Regulations affecting the industry
Regulations affecting the wood pallet processor industry include the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and FDA guidance requiring food manufacturers and processors to use a unique pallet identifier. These identifiers must connect pallets to food lots. These regulations also require that wooden pallets not be harmful to food.
These regulations may have significant impact on North American continental logistics costs. If implemented, they may even create a de facto standard for wooden pallets in North America. This could increase the use of higher-grade lumber that is normally reserved for higher-value solid-wood uses. On the other hand, it may reduce the demand for lower-grade components. In addition, regulations may also increase administrative, cultural, and enforcement costs.
Wooden pallets are commonly used for shipping products. The lightweight and durable design of these pallets make loading shipments easy. These pallets are used for both domestic and international shipments. For international shipments, however, wooden pallets must be sterilized, to prevent the spread of wood-borne insects and diseases. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has set specific standards for ensuring wood pallets are free from harmful invasive species.
Wood pallets are made of multiple boards held together with screws and nails. This makes them difficult to identify, and unique pallet identifiers can be easily lost if the boards are broken. Consequently, it is vital that the shipping platform is easy to clean and has an integrated tracking system.
The wood pallet industry is undergoing significant changes. With increasing competition, prices and availability of wood pallets are fluctuating. Companies must consider the implications of these changes and make informed choices to meet the changing needs of their customers. Some choose to purchase limited-use pallets, maintain internal pallet pools, or outsource pallet fulfillment to a third-party company.
Regulations affecting the wood pallet processor industry include the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide health insurance coverage to their employees. If they do not, they must pay a penalty of $2,000 per employee per year. Other companies may choose to implement automated equipment or continue operating with fewer than 50 employees.
