Pallet Management Made Simple™

Recycled Pallets for Produce: 3 Key Factors You Need to Know

Written by Lance Barrett | Jan 14, 2025

In the farming industry, most people feel like they have to use a specific kind of pallet. However, many don’t realize that any pallet can be used as long as it meets food-quality standards. A freshly made and freshly sourced whitewood pallet, delivered directly to the farmer, can provide a better product than the pallets they believe they are required to use.

Are recycled pallets safe for produce? 

As a recycler, we ensure quality at every stage. When pallets return to us, every piece undergoes a thorough quality check. Once back at the plant, the pallets are inspected and sorted—either deemed good or bad. If a pallet is in good condition, we break it down and refurbish it. Any contamination or damage is addressed by removing and replacing affected boards. If a stringer is compromised, we completely replace it with a fresh one. Essentially, we rebuild the pallet into a product that is safe for food-grade use.

Are white wood pallets sustainable?

Whitewood pallets are incredibly sustainable. In some cases, they can be reused up to 15 times. At 48forty Solutions, we take pride in leading the way in sustainability. Every piece of every pallet is tracked to ensure maximum reuse. If a pallet is no longer usable, we recycle it into mulch or biomass for renewable energy. Even at the end of its life, the pallet remains sustainable—whether it’s enriching a flower bed or generating power at a plant. For customers seeking a sustainable solution, 48forty Solutions is an ideal partner.

How does 48forty work with customers to create custom pallets?

When it comes to specialized needs, like pallets for tomatoes or melons, specifications can vary greatly. In these cases, I serve as a liaison between the farmer and our operations team. The type of forklift used, stacking methods, and how the final product needs to look all play a role in determining the right pallet design.

The beauty of our process is that we break down existing pallets and reuse high-quality materials. This allows us to adapt any pallet specification to meet the unique needs of our customers. Whatever the requirement, we can deliver a tailored solution.

At 48forty Solutions, we’re redefining the role of pallets in the agriculture industry with safe, sustainable, and customizable solutions. Whether you’re looking to support sustainability initiatives or require a specific design for your produce, we’re here to help.