Independent Life Cycle Analysis: Plastic vs. wood

An independent Life Cycle Analysis has examined the environmental impact of the 3 types of pallets commonly used today — the pooled multi-use wood pallet, the single-use wood pallet and iGPS' pooled all-plastic pallet. Conducted in accordance with international standards, the analysis examined the "cradle-to-grave" impact each pallet type has on the environment, including global warming, ozone depletion and toxicity.

The analysis concluded that, even utilizing conservative assumptions, iGPS' all-plastic pallet has dramatically less environmental impact than both the pooled multi-use wood pallet and one-way wood pallet. The facts are below.

When comparing the iGPS pallet and the typical multi-use wood pallet:

  • Abiotic Depletion: iGPS' pallet has 25% - 35% less impact
  • Global Warming: iGPS' pallet had 65% - 70% less impact
  • Ozone Layer Depletion: iGPS' pallet had 91% - 92% less impact
  • Photochemical Oxidation: iGPS' pallet had 60% - 65%
    less impact
  • Acidification: iGPS' pallet had 60% - 65% less impact
  • Eutrophication: iGPS' pallet had 75% - 80% less impact

The facts are in: iGPS offers the most environmentally responsible pallet available today.

Click here to view the Life Cycle Assessment Briefing Paper



RELATED LINKS
Choosing Plastic
Modern Materials Handling

Pallet Pooling
Rent the exact amount of pallets you need without having to stock for peak seasons

The Rise of the Plastic Pallet
Modern Materials Handling

Plastic Advantages
iGPS plastic pallets are far superior to wood in many ways

RFID Tracking
The first large-scale pallet service with RFID in every pallet

Sustainability
Our business model has been created from the ground up with Sustainability as a cornerstone.
pallet Pallet Features & Specifications
Sustainability Brochure
Sustainability Brochure
Sustainability Brochure
Recommended Trailer Load Plan
Contact iGPS