What Is A Plywood Pallet? How Many Types Are There? What Does The Application Do?

Previously, when talking about industrial wood, people often thought of materials such as MDF, HDF, plastic boards, and many other names. But in recent years, Plywood has become a prominent and frequently discussed keyword. In this article, we will introduce in detail what Plywood is, the advantages, disadvantages and outstanding features of this material. Let's explore the most popular types of Plywood currently on the market, popular in many different applications.

What Is A Plywood Pallet?

A plywood pallet is a type of pallet that is constructed using sheets of plywood rather than solid wood boards. These pallets are made by layering and fastening together several sheets of plywood to create a sturdy platform for transporting goods. 

Plywood pallets are popular for their durability, uniformity, and lightweight properties. They are commonly used in industries such as shipping, logistics, and manufacturing for the transportation of various goods and materials. 

Additionally, plywood pallets are often preferred for international shipments due to their resistance to pests and ability to meet international shipping regulations regarding wood packaging materials.

Structure Of Plywood Pallet

The structure of a plywood pallet typically consists of several layers of plywood sheets that are arranged and fastened together to form a sturdy platform. Here's a breakdown of the typical structure of a plywood pallet:

• Top Deck: This is the uppermost surface of the pallet, where the goods are placed. It is usually made up of multiple layers of plywood sheets, which can vary in thickness depending on the pallet's load capacity requirements.

• Bottom Deck: Similar to the top deck, the bottom deck forms the lower surface of the pallet. It provides support and stability to the pallet. The bottom deck is also constructed using plywood sheets, often of the same thickness as the top deck.

• Stringers or Blocks: These are the vertical supports that connect the top and bottom decks, providing structural integrity to the pallet. In plywood pallets, stringers or blocks are often made from solid wood or sometimes plywood strips that are attached to the deck layers. They run parallel to the longer sides of the pallet and are typically spaced evenly to distribute the load.

• Fasteners: Various fastening methods are used to secure the layers of plywood together and to attach the stringers or blocks to the decks. Common fasteners include nails, screws, staples, or adhesives, depending on the construction technique and the desired strength of the pallet.

• Optional Features: Depending on the specific application and requirements, plywood pallets may include additional features such as reinforcing corner blocks, metal reinforcements, anti-slip surfaces, or custom dimensions to accommodate specialized handling equipment.

Advantages Of Plywood Pallet

• Strength and Durability: Plywood pallets are known for their strength and durability. The multiple layers of plywood, along with the structural support provided by stringers or blocks, result in a robust platform capable of withstanding heavy loads and rough handling.

• Consistency: Unlike pallets made from natural wood, plywood pallets offer consistency in terms of size, shape, and quality. This uniformity ensures compatibility with automated handling systems and helps maintain stability during transportation and storage.

• Lightweight: Plywood pallets are typically lighter in weight compared to pallets made from solid wood. This lightweight construction facilitates easier handling, reduces transportation costs, and may contribute to lower fuel consumption during shipment.

• Resistance to Moisture and Decay: Plywood is manufactured using layers of wood veneers bonded together with adhesives, which often include water-resistant properties. This makes plywood pallets less susceptible to moisture absorption, rot, and decay compared to traditional wooden pallets, enhancing their longevity and suitability for outdoor and humid environments.

• Customization: Plywood pallets can be easily customized to meet specific size, load capacity, and handling requirements. Manufacturers can adjust the thickness of plywood layers, the spacing of stringers or blocks, and incorporate additional features such as corner reinforcements or anti-slip surfaces to tailor pallets to the needs of different industries and applications.

• Compliance with International Standards: Plywood pallets are often preferred for international shipments due to their compliance with phytosanitary regulations and ISPM 15 requirements. Plywood does not contain the same risks of termites and diseases associated with solid wood, making it suitable for use in global trade without the need for heat treatment or fumigation.

• Recyclability and Sustainability: Plywood pallets can be recycled or reused, contributing to sustainability efforts in the supply chain. Additionally, plywood is often sourced from sustainably managed forests, further enhancing the eco-friendly credentials of plywood pallets.

Plywood Pallet Production Process

Step 1: The process begins with cutting logs from natural tree trunks using specialized equipment. The logs are then peeled into thin layers to prepare for the wood gluing process. This ensures that the wood will be smooth and uniform, important characteristics for creating quality plywood.

Step 2: Usually, the wood layers are cut to a standard size of 8 x 2 feet, with the thinner core layer only about 4 x 2 feet. To ensure the elasticity of wood, specialized industrial machines are used to test them.

Step 3: Next, the wood is dried using modern drying technology. The moisture content of the wood layers is usually maintained at about 7% or ranges from 6% to 8%, this ensures wood quality and prevents deformation after the product is completed.

Step 4: After drying, the wood layers are sprayed with glue and pre-pressed by machine, creating the original wooden plywood panels. However, this step is not enough to complete the wood gluing process.

Step 5: This step is considered the most important in the Plywood production process. Here, the pre-pressed wood will continue to be pressed at standard temperature and pressure, ensuring maximum adhesion and durability of the product. This is the decisive stage for the quality of plywood.

Step 6: After the wood has been pressed and formed into panels, they are cut into rectangular panels and then treated to a smooth and uniform surface.

Step 7: Finally, the plywood pallet will be sprayed with glue and glued to the surface, then continue the process of pre-pressing and heat pressing with pressure increased 4 times before being finally cut, forming plywood panels that we often see in interior projects.

The plywood plywood production process not only requires high professionalism and technique but also represents progress in technology and industrial production processes. This final product has many outstanding advantages, which we will explore in detail in the next section.

How Many Types Of Plywood Pallets Are there?

While plywood pallets are generally constructed using plywood sheets and structural support elements like stringers or blocks, there aren't specific "types" of plywood pallets in the same way that there are various types of plywood with distinct characteristics and intended uses. However, plywood pallets can vary based on factors such as construction method, size, load capacity, and additional features. Here are some type of plywood pallets:

1. Two-Way Entry vs. Four-Way Entry: Plywood pallets can be designed for two-way entry, allowing forklifts or pallet jacks to enter from two opposite sides, or four-way entry, allowing entry from all four sides. Four-way entry pallets typically have notches or openings on all sides to facilitate handling.

2. Block Pallets vs. Stringer Pallets: Plywood pallets may use either block supports or stringer supports. Block pallets have solid blocks at each corner and sometimes in the center, providing greater strength and durability. Stringer pallets have elongated beams running between the top and bottom decks, offering a more lightweight and cost-effective design.

3. Open Deck vs. Closed Deck: Plywood pallets can have an open deck design with gaps between deck boards or a closed deck design with solid plywood sheets covering the entire surface. Open deck pallets allow for better ventilation and drainage, while closed deck pallets provide a smoother surface for supporting goods.

4. Customized Features: Plywood pallets can be customized with additional features such as reinforced corners, anti-slip surfaces, metal reinforcements, or special coatings for added protection against moisture, chemicals, or abrasion.

5. Size and Load Capacity: Plywood pallets come in various sizes and load capacities to accommodate different types of goods and handling equipment. Standard sizes include 48" x 40" (1200mm x 1000mm) for North America and 1200mm x 800mm for Europe, but custom sizes are also available.

6. Compliance: Plywood pallets can be designed to comply with international standards and regulations, such as ISPM 15 for wood packaging materials used in international trade. Compliance may involve heat treatment or fumigation to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Application Of Plywood Pallets

• Shipping and Logistics: Plywood pallets are extensively used for shipping and transporting goods domestically and internationally. They provide a sturdy and reliable platform for securing and stacking products, facilitating efficient loading, unloading, and transportation via trucks, ships, or air freight.

• Warehousing and Distribution: Plywood pallets are commonly used in warehouses and distribution centers for storing and organizing goods. They allow for easy handling and movement of products using forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyor systems, optimizing storage space and streamlining inventory management processes.

• Manufacturing and Production: Plywood pallets are essential for facilitating the movement of raw materials, work-in-progress items, and finished products within manufacturing facilities. They support efficient assembly lines, production processes, and material handling operations, contributing to increased productivity and workflow efficiency.

• Retail Display and Merchandising: Plywood pallets are often used in retail environments for displaying merchandise and promoting product visibility. They serve as a convenient and attractive platform for showcasing goods in stores, supermarkets, and exhibition spaces, helping to attract customers and drive sales.

• Export Packaging: Plywood pallets are preferred for export packaging due to their compliance with international shipping regulations and ISPM 15 standards. They provide a reliable and pest-free solution for protecting goods during transit, ensuring that products arrive at their destination safely and intact.

• Heavy-Duty Applications: Plywood pallets are suitable for heavy-duty applications where robustness and load-bearing capacity are crucial. They can withstand the rigors of handling heavy loads, machinery, equipment, and industrial products, making them ideal for construction sites, manufacturing plants, and infrastructure projects.

• Food and Beverage Industry: Plywood pallets are widely used in the food and beverage industry for transporting and storing perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. They meet hygiene standards and can be easily cleaned and sanitized, making them suitable for food handling environments.

• Customized Solutions: Plywood pallets can be customized to meet specific requirements and challenges in various industries. Customizations may include size adjustments, special configurations, additional features such as reinforced corners or anti-slip surfaces, and branding options to enhance product visibility and brand recognition.

Sancopack Is A Reputable Place to Supply Quality Plywood Pallets

SANCOPACK is a reputable place for those who are looking for a quality plywood pallet,... With more than 24 years of experience in the field of wooden pallet manufacturing, SANCOPACK is committed to Providing high quality products, meeting export standards.

SANCOPACK uses high quality wood to produce wooden pallets, ensuring sustainability and durability of the product. Collar pallets are manufactured according to customers' special requirements, ensuring compliance with the needs and size of the goods.

In addition, SANCOPACK is also committed to competitive prices and the best customer service. Customers can rest assured about the quality of SANCOPACK's products and services. If you are in need of on-demand plywood pallet you can contact to Sancopack through hotline: 0908105115 to receive advice and quotes as soon as possible