Molded Wood Pallets Market

Molded Wood Pallets Market Outlook

The molded wood pallets market is expected to witness soaring growth in 2023 with worldwide revenues up 2.0% year over year. A new forecast by FMI estimates that molded wood pallets revenues are expected to reach US$ 4.66 billion by 2033, up from US$ 2.70 billion in 2023. During this period, the molded wood pallets market is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6%

The molded wood pallets market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors such as their durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Molded pallets are created by injecting a molten plastic compound into a pallet mold to produce sturdy, uniform, and consistent products. This innovative production method has resulted in fueling molded pallets demand, replacing traditional wood pallets and other materials in many industries.

One of the key drivers of the molded pallets market is the growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Molded wood pallets are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable. This makes them an ideal alternative to traditional wood pallets and plastic pallets. Additionally, molded pallets offer a long lifespan and require less maintenance, reducing the overall environmental impact. On the back of these factors, the eco-friendly molded pallet market is witnessing significant growth lately.

The market is also expected to grow in the upcoming years also, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions. At present, many companies looking to reduce their environmental impact and improve their supply chain efficiency. As a result, molded wood pallets are likely to become an increasingly popular choice for wood pallet products.

Another trend that is driving the molded pallets market is the growing demand for engineered molded wood pallets. These pallets are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of different industries including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and automotive sectors. They are produced using high-tech equipment and advanced materials to provide enhanced durability, strength, and stability.

The pressed wood pallet market is also a significant segment of the molded wood pallets market, with demand coming from various end-use industries, including shipping and logistics, manufacturing, and retail. These pallets are created by compressing wood chips and sawdust under high pressure to form a durable and uniform product.

2016 to 2022 Molded Wood Pallets Market Outlook Compared to 2023 to 2033 Forecast

The global market for molded wood pallets is expected to increase at a volume growth rate of 5.6% during 2023–2033 in comparison to the 2.2% CAGR registered during 2016 to 2022. The expansion of the market can be attributed to the high demand for e-commerce shipments, logistics, building & construction, which is expected to fuel the demand for molded wood pallets.

Wood pallets are the first line of defense to assure the packaging is safe enough for shipping products to the destination. A high-quality wooden pallet is best suitable to lift a high volume of products during transit, resulting in cost optimization that might occur during damage or if it is contaminated. It also prevents any injury that might occur to the labor from overload.

Shippers select a pallet that efficiently meets global shipping needs. Shipments that are short on space and in need of full and fractional sized pallets drive the growth of the molded wood pallets market. Rather than focusing on less cost, shippers focus on stiff packaging, high tensile strength, durability, low weight, and temperature resistance.

Short Term (2023 to 2026): Molded wood pallets are eco-friendly and offer a sustainable packaging solution that is gaining popularity among various industries. With increased awareness about environmental issues, the demand for sustainable packaging is expected to increase in molded pallets demand. Furthermore, the e-commerce industry has witnessed a significant boom in recent years and the trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. Demand for molded wood pallets is projected to increase from the thee-commerce industry as these are ideal packaging solutions for logistics and transportation.

Medium Term (2026 to 2029): Molded wood pallets offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional pallets made from non-renewable materials. This makes molded pallets an ideal choice for companies that are looking to adopt a sustainable approach. Moreover, governments around the world are introducing regulations to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable packaging. Molded wood pallets are an ideal substitute for plastic pallets. These factors are likely to fuel the market expansion during this period.

Long Term (2029 to 2033): As technology advances, it is expected that there are going to be innovations in the manufacturing process for molded wood pallets. This is projected to lead to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the shift towards a circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, is expected to increase in the long run. Molded wood pallets are renewable and recyclable packaging solutions. This makes them an ideal choice for companies looking to adopt a circular approach to their business.

These factors are anticipated to support a 1.7X increase in the molded wood pallets market between 2023 and 2033. The market is projected to be worth US$ 4.66 billion by the end of 2033, according to FMI analysts.

How is International Trade Favoring Growth in the Molded Wood Pallets Market?

Solid wooden packaging material trade between different countries is regulated by the ISPM-15 act. This regulation requires a packaging material with a thickness of more than 6 mm, to be treated for transition between two countries. This regulation aims to prevent the spread of diseases and insects that could negatively affect plants or the environment.

According to The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a particular standard has been set for packaging materials that include wood. Regulated woods must be treated and marked as fine quality. In North America, a bilateral agreement between the United States and Canada permits pallet transition between both countries without compliance with ISPM-15, which is expected to increase trade flow between both countries.

Food Safety Modernization Act increased FDA responsibility in terms of sanitization of pallets along with inspection of food products. Regulations on the transportation of wooden packaging material are predicted to increase the global demand for molded wood pallets, as their shipment does not require any post-treatment.

Ismail Sutaria

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Digitization is Likely to Affect the Sales of Molded Wood Pallets

Shipment efficiency and safe transportation play crucial roles in the supply chain. As far as the manufacturing point of view is concerned, secure packaging is imperative to enhance the quality of the shipment.

The introduction of RFID tags for pallet tracking enables easy operations of safety monitoring systems and automatic inventory & warehouse management. The consumption of pallets is expected to increase in the upcoming years with the growing usage of RFID tags in the global pallets industry.

The electronics industry resulted in considerable changes in the packaging industry, thus piquing manufacturers’ interest in the use of RFID tags in pallets. An increase in the usage of packaging solutions, which provides convenience, as well as better efficiency than other pallets, is expected to fuel demand for molded wooden pallets.

Recycling of Old Pallets Impacting Molded Wood Pallets Manufacturers

Molded wood pallets or press wood pallets are ISPM-15 compliant, which makes them better preferred over other pallets. Solid wooden pallets, when shipped, should fulfill the standards of the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association ensuring safe transportation. The global demand for molded wooden pallets is expected to increase during the forecast period, owing to the characteristics of products in terms of reusability and recyclability.

As the pallets are recyclable, they can be made with other wooden pallet’s residue or by-products. This factor triggers an increment in the consumption of molded pallets. In addition, wooden chips and residues are mixed with the help of adhesives or other chemicals to produce screw-less and edgeless pallets.

According to Interreg Europe, a European regional development fund, the wood of amount 1,793,748 tons of per year is recycled, and out of that 62% of the recycled wood is from the packaging industry. European government and associations provide 22 million euros every year to co-finance all the collection and recycling activities.

Primary Trend Affecting Sales of Molded Wood Pallets

Even though molded wooden pallets provide efficient transport and storage space-saving features, the change in temperature and scratches may impact the quality of the whole supply chain.

As a solution to this problem, manufacturers in the market have come up with pallet covers, which provide insulation along with high tensile strength and flexibility. Insulated pallet prevents UV rays, odor transfer, and resist punctures. Insulated pallet covers act as an ultra-radiant barrier and also an insulating bubble layer.

During transportation, insulated pallet blankets protect the entire container against extreme temperatures. Molded wood pallets can also be used with pallet covers, as wooden material is prone to fire in case of high temperatures.

Country-wise Insights

How are Online Sales Channels Fuel the Demand for Molded Wood Pallets in the United States?

The United States molded wood pallets market is one of the leading markets in the world with increasing demand from various industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. As per FMI, the market in this country held about 15.6% of the global market in 2022. The adoption of molded pallets has grown notably in the country due to their eco-friendly nature as they are made from recycled wood waste and have a long lifespan.

Online delivery is presently expanding quickly in the United States. The rise of the pallet market in the nation is also fueled by the distribution of necessities via online channels from reputable hypermarkets like Walmart. Pallets were hugely in demand in the United States as businesses switched from offline to online means of sales due to the rising need for maintaining organized logistics systems for the seamless functioning of the supply chain.

How is the Molded Wood Pallets Market Set to Fare in Canada?

According to FMI research, Canada market is predicted to expand at a significant rate during 2023–2033. In Canada, the import of wood packaging materials is carried under strict guidelines to protect Canadian ecosystems from non-native pests. To avoid all risks, domestic manufacturing of wood packaging is on the rise. Canada market is projected to grow prominently because of the increasing number of key players and expansion of the product line in the country.

Why are Key Players Willing to Invest Million Dollars in India Market?

The market in India is growing steadily backed by the presence of numerous small-scale companies and big scale companies who are ready to expand their reach across the globe. India is one of the significantly growing markets for logistics owing to expanding E-commerce facilities. Thus, the consumption of molded wood pallets in India is expected to increase at a promising growth rate of 8.6% CAGR, during the assessment years. By 2033, India molded wood pallets market is estimated to reach US$ 315.1 million.

According to Indian logistics & supply chain association, the logistics industry in India is estimated to be driven by favorable initiatives such as “make it India” and the expansion of e-commerce logistics. This may increase the potential for the application of molded wood pallets in various sectors such as industrial, agricultural, warehousing, e-commerce shipment, building & construction, and many others.

How is the Evolving Manufacturing Industry Aiding Sales in China?

Transformation across industries, specifically in the manufacturing sector, in China can be attributed to the country’s remarkable economic growth registered in the last few decades. China molded wood pallets market is expected to register progression at a CAGR of 8.1% over the upcoming decade, making it a lucrative country for molded pallet manufacturers. The market is anticipated to reach US$ 724.4 million by 2033.

According to the World Bank national accounts data, China has a packaging manufacturing output of 3,853.8 billion in 2020 which was estimated a 0.8% increase from 2019. The manufacturing industry that uses wood fiber is characterized as the maximum use of packaging as it accounts for 26% of the overall GDP of China.

Key players from some of the established pockets in Europe and North America are looking for better investment options to expand their global presence. This is going to help in the progression of the sales of molded wood pallets in China.

How are the Technological Advancements Transforming Molded Pallets Market in the United Kingdom?

The molded pallets market in the United Kingdom has been growing steadily in recent years due to the growing demand from various industries such as retail, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. The market is largely being pushed by increasing standards for efficient transportation systems. The growth can be also attributed to the fact that they are portable, strong, and lightweight. The United Kingdom molded wood pallets market is foreseen to expand at a 3.5% CAGR over the upcoming decade. The market is estimated to surpass US$ 237.5 million by 2033.

Pallet demand has also increased as a result of the enormous growth in the logistics and transportation industries. They are widely utilized for more efficient and secure transportation of materials and commodities, which also provides the preeminent possible product delivery and protection.

In this country, these pallets are widely used for the transportation and storage of goods. Companies are also increasingly adopting molded wood pallets to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, they are exempt from ISPM 15 regulations, which require traditional wooden pallets to be treated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

As all the pallets should be picked up and returned after unloading packaged products at one site, switching pallets is rarely a simple process. A smartphone application called Pallet Check Express has been created in the United Kingdom to prevent getting a few pallets returned. By recording information like the time, date, exchange location, and pallet count, this app aids in optimum pallet exchange. These methods should simplify and expedite the pallet exchange procedure, which is likely to stimulate market expansion throughout the anticipated term.

Why are Molded Wood Pallets Manufacturers Eyeing North Africa to Strengthen Their Position?

Molded wood pallets demand in North Africa is expected to rise at an incredible CAGR over the forecast period. Companies operating business to consumer market have significantly grown during the later stage of COVID-19 pandemic to help consumers purchase essential items. In response to this, the logistics and transportation industry made key developments to cope with the demand which in turn is anticipating covering over 25.5% of the Middle East and Africa molded wood pallets market by the year 2033.

Category-wise Insights

What is the Commonly Preferred Size in Molded Wood Pallets?

By size, full-size pallets hold a dominant share of the global market. Molded wood pallets irrespective of size provide much strength to hold any product of any weight. Despite the size, it is quite lightweight and takes up very little space in the warehouse.

Full-size molded wood pallets are designed to handle heavy loads and can often hold up to 2,500 pounds. This makes them ideal for use in industries that require the transport of heavy goods such as manufacturing and construction. Additionally, full-sized molded wood pallets are standardized in terms of their dimensions and weight. This makes them easy to handle, stack and store. This standardization also makes it easy for companies to design their supply chain and logistics process around the use of these pallets.

Stackable Pallet Leading Wood Pallets Market with Significant Share

As per the FMI analysis, the use of nestable/stackable pallet maximizes the usage of space in the warehouse, and it is economical compared to other product types. Nestable/Stackable pallets are designed to fit snugly into each other, making them highly space efficient. This means that they take up less space when not in use, making them cost-effective and easy to store and transport. In addition, these types of molded wood pallets are often less expensive than other types of pallets, such as rackable pallets, while still providing many of the same benefits.

Why Is the Logistics & Transportation Industry Gaining Traction?

The Logistics & Transportation segment in the molded wood pallets market is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR over the forecast period.

According to the International Finance Corporation, logistic firms primarily operate in storage, transit, and flow of goods and have been negatively impacted during the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. Supply chains within domestic and international borders were disrupted due to stringent government regulations.

But with slow relaxations in the regulations and the need to transport essential items, there has been a slow and steady growth in the logistics and transport industry, which is directly affecting the sales of molded wood pallets.

Competitive Landscape

To provide consumers with superior goods and services in the molded wood pallets market, key market players have selected acquisition, merger, product launch, business growth, and agreement as their primary developmental tactics. Companies operating in the market are also aiming at strategic collaborations and strategic partnerships with other manufacturers to expand their product portfolio.

Leading Players and Their Recent Developments in Molded Wood Pallets Market

Litco International, Inc. – The distribution and transport packaging solutions provided by Litco International, Inc. are bio-based and ecological-friendly. Its contents are intended to keep goods safe across the entire supply chain, ensuring that they reach the customer's destination hub in the same state as when they left the loading dock.

• In July 2020, Litco International Inc. committed to ensuring that all the molded wood pallets will be limited for reuse to avoid usage of the damaged pallet in the safe transit of packaged products. committed in ensuring that all the molded wood pallets will be limited for reuse to avoid usage of damaged pallet in the safe transit of packaged products.
• In July 2018, Following the Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM Products Program, Litco International, Inc. announced that their Inca Engineered Molded WoodTM Pallets and Core Plugs have been recertified.

Acorn Pulp Group – An intriguing new endeavor for Acorn West was formally introduced by Acorn Paper Products Company as Acorn Pulp Group (APG). In the United States, the business offers services and goods related to packaging and materials.

• In August 2020, Acorn pulp group signed a deal with Southern Molded Pulp and Molded Fibre Technologies to buy their art molded fiber manufacturing machine that ensures smooth production of the molded wood pallets.

Millwood, Inc. – To provide a secure, economical distribution of client products, Millwood, Inc. produces, suggests, and offers unit-load products and services that are inaccessible to consumers. The pallet business is dedicated to producing excellence in both its employees and its goods.

• In December 2022, Millwood, Inc. attained Red Express Pallet which is the company’s 36th facility nationwide and the second in Texas.
• In November 2022, the purchase of Southworth Wood Products is announced by Millwood. This new area, which is 51 acres in size, will be known as MillTree East. It is presently using band saws to downsize material for pallet construction. At this new site, custom crates and pallets will be developed as well as per the announcement.

Other Key Players Operating in the Molded Wood Pallets Market

• Snyder Industries, Inc,
• The Nelson Company,
• Beacon Industries Ltd,
• NKA Paletten GmbH,
• Brambles Ltd,
• Engelvin Bois Moule S.A,
• Nefab Group,
• Presswood International BV,
• ENNO Marketing Pvt Ltd
• Loscam Australia pty ltd
• Kronus Group,
• Linyi Kunpeng Wood Co., Ltd,
• JP Pallets,
• Taik Sin Timber Industry Sdn Bhd

Molded Wood Pallets Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Nestable /Stackable
• Rackable Pallets

By End-use

• Manufacturing
  • Food & Beverages
  • Chemicals
  • Automotive
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
• Logistics & Transportation
• Building & Construction

By Size

• Full-size Pallet
• Quarter-size Pallet
• Half-size Pallet

By Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific Ex. Japan (APEJ)
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• Japan