The association, which has conducted periodic surveys of used stock levels since 2001, said the recent increase was encouraging and would help the country’s efforts to reduce waste levels and carbon emissions.
It also said the growth recognises that the most beneficial use of wood pallets is continual reuse as a pallet, either as a rental or a resold white pallet.
NAPD secretary Paul Tait said one-trip pallets represented a false economy. He encouraged pallet users to specify adequately and highlighted the ability of members to arrange a repair and re-use programme to help maximise return on investment and reduce environmental impact.
The NAPD has also cited the increased strength properties of used pallets, as demonstrated by US research. Tests undertaken at 10 American pallet recycling facilities showed that used pallets were on average 11% stronger than new ones.
