Pressed wood pallet is one of the smartest choices for modern exporters. Companies use it to cut shipping costs, simplify storage, and comply with international trade rules.
Also, it offers a greener way to move products worldwide. If you want to understand why this pallet type grows in popularity and how it can save your business money, keep reading because the details below will guide you.
What Is a Pressed Wood Pallet?
A pressed wood pallet is made by compressing recycled wood fibers, shavings, and sawdust under high heat and pressure. As a result, the pallet comes out in a one-piece mold with no nails or sharp edges. Unlike standard pallets, it weighs less and takes up less space because many models are nestable. A typical pressed pallet weighs 12–18 kg, compared to 20–25 kg for a solid wood pallet.
The global pallet market report by Fortune Business Insights (2024) shows pressed wood pallets already account for 15% of global pallet usage, and the number keeps growing because of export demand.
Key Benefits of Pressed Wood Pallets
Pressed wood pallets are more than just lightweight; they bring unique features that make them attractive for exporters.
Cost-Effective Shipping
Because they are lighter and nestable, pressed pallets reduce both freight and storage costs. One truck can load up to 60% more pressed pallets than traditional wood pallets.
Export Compliance with ISPM 15
All pressed wood pallets are heat-treated during production. That process kills pests and pathogens, which means they automatically comply with ISPM 15 regulations. Since over 180 countries demand ISPM 15 for wood packaging, exporters can ship pressed pallets worldwide without fumigation or extra paperwork.
Space-Saving Design
Pressed wood pallets are designed to be nestable. Ten pressed pallets stacked together take the same space as just three or four traditional pallets. This feature helps warehouses save up to 40% floor space, which is critical for companies with limited storage.
Safety and Clean Design
Since pressed pallets have no nails or sharp edges, they reduce product damage and worker injuries. Many exporters in electronics and food industries prefer pressed designs because they improve handling safety while protecting goods.
Comparison with Other Pallets
Pressed wood pallets sit between traditional wood and plastic pallets in terms of cost, strength, and eco impact.
Pressed Wood vs Solid Wood Pallets
Solid wood pallets are stronger but heavier. They often need fumigation before export, which adds extra cost. Pressed wood pallets already meet ISPM 15 rules and weigh less, so exporters save on both compliance and shipping.
Pressed Wood vs Plastic Pallets
Plastic pallets last longer but cost up to 3–4 times more than pressed wood. They also create waste problems at the end of their life. Pressed pallets are cheaper, biodegradable, and recyclable, which makes them better for short-term export needs.
Industries That Benefit the Most
Many industries already adopt pressed wood pallets because of their cost and compliance advantages.
Food and Agriculture
Exporters of rice, coffee, and spices from Indonesia and Vietnam use pressed wood pallets to reach Europe and the Middle East. For example, a coffee exporter from Lampung reduced logistics costs by 12% in 2024 after switching to pressed pallets.
Consumer Electronics
Electronics require clean, safe, and export-approved pallets. Pressed wood pallets have no nails, so they avoid scratches on sensitive items like laptops, TVs, or smartphones. With global electronics exports valued at USD 2.9 trillion in 2024 (UNCTAD), even small cost reductions per shipment mean massive annual savings.
Retail and E-Commerce
With global e-commerce hitting USD 6.3 trillion in 2024, retailers demand cheaper, nestable pallets. Pressed pallets allow them to ship more products in one container while lowering returns from packaging damage.
Environmental Advantages
Sustainability is another strong point. Pressed wood pallets are made from 95% recycled wood waste, including sawdust and shavings. That means fewer trees are cut, and waste materials get a second life. According to a 2023 FAO study, switching from solid to pressed wood reduces raw material consumption by 25–30%.
Also, pressed pallets are fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Many factories reprocess broken pallets back into fiber material, creating a closed-loop system that reduces landfill waste.
Global Market Growth
The global pressed wood pallet market is expanding quickly. According to MarketsandMarkets, the demand for composite and pressed pallets is growing at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2030. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, thanks to strong exports from Indonesia, China, and India.
The European Union also supports pressed pallets because of their compliance with environmental standards. In fact, over 50% of exporters in Germany already prefer pressed pallets for shipments outside the EU.
Conclusion
Pressed wood pallet is more than a packaging tool; it is a solution for cost savings, export compliance, and sustainability. It reduces freight charges, saves warehouse space, and meets international trade rules automatically. Also, it gives exporters an edge by protecting goods and lowering environmental impact.
If your company wants to expand exports and cut costs at the same time, pressed wood pallets are the perfect investment. Start switching today, and you will see both financial and environmental benefits in every shipment.
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