10 Surprising Facts About the Pallet Industry

  1. Over 90% of all goods worldwide are shipped on pallets.
  2. The average pallet lasts five to seven years with proper care.
  3. Wooden pallets can be recycled into mulch, furniture, or biofuel.
  4. There are more pallets on Earth than people! (Est. 5+ billion)
  5. Standard wood pallets weigh around 30–48 pounds.
  6. The pallet rental industry alone is worth billions globally.
  7. Heat-treated pallets are required for international export (ISPM 15).
  8. Pallets can be made from bamboo, metal, or recycled plastic.
  9. Custom branding and QR coding are rising trends for traceability.
  10. The world’s largest pallet company, CHEP, owns over 300 million pallets.
  11. The pallet industry may seem simple, but it’s vital, evolving, and surprisingly high-tech. Whether you’re in logistics, recycling, or manufacturing, staying tuned to these developments keeps your business ahead of the curve.