Glossary
Remanufactured pallet
Also called: reman pallet, rebuilt pallet, recycled pallet
Reviewed
A remanufactured pallet is built from recovered (recycled) pallet components, often disassembled and rebuilt to a new size or design. It is one of the manufacture classes in the pallet classification string, and for export it must be re-treated and re-marked to ISPM 15, with any old marks removed.
Manufacture classes
| Class | Meaning |
|---|---|
| New Manufacture | all new lumber |
| Remanufactured | built from recycled components |
| Remanufactured/Combo | a mix of new and recycled components |
How remanufacturing works
Used pallets are sorted, dismantled, and their good boards and stringers reused, often trimmed to build a different size. Damaged parts are replaced with recycled or new stock. The Uniform Standard covers remanufacture with its own tolerances for recycled lumber, and PDS can analyze recycled lumber and recycled notched stringers.
What buyers should specify
- The recycled grade, e.g. Premium A, Grade #1 (A), Grade #2 (B) or Core, as defined in the buyer's spec
- Whether repairs such as companion stringers are allowed
- Dimensions and deck layout, since remanufactured stock may differ from new
- ISPM 15 treatment if exported: remanufactured pallets must be re-treated and re-marked
Why it matters
Remanufactured pallets often cost less than new and reuse wood, but their strength depends on the recovered parts. For rated applications, ask for a design check with the actual component sizes. See recycled pallet and recycled lumber.
Questions
- Do remanufactured pallets need new ISPM 15 marks?
- Yes. Remanufactured, repaired and combo pallets must be re-treated and re-marked, with old marks obliterated.
Sources
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition
- ISPM 15 overview (Wikipedia)