Building a Greener Future,
One Pallet at a Time
At Pallets Eco, sustainability is not a marketing slogan. It is the foundation of everything we build, every pallet we touch, and every decision we make. We are proving that the pallet industry can be a powerful force for environmental good.
From responsibly sourced timber and energy-efficient manufacturing to nationwide recycling programs and ambitious carbon-neutral goals, our circular economy model keeps millions of pallets out of landfills while saving forests, reducing emissions, and lowering costs for businesses across America.
Our Environmental Philosophy
We believe that business success and environmental stewardship are not opposing forces. They are deeply interconnected. The most wasteful practices in any supply chain are also the most expensive. By building a circular economy around pallets, we create measurable economic value for our customers while dramatically reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and lowering carbon emissions across the entire logistics chain.
The traditional pallet lifecycle is staggeringly linear: harvest trees, manufacture pallets, use them a handful of times, and send them to a landfill. In the United States alone, an estimated 420 million new pallets are manufactured annually, and roughly 20% of all wood entering landfills comes from discarded pallets. This represents an enormous waste of natural resources, embodied energy, and economic value.
Our model is different. Every pallet we touch is an opportunity to interrupt that linear waste stream and create a closed loop. We collect used pallets from businesses, inspect and grade them, repair those that can be restored to full function, recycle materials from those that cannot, and return high-quality pallets to the supply chain. Even at absolute end of life, we ensure that every scrap of wood becomes mulch, biomass fuel, animal bedding, or raw material for composite products. Nothing is wasted.
This philosophy extends beyond our own operations. We actively help our customers reduce their environmental footprint through packaging audits, sustainability reporting, and education. We believe that when businesses have transparent data about their environmental impact, they make better decisions. And when the pallet industry as a whole embraces circularity, the positive impact on forests, emissions, and landfill pressure is enormous.
Impact by the Numbers
These are not aspirations. These are verified, audited results from our operations in the most recent reporting year. Every number represents a tangible improvement for our planet.
Every year we collect, inspect, repair, and recirculate over 2.3 million pallets that would otherwise end up in landfills, keeping thousands of tons of wood waste out of disposal sites.
By extending the useful life of existing pallets and recycling materials back into new products, we prevent the equivalent of 47,000 mature trees from being harvested annually.
Our recycling and repair operations prevent 12,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year compared to manufacturing the same volume from virgin timber.
Of all material that enters our facilities, 95% is either reused, repaired, recycled, or repurposed into secondary products like mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel.
Repairing a pallet uses roughly one-seventh the energy required to manufacture a new one. Across millions of pallets, this adds up to 8,200 megawatt-hours of electricity conserved annually.
Timber production is water-intensive. By recycling pallets rather than producing new ones, we conserve an estimated 3.1 million gallons of water every year across our operations.
The Pallet Lifecycle
Our closed-loop system ensures that pallets are continuously cycled through use, repair, and recycling. At every stage, we maximize value and minimize waste, creating a truly circular model for the pallet industry.
Sustainable Harvest
Raw timber is sourced exclusively from FSC and SFI certified forests where responsible harvesting practices ensure replanting, biodiversity protection, and long-term forest health. Our suppliers plant two trees for every one harvested, maintaining a net-positive forest cover.
Manufacturing
Logs are milled into lumber, kiln-dried, and assembled into pallets at energy-efficient facilities. Heat treatment to ISPM 15 standards eliminates pests without chemicals. Sawdust and wood shavings from the milling process are captured and sold as animal bedding or biomass fuel.
First Use
New pallets enter the supply chain, supporting the movement of goods across warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations. A standard 48x40 wood pallet will carry an average of 2,500 pounds through dozens of handling cycles.
Collection
After initial use, pallets are collected from customer sites through our nationwide pickup network. Our fleet of route trucks operates on optimized schedules to minimize fuel consumption. Customers earn credit for pallets returned in reusable condition.
Inspection & Sorting
Returned pallets are graded by trained inspectors into repairable, recyclable, or end-of-life categories. Grade A pallets re-enter circulation immediately. Grade B and C pallets are routed to repair lines. Damaged-beyond-repair pallets are dismantled for parts and materials.
Repair & Remanufacture
Skilled technicians replace broken boards, reinforce deck surfaces, and restore structural integrity. A repaired pallet meets the same load specifications as a new one at a fraction of the environmental cost. On average, we extend a pallet life by three to five additional use cycles.
Recycling & Repurposing
Pallets that cannot be economically repaired are dismantled. Reusable boards become raw material for new pallets. Unusable wood is ground into mulch, animal bedding, particleboard feedstock, or biomass fuel. Nails and hardware are magnetically separated and recycled as scrap metal.
Reuse & Recirculation
Repaired and remanufactured pallets are returned to the supply chain, closing the loop. The cycle repeats, with each iteration preventing new raw-material extraction, reducing carbon emissions, and creating economic value from what would otherwise be waste.
The Cycle Never Ends
A single pallet in our system can serve multiple businesses over many years. The average pallet completes 8 to 15 use cycles before requiring major repair, and even then, the repaired pallet enters another series of cycles. At absolute end of life, the materials are transformed into mulch, animal bedding, biomass energy, particleboard, or raw material for new pallets. In our system, the concept of "waste" effectively does not exist.
Wood vs Plastic: Environmental Comparison
While we offer both wood and plastic pallets to meet diverse customer needs, the environmental data clearly shows that wood pallets, especially recycled ones, have a significantly lower overall environmental impact.
| Attribute | Wood Pallets | Plastic Pallets | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint (per unit) | 3.1 kg CO2e (new) / 1.2 kg CO2e (recycled) | 7.6 kg CO2e (new) / 4.3 kg CO2e (recycled) | Wood |
| Recyclability | Fully recyclable into mulch, biomass, particleboard, or new pallets | Recyclable but requires specialized facilities; downcycling is common | Wood |
| Biodegradability | Fully biodegradable within 2-3 years in landfill conditions | Not biodegradable; persists for 500+ years in landfill | Wood |
| Energy to Produce | 14 MJ per pallet (new) | 85 MJ per pallet (new) | Wood |
| Lifespan (trips) | 15-25 trips (repairable) | 60-100 trips (non-repairable) | Plastic |
| Repairability | Easily repaired with basic tools and materials; individual boards can be replaced | Generally not repairable; must be replaced entirely or reprocessed | Wood |
| Raw Material Renewability | Renewable (trees regrow in 20-30 years) | Non-renewable (petroleum-based) | Wood |
| End-of-Life Value | Mulch, biomass fuel, particleboard, compost | Scrap plastic reprocessing, potential landfill | Wood |
Why Wood Wins on Sustainability
Wood pallets come from a renewable resource, require far less energy to manufacture, are easily repaired to extend life, are fully recyclable into useful secondary products, and biodegrade naturally at end of life. Their total lifecycle environmental footprint is substantially lower than plastic alternatives.
- Carbon sequestration during tree growth offsets manufacturing emissions
- Repair capability means individual boards are replaced, not entire pallets
- End-of-life wood becomes mulch, fuel, or new products, never landfill waste
- Local sourcing reduces transportation emissions compared to imported plastic
When Plastic Makes Sense
We acknowledge that plastic pallets serve important roles in specific applications. Pharmaceutical cleanrooms, high-hygiene food processing, and closed-loop export systems may benefit from plastic pallets. When plastic is the right choice, we recommend recycled-content plastic options and ensure end-of-life recycling is planned.
- Cleanroom environments where wood fibers are unacceptable
- Export applications where pallet return is not feasible
- Extremely high-cycle closed-loop systems (100+ trips)
- Chemical exposure environments where wood degradation is a concern
Our Recycling Process in Detail
Transparency is a core value. Here is exactly how our recycling operation works, step by step, including the specific environmental benefit at each stage.
Step 1: Pickup & Transportation
Our logistics team collects used pallets from customer facilities using optimized route planning that minimizes fuel consumption and emissions. Trucks are loaded to maximum legal capacity on every run to reduce per-pallet transportation impact. GPS tracking and route optimization software reduce total miles driven by an estimated 22% compared to unoptimized collection.
Saves an average of 1.8 gallons of diesel per 100 pallets collected versus traditional pickup methods.
Step 2: Receiving & Weighing
Inbound loads are weighed and documented for material tracking. This data feeds our environmental impact reporting system, allowing us to calculate exact diversion rates for every load. Scale data is automatically integrated with our inventory management platform for complete traceability.
Enables precise tracking of every ton of material diverted from landfill.
Step 3: Sorting & Grading
Trained inspectors evaluate each pallet against our grading standards. Grade A pallets (structurally sound, cosmetically acceptable) go directly back into inventory. Grade B pallets (minor damage, repairable) are routed to repair lines. Grade C pallets (significant damage but salvageable material) are sent for dismantling. End-of-life pallets are queued for grinding.
Our grading accuracy exceeds 98%, ensuring maximum value recovery and minimal waste.
Step 4: Repair & Remanufacture
Pallets on the repair line receive replacement boards, re-nailing, and structural reinforcement as needed. Technicians use pneumatic nail guns and custom jigs to ensure repaired pallets meet original load specifications. Replacement boards are sourced from dismantled pallets whenever possible, further reducing virgin material consumption.
Each repaired pallet prevents 5.7 kg of CO2 emissions compared to manufacturing a replacement.
Step 5: Dismantling & Component Recovery
Pallets that are not economically repairable are dismantled on automated or semi-automated lines. Reusable boards are sorted by size and condition for use in pallet repair. Nails and metal fasteners are magnetically separated and sent to metal recyclers. Damaged boards are sent to the grinding operation.
We recover an average of 60% of usable lumber from dismantled pallets for reuse in repairs.
Step 6: Wood Grinding & Repurposing
Wood that cannot be reused as lumber is processed through industrial grinders to produce consistent-grade mulch, animal bedding, and biomass fuel feedstock. Grind specifications are adjusted based on end-market requirements. Color-enhanced landscape mulch, playground safety surfacing, and premium animal bedding are all produced from this material.
Diverts 100% of remaining wood material from landfill into beneficial secondary products.
Step 7: Quality Control & Documentation
Finished pallets (both repaired and new-from-recycled-material) undergo final quality inspection before returning to inventory. Documentation includes grade certification, load capacity verification, and heat-treatment stamps where applicable. Customers receive sustainability reports showing the environmental impact of their specific pallet orders.
Our quality rejection rate on finished pallets is under 1.5%, minimizing rework waste.
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Understanding your environmental impact starts with measurement. Our Carbon Footprint Calculator helps businesses estimate the CO2 savings, tree preservation, and waste diversion they can achieve by switching to recycled pallets or participating in our pallet management programs.
The calculator uses lifecycle assessment (LCA) data from peer-reviewed studies and industry-standard emission factors. Simply enter your annual pallet volume, current sourcing method, and pallet specifications to receive a detailed environmental impact estimate.
What the Calculator Shows You:
- Annual CO2 emissions savings in metric tons
- Equivalent number of trees preserved
- Tons of material diverted from landfill
- Gallons of water conserved
- Megawatt-hours of energy saved
- Dollar value of environmental savings
- Comparison: current vs. optimized pallet program
Sample Calculation
Input: Manufacturing Company
Output: Switching to Pallets Eco
Carbon Footprint: Recycled vs New Pallets
Choosing recycled pallets dramatically reduces your supply chain carbon footprint. Here is how the numbers compare for a standard 48x40 wood pallet.
New Pallet
Manufacturing from raw materialsRecycled Pallet
Repaired and reconditionedChoosing recycled pallets reduces carbon emissions by 60% per pallet compared to new production. For a business using 10,000 pallets annually, that is a savings of 57 metric tons of CO2 — equivalent to taking 12 cars off the road for an entire year.
Sustainability Certifications
Our environmental commitments are backed by recognized third-party certifications and rigorous industry standards. These are not self-awarded labels — every certification is independently audited and regularly renewed.
SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative)
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative is North America's largest single forest certification standard, covering more than 370 million acres. Our SFI certification means that every piece of virgin lumber we use can be traced back to forests managed under rigorous environmental, social, and economic standards.
Key Requirements
- Covers responsible fiber sourcing from certified forests
- Requires biodiversity and wildlife habitat protections
- Mandates sustainable harvest rates that do not exceed growth
- Includes community engagement and worker safety standards
- Annual third-party audits verify ongoing compliance
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
Forest Stewardship Council chain-of-custody certification provides an unbroken traceability link from the forest floor to the finished pallet. Our FSC certification allows us to offer FSC-labeled products to customers who require proof that their wood packaging comes from responsibly managed forests.
Key Requirements
- Complete chain-of-custody documentation from forest to customer
- Prohibits wood from illegally harvested sources
- Protects indigenous peoples rights and high-conservation-value forests
- Supports fair wages and safe working conditions in forestry
- FSC-labeled products available for customers requiring certification
ISPM 15 Compliance
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 is the global standard for treating wood packaging materials used in international trade. Our ISPM 15 compliance ensures that our heat-treated pallets are accepted at ports of entry worldwide, preventing the spread of invasive pests and diseases.
Key Requirements
- All export pallets heat-treated to 56C core temperature for 30 minutes
- No chemical fumigants used in our treatment process
- Official IPPC stamp applied to every treated pallet
- Regular inspections by USDA-APHIS accredited agencies
- Enables our customers to ship internationally without phytosanitary delays
NWPCA Membership
The National Wooden Pallet and Container Association is the industry's leading trade association. Our NWPCA membership commits us to the organization's Pallet Design System (PDS) standards, best practices for manufacturing and repair, and participation in industry-wide sustainability initiatives.
Key Requirements
- Adherence to PDS computer-optimized pallet design standards
- Participation in industry recycling and sustainability programs
- Access to technical training and workforce development programs
- Commitment to quality standards exceeding baseline requirements
- Active participation in pallet industry advocacy and policy development
ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. Our ISO 14001 certification demonstrates that we have implemented a systematic approach to measuring and improving our environmental performance, setting targets, and continuously reducing our operational environmental impact.
Key Requirements
- Documented Environmental Management System covering all operations
- Regular environmental performance reviews and target setting
- Employee training programs on environmental best practices
- Continuous improvement cycle for waste reduction and efficiency
- Annual surveillance audits and triennial recertification by accredited registrar
EPA SmartWay Partner
The EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-driven program that helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Our SmartWay partnership covers our entire fleet and logistics operations.
Key Requirements
- Annual reporting of fleet fuel efficiency and emissions data
- Commitment to continuous improvement in transportation efficiency
- Use of EPA-benchmarked carriers for all contracted freight
- Idle-reduction technology installed on all company trucks
- Route optimization software reduces total miles driven by 22%
Environmental Goals 2025 - 2030
We set ambitious, measurable targets and hold ourselves publicly accountable. Here are our major environmental commitments for the next five years, along with our current progress toward each.
Zero Waste to Landfill
On TrackAchieve TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Zero Waste certification across all operating facilities. This means diverting 99% or more of all waste materials from landfill through reuse, recycling, composting, and energy recovery.
100% Renewable Energy
In ProgressTransition all facility electricity consumption to renewable sources through a combination of on-site solar installations, renewable energy certificates, and power purchase agreements with wind and solar farms.
Carbon Neutral Operations
In ProgressAchieve net-zero carbon emissions across all direct operations (Scope 1 and 2). Remaining emissions after reduction efforts will be offset through verified carbon offset projects including reforestation and methane capture.
50% Electric Fleet
Early StageConvert at least 50% of our pickup and delivery fleet to electric or hybrid-electric vehicles. Charging infrastructure will be installed at all facilities to support the transition. Remaining diesel vehicles will use biodiesel blends.
Plant 100,000 Trees
In ProgressComplete our commitment to planting 100,000 trees through partnerships with the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted, and regional reforestation programs. These trees will sequester an estimated 50,000 tons of CO2 over their lifetime.
Our Green Promise
We promise to continuously reduce our environmental footprint, invest in sustainable innovation, and help our customers achieve their own sustainability goals. Every pallet we touch is an opportunity to make a positive difference for our planet and future generations.
By 2030, our goal is for Pallets Eco to be a net-positive force for the environment: sequestering more carbon than we emit, generating more renewable energy than we consume, and restoring more forest land than our supply chain impacts.
Community & Education Programs
Sustainability extends beyond our facilities. We invest in education, research, and community projects that spread environmental awareness and create lasting positive impact in the regions where we operate.
School Sustainability Workshops
We partner with K-12 schools across our operating regions to deliver hands-on sustainability workshops. Students learn about recycling, the circular economy, and responsible resource management through interactive demonstrations using real pallet materials. Each workshop concludes with students building a small raised garden bed from recycled pallet wood.
University Research Partnerships
We collaborate with university forestry, environmental science, and supply chain management departments to fund research into more sustainable pallet materials, improved recycling processes, and lifecycle assessment methodologies. Current research partners include Oregon State University, Virginia Tech, and Penn State.
Community Garden Pallet Projects
Through our "Pallets to Planters" initiative, we donate cleaned and treated pallet wood to community garden projects. Local volunteers use the materials to build raised beds, compost bins, vertical garden structures, and tool sheds. We provide building plans, materials, and volunteer labor for weekend build events.
Annual Sustainability Report
Each year we publish a comprehensive sustainability report that transparently documents our environmental performance, progress toward goals, and areas where we fell short. The report follows GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards and is verified by an independent third party. It is available for free download on our website.
How Customers Benefit
Partnering with Pallets Eco delivers tangible benefits to your bottom line, your compliance posture, your brand reputation, and your corporate sustainability reporting.
Significant Cost Savings
Recycled pallets cost 40-60% less than new pallets of equivalent grade. Our repair programs extend pallet life by three to five additional cycles, further reducing your per-use cost. Pallet pool management eliminates the administrative overhead of managing your own inventory.
- 40-60% cost reduction vs. new pallets
- $2.80 average savings per pallet
- 3-5x lifespan extension through repair
Regulatory Compliance
Our certifications (FSC, SFI, ISPM 15, ISO 14001) help your business meet environmental regulations and customer requirements. We provide full documentation and chain-of-custody records for audit readiness. International shipments meet phytosanitary standards at every port of entry.
- 6 active certifications maintained
- Full chain-of-custody documentation
- Audit-ready compliance records
Enhanced Brand Reputation
Today's consumers and B2B buyers increasingly prefer companies that demonstrate environmental responsibility. Partnering with Pallets Eco gives you a tangible sustainability story to share with stakeholders, customers, and in ESG reporting. We provide co-branded sustainability data for your marketing materials.
- Sustainability certificates for marketing use
- Co-branded environmental impact reports
- ESG reporting data provided quarterly
Transparent Environmental Reporting
Every customer receives quarterly sustainability reports detailing the exact environmental impact of their pallet orders: pallets diverted from landfill, CO2 emissions prevented, trees saved, and water conserved. This data integrates directly into your corporate sustainability reporting and scope 3 emissions calculations.
- Quarterly impact reports delivered automatically
- Scope 3 emissions data for CDP/GRI reporting
- Customer sustainability dashboard access
Customer Sustainability Success Stories
These case studies demonstrate the real-world environmental and financial impact our customers have achieved through partnership with Pallets Eco.
Pacific Northwest Food Distributor
Food & BeverageThe Challenge
A major regional food distributor was spending $1.2 million annually on new pallets and sending 85,000 damaged pallets to landfill each year. They needed to reduce costs while meeting their parent company's ESG mandate to reduce scope 3 emissions by 30% by 2027.
Our Solution
We implemented a full pallet pool management program including collection, repair, and recirculation. Our team installed on-site sorting stations and trained their warehouse staff on proper pallet handling to extend useful life. We also provided quarterly sustainability reports for their ESG filings.
Results
- 62% reduction in annual pallet spend (from $1.2M to $456K)
- 78,000 pallets diverted from landfill in the first year
- 340 metric tons of CO2 emissions eliminated annually
- 97% pallet availability rate maintained throughout peak season
- Parent company ESG target achieved two years ahead of schedule
“Pallets Eco transformed our pallet operations from a cost center and environmental liability into a sustainability success story. The savings alone were remarkable, but the environmental data they provide has been invaluable for our ESG reporting.”
-- VP of Supply Chain Operations
Midwest Automotive Parts Manufacturer
AutomotiveThe Challenge
An automotive tier-1 supplier was using 120,000 custom-size pallets annually for just-in-time delivery to assembly plants. Pallet failures were causing line stoppages costing $15,000 per incident, and their OEM customer was requiring sustainability documentation for all packaging suppliers.
Our Solution
We engineered a custom returnable pallet system with RFID tracking for full traceability. Each pallet was designed to precise specifications for their parts, with reinforced deck boards and corner protectors. Our repair team maintained the pallet pool on a weekly rotation schedule.
Results
- Zero pallet-related line stoppages in 18 months of operation
- 44% reduction in total pallet costs through returnable system
- 28,000 pallets kept in continuous circulation instead of disposal
- RFID tracking provided OEM-required chain-of-custody documentation
- Sustainability certification helped win two new OEM contracts
“The quality and reliability of Pallets Eco's custom pallets eliminated our line-stoppage problem entirely. Their RFID tracking system gives us the data transparency our OEM customers demand, and the environmental credentials have become a genuine competitive advantage.”
-- Director of Packaging Engineering
National Retail Chain Distribution Network
Retail & E-CommerceThe Challenge
A 500-store national retail chain was managing pallet procurement independently at each of its 12 distribution centers, resulting in inconsistent quality, inflated costs, and no visibility into environmental impact. Corporate had committed to a 25% packaging waste reduction target.
Our Solution
We consolidated all 12 distribution centers under a single pallet management agreement with centralized procurement, standardized grading, and unified reporting. Our team deployed dedicated inventory at each facility with automated reorder triggers to prevent stockouts.
Results
- 38% reduction in total pallet spend across all 12 distribution centers
- Standardized pallet quality eliminated 94% of store-level complaints
- 210,000 pallets recycled in the first year versus prior disposal
- Centralized reporting showed 1,100 tons of CO2 savings in year one
- Corporate packaging waste reduction target exceeded by 8 percentage points
“Moving from 12 independent pallet suppliers to Pallets Eco gave us cost savings we did not think were possible, plus the environmental reporting our corporate office needed. The consistency and reliability across all our DCs has been outstanding.”
-- Senior Director of Distribution Operations
Environmental Policy Statement
Pallets Eco is committed to conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner that protects natural resources, minimizes pollution, and promotes sustainable development. We recognize that our operations have an environmental impact, and we accept the responsibility to continuously reduce that impact.
We commit to:
- Comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and standards, and strive to exceed them wherever possible.
- Minimize waste generation through prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling, with a goal of zero waste to landfill across all operations.
- Conserve natural resources by maximizing the use of recycled and reclaimed materials in our products and processes.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, fleet modernization, and verified carbon offsets.
- Source all virgin wood materials from sustainably managed forests certified by FSC, SFI, or equivalent internationally recognized certification bodies.
- Protect water resources through efficient use, treatment of process water, and prevention of runoff contamination.
- Promote environmental awareness among our employees, suppliers, customers, and communities through education, training, and transparent reporting.
- Set measurable environmental targets, track progress against them, and report results publicly in our annual sustainability report.
- Continuously improve our Environmental Management System in alignment with ISO 14001 standards.
- Support our customers in achieving their own sustainability goals through data, consulting, and environmentally responsible products.
This policy is reviewed annually by senior management, communicated to all employees and stakeholders, and made available to the public. It is the responsibility of every Pallets Eco team member to understand and uphold this policy in their daily work.
Sustainability FAQ
Answers to the most common questions we receive about our environmental practices, certifications, and how partnering with us benefits your sustainability goals.
How does using recycled pallets reduce my company's carbon footprint?
A recycled pallet produces approximately 60% less CO2 than manufacturing a new pallet from virgin timber. This is because recycled pallets skip the energy-intensive steps of timber harvesting, log transportation, sawmilling, and kiln drying. For a company using 10,000 pallets per year, switching from new to recycled pallets eliminates approximately 57 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. We provide detailed calculations specific to your volume in our quarterly sustainability reports.
Are your sustainability certifications independently verified?
Yes, all of our certifications are issued and audited by accredited third-party organizations. Our FSC chain-of-custody is audited annually by an FSC-accredited certification body. Our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System undergoes annual surveillance audits and full recertification every three years. Our ISPM 15 treatment facilities are inspected by USDA-APHIS accredited agencies. SFI certification is verified through independent auditing firms. We maintain copies of all current certificates and can provide them to customers upon request.
What happens to pallets that cannot be repaired?
Pallets that have reached the end of their structural useful life are never sent to landfill. Instead, they are dismantled to recover reusable boards and hardware. Reusable lumber is sorted and used for pallet repairs. Non-reusable wood is ground into mulch, animal bedding, or biomass fuel feedstock. Metal fasteners are magnetically separated and sent to scrap metal recyclers. Our 95% waste diversion rate means that virtually nothing from our operations ends up in a landfill.
Can you provide sustainability data for my ESG or CDP reporting?
Absolutely. Every Pallets Eco customer receives quarterly sustainability reports that include: number of pallets diverted from landfill, tons of CO2 emissions prevented, trees saved, water conserved, and energy saved. This data is formatted to align with GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards, CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) questionnaire requirements, and common ESG reporting frameworks. Our sustainability team is available to assist your reporting staff with data interpretation and integration.
How do you ensure wood pallets do not contribute to deforestation?
Our dual FSC and SFI certifications provide verified chain-of-custody documentation proving that all virgin lumber in our supply chain comes from responsibly managed forests where harvesting rates do not exceed growth rates. Our suppliers are contractually required to maintain replanting programs. Additionally, our core business model of recycling and repairing pallets dramatically reduces the demand for new lumber. Every pallet we keep in circulation is one less tree that needs to be harvested.
What is the environmental benefit of your heat treatment versus chemical fumigation?
ISPM 15 allows two treatment methods: heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide fumigation (MB). We exclusively use heat treatment, which raises the core temperature of the wood to 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, effectively eliminating pests without chemicals. Methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance that many countries are phasing out. By choosing heat treatment, we protect the ozone layer, eliminate chemical residue risks for food-contact applications, and create a safer working environment for our employees.
How does your carbon footprint calculator work?
Our carbon footprint calculator uses lifecycle assessment (LCA) data from peer-reviewed studies to estimate the environmental impact of your pallet choices. You input your annual pallet volume, current sourcing method (new vs. recycled), pallet size, and whether you participate in a return program. The calculator outputs estimated CO2 savings, trees saved, landfill waste diverted, water conserved, and energy saved. Results are based on industry-standard emission factors and are conservative estimates that can be used in sustainability reporting.
Do you offer sustainability consulting beyond pallet supply?
Yes. Our sustainability team offers supply chain packaging audits that evaluate your entire packaging operation, not just pallets. We assess stretch wrap usage, void fill, corrugated consumption, and transportation efficiency. Based on the audit, we provide a detailed report with recommendations ranked by environmental impact and cost savings potential. Many of our customers have achieved packaging waste reductions of 20-35% through our consulting recommendations.
Ready to Make Your Supply Chain Sustainable?
Join hundreds of businesses that have reduced their environmental footprint, lowered their pallet costs, and strengthened their sustainability credentials by partnering with Pallets Eco. Let us show you what the numbers look like for your operation.
Request a Sustainability Quote
Tell us about your pallet needs and sustainability goals. Our team will prepare a customized proposal with environmental impact projections specific to your business.