Choosing between newly manufactured and reconditioned pallets is not simply a matter of deciding which one is better.
The right option can depend on what the pallet needs to carry, how it will be handled, the dimensions required, whether an existing specification needs to be followed, and how the pallet will be used within the operation.
For some applications, a newly manufactured pallet may be appropriate. For others, a reconditioned pallet may be worth considering. Some businesses may use both types depending on the products they handle.
Demcor has been in business since 2011 and is family-owned. Its approved product range includes standard GMA pallets, reconditioned and recycled pallets, heat-treated pallets, custom design pallets, combo pallets, block pallets, and crates. Standard GMA, reconditioned and recycled, and heat-treated pallets are among Demcor’s primary product areas.
Understanding the basic differences between newly manufactured and reconditioned pallets can help businesses compare their options before requesting a quote.
What Is the Difference Between New and Reconditioned Pallets?
The basic difference is whether the pallet has been used before.
A newly manufactured pallet is produced without having gone through a previous service cycle.
A reconditioned pallet has been used previously and prepared for continued use.
That difference alone does not determine which pallet type is appropriate for a particular business.
Dimensions, product characteristics, handling conditions, storage needs, and existing specifications can all affect the decision.
Instead of looking only at whether a pallet is new or reconditioned, businesses can start by considering what the pallet needs to do.
New vs. Reconditioned Pallets at a Glance
| Consideration | Newly Manufactured Pallets | Reconditioned Pallets |
| Previous use | Not previously used | Previously used |
| Specifications | Can be considered when particular dimensions or configurations are needed | Depends on the available pallet type and condition |
| Custom requirements | Can be considered when the application calls for a particular design | May not fit every highly specific requirement |
| Material use | Uses material for newly manufactured pallets | Can keep suitable pallets and wood materials in use |
| Appearance | Starts without previous-use wear | May show evidence of prior use |
| Appropriate application | Depends on the requirements | Depends on the requirements |
This is a general comparison. Price, condition, availability, specifications, and other details can vary depending on the order and pallet type.
When Might a Newly Manufactured Pallet Make Sense?
A newly manufactured pallet may be considered when an operation has requirements that are difficult to match with available reconditioned pallets.
A product may require particular dimensions or a pallet configuration based on its size, weight distribution, handling conditions, or storage needs.
A business may also have an existing pallet specification that needs to be followed consistently. Another operation may be introducing a product that does not fit the pallet configuration it already uses.
In those situations, businesses can begin with the product requirements and determine whether a standard or custom pallet type should be considered.
This does not mean newly manufactured pallets are automatically stronger, safer, or better for every application.
They are one of several pallet options available depending on what the business needs.
When Might a Reconditioned Pallet Make Sense?
Reconditioned pallets may be considered when that pallet type fits the dimensions and requirements of the application.
They may be relevant for operations that do not require a newly manufactured pallet for every use.
Reconditioned and recycled pallets also allow suitable pallet materials to remain in use when appropriate.
That does not mean every reconditioned pallet fits every application.
Condition, dimensions, product characteristics, handling equipment, storage conditions, and existing specifications can all affect whether a reconditioned option should be considered.
The decision is better based on the requirements of the application rather than simply choosing a pallet because it is new or previously used.
Are Reconditioned Pallets the Same as Used Pallets?
The terms can sometimes be used differently depending on the supplier or context.
For this comparison, a reconditioned pallet refers to a pallet that has been in service previously and has been prepared for continued use.
Businesses should not assume that every previously used pallet has the same condition or fits the same application.
If an operation has specific pallet requirements, it is useful to communicate those requirements when discussing available options rather than relying only on labels such as “used,” “recycled,” or “reconditioned.”
Reconditioned and recycled pallets are among Demcor’s primary product areas.
Should Cost Be the Main Factor?
Cost is one consideration, but it should not be the only one.
A lower-priced pallet may not be appropriate if its dimensions or configuration do not fit the product or operation.
Businesses may also need to consider what they are moving, how the pallet will be handled, where it will be stored, how frequently pallets are required, and whether customer specifications need to be followed.
Pricing can vary based on pallet type, dimensions, quantity, specifications, and other order details.
For that reason, businesses should compare actual pallet requirements and current quotes rather than assume that one pallet category will always cost a certain percentage more or less than another.
How Does Pallet Condition Affect the Decision?
Condition is an important consideration when comparing reconditioned pallets.
A pallet that has been used before needs to be considered in relation to the application for which it will be used.
Visible wear by itself does not answer every question about suitability, just as a newly manufactured pallet does not automatically fit every product.
Businesses can focus instead on factors such as dimensions, product size, approximate weight, load arrangement, handling equipment, storage conditions, and existing specifications.
For businesses that order pallets regularly, keeping these details documented can also make future purchasing conversations easier.
Where Does Material Reuse Fit Into the Comparison?
Reconditioned and recycled pallets can support the continued use of suitable wood materials.
For businesses reviewing different pallet options, material reuse can be one factor to consider alongside dimensions, condition, specifications, and operational needs.
This should not be treated as a guarantee about carbon emissions, environmental performance, or a specific sustainability outcome.
The point is simpler: reconditioned and recycled pallets give businesses another pallet category to consider when that option fits the application.
Demcor offers both reconditioned and recycled pallets as well as several other pallet types.
What About Standard GMA Pallets?
Standard GMA pallets are one of Demcor’s primary product areas.
They may be considered by businesses that use a repeatable pallet format for shipping, warehousing, storage, or material handling.
However, “GMA pallet” and “new pallet” should not automatically be treated as the same thing when discussing an order.
Businesses should clearly communicate which pallet type they are looking for and provide any specifications they already have.
That can make it easier to distinguish between standard GMA, reconditioned, custom, and other pallet options.
When Is a Custom Pallet Worth Considering?
A custom pallet may be worth considering when a standard configuration does not fit the product or application.
The need may relate to dimensions, weight distribution, handling conditions, storage requirements, or another product-specific factor.
Businesses discussing a custom pallet can provide product dimensions, approximate weight, expected quantities, handling information, and any existing drawings or specifications.
A custom design should address an actual operational requirement.
If an existing standard pallet already meets the need, a custom configuration may not be necessary.
Where Do Heat-Treated Pallets Fit Into the Comparison?
Heat-treated pallets are one of Demcor’s approved product areas.
They are a separate product consideration from the general comparison between newly manufactured and reconditioned pallets.
If a business needs heat-treated pallets, that product type can be included when discussing pallet requirements.
No broader assumptions about certification, export use, compliance, stamping, or other requirements should be made solely from the term “heat-treated pallet.”
What About Combo and Block Pallets?
Newly manufactured and reconditioned pallets are not the only pallet options available.
Demcor also offers combo pallets and block pallets.
These are approved product options that can be discussed based on the needs of the application.
As with other pallet types, factors such as dimensions, product requirements, quantities, handling conditions, storage needs, and existing specifications may help explain what the business is looking for.
The pallet type should be considered in relation to the application rather than selected based on its name alone.
Can a Business Use Both New and Reconditioned Pallets?
A business does not necessarily have to use the same pallet category for every product or operation.
Different products may have different pallet requirements.
One application may be suitable for a reconditioned pallet, while another may call for a newly manufactured or custom pallet.
Businesses may also use different pallet types across separate products, facilities, or operational needs.
This gives companies flexibility to consider pallet options based on the application instead of adopting a blanket “new only” or “reconditioned only” rule.
Questions to Consider Before Choosing Between New and Reconditioned Pallets
Before discussing pallet options, businesses can consider a few practical questions.
What dimensions are needed? What will the pallet carry? What handling equipment will be used? Are there storage or stacking requirements? Is there an existing customer specification? How many pallets are needed? Is the requirement recurring or for a particular project?
These details can help describe the application more clearly.
If the product or operational requirements change, the pallet option being considered may change as well.
New vs. Reconditioned Pallets: Which Is Better?
There is no single answer that applies to every business.
A newly manufactured pallet may be considered when an application requires a particular configuration or specification.
A reconditioned pallet may be considered when that pallet type fits the needs of the operation.
Some businesses may use more than one pallet type across different products or applications.
Rather than assuming one category is always cheaper, stronger, more sustainable, or more reliable, businesses can compare the options based on the requirements they already know.
Frequently Asked Questions About New and Reconditioned Pallets
What is the main difference between new and reconditioned pallets?
A newly manufactured pallet has not previously been in service. A reconditioned pallet has been used before and prepared for continued use.
Are reconditioned pallets always less expensive than new pallets?
Not necessarily. Pallet pricing can vary based on pallet type, dimensions, quantity, specifications, condition, and other order requirements. Businesses should compare current options rather than rely on a fixed savings percentage.
Are reconditioned pallets suitable for every business?
No. Whether a reconditioned pallet should be considered depends on the needs of the particular application.
When might a business consider a newly manufactured pallet?
A newly manufactured pallet may be considered when an application calls for particular dimensions, a custom configuration, or another requirement that an available reconditioned pallet does not meet.
Does Demcor offer reconditioned pallets?
Yes. Reconditioned and recycled pallets are among Demcor’s primary product areas.
Does Demcor offer heat-treated pallets?
Yes. Heat-treated pallets are one of Demcor’s approved product areas.
What other pallet products does Demcor offer?
Demcor offers standard GMA pallets, reconditioned and recycled pallets, heat-treated pallets, custom design pallets, combo pallets, block pallets, and crates.
Talk With Demcor About Your Pallet Needs
Demcor is a family-owned pallet company based in Newport, Tennessee, and has been in business since 2011.
Businesses comparing pallet options can contact Demcor and share the information they already have about their pallet needs.
Demcor’s approved product range includes standard GMA pallets, reconditioned and recycled pallets, heat-treated pallets, custom design pallets, combo pallets, block pallets, and crates.
