Demand for Goplasticpallets.com’s range of lightweight, nestable plastic pallets has reached an all-time high, says the supplier, as more companies that export goods are switching from solid wood pallets in favour of these competitively-priced plastic alternatives.
Since the launch of its Cabka-IPS CPP 110 PE nestable pallet last summer, the firm has achieved nestable pallet sales of more than 220,000 units. These are priced at £8.05 per unit for orders of 500 units or more, and available for next day delivery direct from stock.
Jim Hardisty, MD of Goplasticpallets.com, cited one explanation as the extreme shortage of timber supplies available for UK pallet manufacturers. “The severe storms that hit the UK earlier this year and our recovering construction sector are largely responsible. Booming demand for timber in foreign markets, in particular the Middle East, Africa and China, is equally straining availability.
Of all raw materials, timber is experiencing the severest shortages and upward pressure on price. In the last three quarters, the price of UK pallet sawn timber for standard size pallets increased by more than 15 percent. “Fears of an extension to ISPM 15 heat treatment regulations is also a contributing factor. The EC is currently considering making the heat treatment of all wood packaging moving within EU member states compulsory. If accepted by EU member governments, the extension could come into force by 2015.”
