Price increases in wooden pallets likely to hit market over the coming months

Dramatic price increases in wooden pallets are likely to hit the market over the coming months due to shortages in timber.

That's the stark warning of Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com, following a recent meeting held by the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) that reported 2014 would begin with unseasonable pressure on the availability of timber for pallets.

Jim, said: "Reports suggest that timber stocks in the UK are at an all-time low. The recovering construction sector, recent weather conditions and booming demand for timber in foreign markets, in particular the Middle East, Africa and China has created the perfect storm for wooden pallets.

"The market cannot satisfy demand and with sawmills running at capacity, it is unlikely that they will meet the requirements for the remainder of the year.

"All markets want timber: Canada has been affected by beetle attack, forcing China to purchase from Russia and Scandinavia. America's housing boom is triggering increased imports from Europe, North Africa, Egypt and the Middle East which is also putting pressure on demand. Many of the other global markets will pay more to secure the supply of timber they want, driving global costs.

"All these factors point to reduced supply and increasing prices, especially if the talk of 180,000 new homes in the UK becomes a reality.

"Now more than ever is the time to invest in an alternative to wooden pallets. Plastic pallets provide a durable, hygienic and cost-effective solution. "

Goplasticpallets.com is the UK's leading independent supplier of plastic pallets with more than 155 different models in stock, many available for next day delivery.