What wood are pallets made of? That simple question matters to every exporter, warehouse manager, and also packaging designer. The type of wood determines a pallet’s strength, cost, weight, and lifespan. If you ship goods overseas, choosing the right species means fewer breakages and smoother customs clearance.
In this guide, PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR) explains the exact woods used in industrial pallets, why treatment matters, and how the right choice protects your cargo. Keep reading your next export might depend on it!
Hardwoods vs Softwoods
Most wooden pallets fall into two major categories: hardwood and softwood. The difference lies in density, growth speed, and also load capacity.
Hardwood pallets often use oak, beech, mahogany, or acacia. They support heavy loads and resist impact. Softwood pallets, usually made from pine, spruce, or poplar, weigh less and cost less. Both types can meet export standards if treated correctly.
So when people ask, what wood are pallets made of, the answer depends on purpose. Heavy machinery or metal parts require dense hardwood. Consumer goods and FMCG products often travel on softwood because lighter pallets reduce freight costs.
According to the U.S. National Wood Pallet & Container Association, about 70 percent of pallets worldwide are softwood, while 30 percent use hardwood.
The Most Common Woods in Indonesia
In Indonesia, meranti, albasia (falcataria), and also rubberwood dominate the pallet industry. These species grow quickly, making them sustainable and affordable.
- Albasia wood is light yet strong, ideal for air freight.
- Meranti offers high durability for export containers.
- Rubberwood, a by-product of latex plantations, provides eco-friendly material with consistent quality.
Why Moisture Content Matters
Wood naturally holds water. If moisture remains too high, pallets can warp or grow mold during long sea voyages. That’s why BMR dries every board to below 20 percent moisture content before assembly.
This process prevents deformation and keeps pallet weight consistent. It also improves heat-treatment efficiency because dry wood reaches the required 56 °C (132.8 °F) faster.
Every exporter asking what wood are pallets made of should also ask how dry is the wood. Moisture control separates reliable pallets from risky ones.
The Importance of Heat Treatment
Once the wood reaches proper dryness, it enters the heat-treatment kiln. The process raises core temperature to 56 °C for at least 30 minutes, killing insects and spores. Each pallet then receives an HT mark and IPPC logo to meet ISPM-15 international rules.
When people wonder, what wood are pallets made of, the best answer includes not only species but also treatment method. Heat-treated wood lasts longer, resists termites, and remains chemical-free—perfect for food, pharma, and electronics export.
BMR’s Wood Selection and Process
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources sources all timber from certified forests and verified suppliers. The company tests every batch for density, humidity, and strength before cutting. Each plank then goes through precision milling, assembly, and heat treatment.
This modern workflow allows BMR to produce more than 120,000 pallets per month for clients in Japan, Australia, Singapore, and also Europe. Every product meets strict mechanical standards, ensuring uniform load distribution and also minimal breakage.
So if you still ask, what wood are pallets made of at BMR, the answer combines data and design: legal timber, scientific drying, and certified heat treatment.
Measured Strength and Performance
Laboratory tests show that hardwood pallets handle up to 3 tons of static load, while softwood pallets manage about 1.5 tons. BMR continuously measures compression and also bending strength to match client specifications.
For exporters of bottled beverages or cement, hardwood provides extra endurance. For e-commerce or food shipments, softwood reduces cost without sacrificing safety. The right wood selection can cut transport expenses by 10–15 percent per container.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Using certified plantation wood helps lower carbon emissions. Rubberwood and albasia regrow quickly, absorbing around 12 tons of CO₂ per hectare each year.
Therefore, when someone asks what wood are pallets made of, the conversation goes beyond strength—it’s also about environmental responsibility. Choosing sustainable wood protects forests and maintains business continuity for decades.
How to Identify Quality Wood Pallets
Look for three key signs:
- Even color and grain — shows proper drying.
- Clear HT stamp — proves certified treatment.
- Tight nails and no splits — indicates dense wood and good workmanship.
BMR trains its inspection team to check every piece manually. That attention to detail ensures consistency across thousands of shipments each month.
Why Exporters Trust BMR
Global exporters choose BMR because it delivers accuracy, durability, and also compliance. The company invests in automated saw lines, calibrated kilns, and digital tracking systems that record each treatment cycle.
Clients from multiple industries, automotive, FMCG, and pharmaceuticals—report up to 30 percent fewer pallet returns after switching to BMR products.
Conclusion — The Right Wood Builds Global Confidence
So, what wood are pallets made of? They come from strong, sustainable species like pine, meranti, albasia, or rubberwood. The key is proper drying and heat treatment to meet ISPM-15 standards.
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources unites engineering precision and environmental care to create pallets that carry the world’s trade safely. Every plank reflects the company’s promise: durability, hygiene, and also compliance for every shipment.
If your export business demands reliable packaging, make the smart move today. Contact BMR now to get certified heat-treated wooden pallets built from the best Indonesian wood—strong, sustainable, and ready for global transport.
E-mail: info@bmr-pallets.com
WA: +62 8119-787-911
