In 1994, Frigidaire Freezer Products , St. Cloud, Minn., implemented a new reusable transport packaging system. This included working with one of their suppliers to switch from wooden pallets to covered, collapsible, plastic palletized containers. Alternatives to wooden pallets Pallet waste can be reduced in other ways. Consider options that replace wooden pallets with alternatives that are more durable, reusable, lighter weight, or use less material than wooden pallets. Reusable pallets are often more expensive initially, but are designed for more trips, which saves money in the long run.
Reusable pallets are most economical in closed loop distribution systems.
Actual costs to your firm will vary. Other factors that affect costs include transportation costs, actual life expectancy, quantity discounts, etc. Slip sheets Slip sheets are five foot square corrugated or plastic sheets onto which products are loaded. They are lighter, cheaper and more compact than pallets. Several large U.S. companies, including Xerox and Apple Computer, have implemented use of slip sheets to reduce weight and waste.