Reusable Pallets Cut Emissions 88% in New Study

Every day, millions of products move through warehouses on wooden pallets that get used once and thrown away. PECO Pallet just proved there's a much cleaner way to ship our stuff.

The pooled pallet provider completed independently verified carbon assessments showing their reusable block pallets generate 88% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional single-use whitewood pallets. For every 100,000 pounds of product moved, companies can cut emissions by about 108 kilograms of CO₂, which adds up to more than eight times lower emissions overall.

PECO worked with sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental to establish their first complete greenhouse gas inventory covering all emission sources. The assessment followed strict international standards and tracked the company's environmental impact from 2023 through 2025.

The study used cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis, meaning researchers examined every phase of the pallet's existence. From manufacturing to repairs to eventual recycling, reusable pallets consistently outperformed their disposable counterparts.

Katie Bishop, Sustainability Program Manager at PECO Pallet, says the verified data helps customers make informed choices. "The findings strengthen our understanding of where we can create environmental value today and where we can improve tomorrow," she explained.

The Ripple Effect

The assessment sparked positive changes across PECO's entire depot network. The company now evaluates electric forklifts for their facilities, installs LED lighting to reduce energy use, and improves paint booth efficiency.

They've also strengthened their circular economy approach by reusing pallet components during repairs and repurposing shredded wood instead of sending it to landfills. Removed nails get recycled, and the company introduced filtered water refill stations to cut single-use plastic consumption.

Emily Alexander, Senior Associate Scientist at Tunley Environmental, emphasized the importance of reliable environmental data. "By completing independently verified greenhouse gas and life cycle assessments, PECO has established an evidence base that can support both internal strategy and customer engagement," she said.

The company has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and set near-term reduction targets for their direct operations. As more retailers and manufacturers face pressure to reduce their environmental impact, switching to reusable pallets offers a straightforward solution that's now backed by solid science.

Sometimes the biggest environmental wins come from rethinking the simplest things we take for granted.