Pallet market growth consolidates

Italy's wooden pallet market, after the post-pandemic boom of 2022 and the setback of 2023, resumed its growth path in 2024, also confirmed by estimates for 2025 and forecasts for the current year. This is what emerges from the first edition of the Pallet Observatory research, commissioned by Conlegno and promoted by Politecnico Di Milano, edited by Professor Marco Melacini. In particular, Italy's wooden pallet market has about 160 million units released annually, of which 100 million are new and 60 million used. National production of new pallets amounts to about 84 million units, mainly destined for the domestic market (77 million) and the remainder (7 million) for export, mainly to France and Germany. In addition to the domestic supply, some 22.9 million pallets are imported from Europe, primarily from Poland (29% of the total). Looking at the trend in recent years, after the "record" of 2022 (167.5 million pallets released), the pallet market slowed down in 2023: more marked for the production of new pallets (-9.3%) and more moderate for the release of used pallets (-0.7%). The year 2024 marked a slight turnaround, with growth of +2.1% for new pallets and +3.6% for used pallets. This positive trend is estimated to continue in 2025 (+0.3% for new and +0.2% for used pallets) and will strengthen further in 2026: an increase of +2.2% for new pallets and +4.8% for used pallets is expected.

"The pallet sector plays a strategic role for the logistics system and the national industrial fabric, fundamental in the flows of supply and distribution of goods. Despite this centrality, the sector often remains undervalued in public and academic circles,' said Marco Melacini, scientific head of the Pallet Observatory. "Often referred to as the 'invisible giant' of the Italian economy, the wooden pallet represents the silent engine of our entire production system. Suffice it to say that 90% of all goods in Italia travel on these platforms: every product on the shelves, every industrial supply, and every delivery we receive at home is made possible by this element, which is as strategic as it is neglected," added Conlegno president Massimiliano Bedogna. In order to promote the sector and raise awareness of the supply chain, the event 'The roots of the game' was organised, which united sport and the world of wood. During this initiative the numbers of the Observatory were presented and then space was given to the basketball of Urania Milano, who wore before the match against Avellino Basket branded overcoats in a special edition made of wood cellulose fibre for the occasion with the logos of Conlegno and Pefc. These over-shirts signed by the players will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to support the project to redevelop a basketball court located in the Corvetto area of Milan together with the association Street Basket Corvetto and Onelab Milano.

"As Michael Jordan said: 'Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships'. This is precisely the spirit that drives our SMEs. Our wood companies are the team that, with pragmatism and silence, allows Italia to move, as well as Conlegno with the team formed by its member companies, but above all by its member consortiums such as Cna, Confartigianato, Unital/Confapi and Filiera Legno," continued Bedogna, who announced the launch of the new Conlegno website from 6 March: "An important work in the digital evolution of the Consortium," which also deals with the management and promotion of quality brands with the aim of developing the culture of using wood at national and international level.

With particular reference to pallets: in terms of the types on the market, Epal's standard pallets represent around 10% of the total number of new pallets placed on the market each year in Italia, while in the used sector the share rises to almost 30%. This difference can be attributed to the greater propensity to reuse Epal pallets, thanks to their high value and superior construction quality. Also noteworthy is the widespread adoption of Fitok certification, which certifies the compliance of pallets with international phytosanitary requirements. In 2024, this certification covered 61% of new pallet production, in line with the Italian industry's strong export vocation. Moreover, as the Observatory notes, in recent years the pallet supply chain has also felt a growing need to adopt sustainability-oriented solutions, with a particular focus on limiting environmental impact. A key area is represented by the certifications of the timber used, such as Pefc (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and Fsc (Forest Stewardship Council), which attest to the fact that it comes from responsibly managed forests, respecting the environment, workers and local communities. Today, about 63% of operators in the sector have at least one certification: 51% have only Pefc, while 12% have obtained both, a sign of a growing orientation towards multi-certified models on the part of the players most attentive to green policies.

"The world of forestry and the world of basketball have a close link, even if it is not immediately obvious: not only the wood that characterises the parquet and the structures of sports halls, or the natural rubber of the balls, but now also the cellulose fibres (such as Viscose, Rayon, Modal and Lyocell), which with this initiative continue the effort to reduce oil-derived materials in athletes' clothing. These fabrics represent about 7 per cent of the global textile market, but their share is growing thanks to their breathable properties and perceived sustainability compared to polyester and other synthetic fibres,' said Marco Bussone, president of Pefc Italia. "With 'Le Radici del Gioco' we want to give something concrete back to the territory that supports us every day. Together with our partner Conlegno, its consortium members and the support of the Corvetto Street Academy, we will redevelop a playground in the Corvetto district, creating an open, safe and lively space for children and the entire community,' concluded Ettore Cremascoli, president of Urania Basket Milano.