Pallets, the market restarts in 2026 Reuse of packaging grows

After the record high of 2022 - when pallets placed on the market reached 167.5 million units - the wood packaging market experienced a swinging trend. 2023 marked a marked slowdown for new pallets (-9.3%), while used pallets remained essentially stable (-0.7%). In 2024 there was a slight reversal in the trend, with growth of 2.1% for new packaging and 3.6% for used packaging, while 2025 is estimated to be essentially stable. Positive, on the other hand, are the forecasts for 2026, which should consolidate the positive trend, with an increase of 2.2% for new pallets and +4.8% for used pallets.

A dynamic that reflects and accompanies that of the Italian industry, emphasises Massimiliano Bedogna, president of Conlegno, the wood-cork services consortium that has promoted together with Rilegno the Pallet Observatory realised by the Milan Polytechnic, in collaboration with Cna, Confartigianato, Unital/Confapi and Filiera Legno. "The Pallet is like an invisible giant," explains Bedogna, "Nobody talks about it, but it does its job, that is, it moves a large part of the Italian economy, from mechanics to food, to pharmaceuticals, and for this reason it represents a strategic sector for the country. In fact, wood packaging is used to transport goods for industry and for this reason its trend reflects (or slightly precedes) that of the Italian economy as a whole.

Notwithstanding, therefore, the new geopolitical complications triggered by the conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, the Pallet Observatory's forecasts for the current year are for stronger growth. Interesting is the comparison between new and used pallets, which sees the latter growing decidedly more robustly in recent years. "This is a positive sign," observes the chairman of Conlegno, "because it testifies to the growing attention of companies to the sustainability of the entire production cycle, including the transport phase. But there is still ample room for improvement'. In fact, the Observatory records, out of a total of 160 million pieces placed on the market in 2024, 100 million new pieces and 60 million used pieces.

Wood is a material that regenerates itself and goes hand in hand with sustainability: 'We are trying to bring the entire wood chain together, with the aim of enhancing forest management by thinking of tomorrow, of the social, economic and environmental benefits that good forest management can generate,' Bedogna adds.

In recent years, the pallet supply chain has also strengthened the adoption of sustainability-oriented solutions, with a focus on limiting environmental impact, the Observatory states. "A key area is represented by 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 and 12% have obtained both.