What kind of wood are pallets made of? That question matters to exporters, warehouse operators, and manufacturers who depend on safe and durable packaging. The type of wood affects strength, weight, lifespan, and compliance with export laws.
In this article, PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR) explains the woods used in pallet production, their benefits, and how certified materials make global trade smoother. Keep reading; understanding your pallet’s material can save money and prevent shipment issues.
Why Knowing the Wood Type Matters
Every year, more than 2 billion wooden pallets carry goods worldwide. However, not all of them use the same kind of wood. Knowing what kind of wood are pallets made of helps businesses select the right ones for their needs. Heavy products require dense hardwoods, while lighter goods fit best on softwoods that reduce shipping weight.
According to the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA), about 70% of pallets use softwood species and 30% use hardwoods. The balance exists because each serves a unique purpose — strength versus affordability.
The Two Main Categories: Hardwood and Softwood
Hardwood pallets come from trees like meranti, oak, beech, and mahogany. They are strong, dense, and ideal for heavy-duty use in the automotive, machinery, and steel industries.
Softwood pallets usually use pine, spruce, or albasia (falcataria). They are lighter, cheaper, and easier to handle, which suits exporters of food, electronics, and consumer goods.
Hardwoods carry up to 3 tons of static load, while softwoods handle about 1.5 tons. Choosing between them depends on what you ship and how often the pallets are reused.
The Most Common Wood Types Used in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the most common species used by BMR include meranti, rubberwood, and albasia.
- Meranti – A dense tropical hardwood known for high load capacity and resistance to impact.
- Rubberwood – A sustainable material sourced from latex plantations; it offers smooth surfaces and medium strength.
- Albasia – A fast-growing softwood that’s lightweight, affordable, and eco-friendly.
These species combine performance and sustainability, making them ideal for both domestic and export applications.
Moisture Control and Durability
Wood quality depends on how well it’s dried. Freshly cut wood holds moisture that can cause warping, mold, or weight imbalance. That’s why PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources kiln-dries every plank until moisture falls below 20 percent. This improves structural stability and reduces the risk of pests or fungi.
Once dried, each pallet undergoes heat treatment at 56°C (132.8°F) for 30 minutes to meet ISPM-15 export standards. This process kills any remaining insects and prevents contamination without using chemicals.
No matter what kind of wood are pallets made of, treatment defines their global acceptability.
How Wood Type Affects Cost
Different woods come with different costs. Hardwood pallets cost more to produce but last longer under repeated use. Softwoods, meanwhile, save money upfront and perform well for single or limited trips.
When you calculate total cost per use, hardwood often becomes more economical for long-term supply chains.
Sustainability and Legal Wood
Knowing what kind of wood are pallets made of also means understanding its origin. PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources sources all timber from legally certified plantations. Each tree is replaced through reforestation programs that maintain environmental balance.
Rubberwood and albasia are plantation-grown trees that absorb up to 12 tons of CO₂ per hectare annually, helping offset global emissions. That commitment makes BMR pallets not only strong but also eco-responsible.
Exporters who prioritize sustainability often choose BMR because its certification ensures compliance with both trade and environmental regulations.
Global Standard Sizes and Adaptability
Pallet dimensions differ depending on export destination, but the material strength remains key. Whether 1100 × 1100 mm for Asia or 1200 × 800 mm (EUR/EPAL) for Europe, the right wood ensures every design remains sturdy under pressure. BMR adapts each pallet’s design to fit the required size and weight, balancing cost, durability, and environmental responsibility.
The Role of Treatment and Testing
After assembly, BMR pallets go through testing for compression, bending, and moisture resistance. Heat-treated wood prevents pest infestation and ensures compliance with global import laws. Each pallet receives an HT mark and IPPC logo, which confirm that it’s safe for export to more than 180 countries.
That combination of material quality and certification gives BMR clients full confidence in every shipment.
Performance You Can Measure
A hardwood pallet from BMR can last 3–5 years under proper use, while softwood pallets often perform well for one to two trips. Heat treatment extends both lifespans by reducing rot and cracking.
This proven durability ensures fewer replacements and lower total costs per shipment. For exporters, that means predictable performance and easier inventory planning.
Why Exporters Trust BMR
Exporters choose BMR because it combines technology, sustainability, and quality control. The company uses digital kilns, moisture testing, and strict inspections to guarantee every pallet meets international expectations.
Clients from Japan, Australia, Singapore, and the EU continue to rely on BMR because of consistent quality and complete documentation from treatment logs to wood origin certificates.
Conclusion: The Right Wood Builds Reliable Trade
So, what kind of wood are pallets made of? The answer is clear: strong, sustainable species such as meranti, rubberwood, and albasia. Each type offers a balance between durability, weight, and eco-friendliness. Combined with heat treatment and quality testing, this wood becomes the foundation of safe and efficient global trade.
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources leads Indonesia’s pallet industry by uniting sustainable forestry and modern technology. Every pallet it produces carries not just products, but the trust of exporters worldwide.
If your company values certified quality and sustainable materials, don’t take chances with unknown sources. Contact BMR today to order heat-treated wooden pallets made from strong, legal, and eco-friendly timber, built for global reliability.
E-mail: info@bmr-pallets.com
WA: +62 8119-787-911
