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Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 24/2026
A pressed wood pallet is moulded in one piece from wood chips and resin, light and ISPM-15 exempt; a traditional wooden pallet is nailed from sawn boards, more durable and higher-load but must be fumigated for export. The choice depends on whether the pallet goes one-way (export) or cycles internally.
Detailed comparison
| Criterion | Pressed wood pallet | Traditional wooden pallet |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Moulded in one piece from chips + resin | Nailed from sawn boards |
| Weight | Light (30 - 50% lighter) | Heavier |
| Dynamic load | Medium (~1,000 - 1,500 kg) | High (~1,500 - 2,500 kg) |
| ISPM-15 fumigation | Exempt (processed wood) | Required, needs IPPC stamp |
| Nesting when empty | Yes, saves 60 - 70% space | No |
| Durability/repair | Not repairable, few cycles | Boards replaceable, many cycles |
| Price | Cheaper | Higher |
| Best for | One-way export | Internal loops, heavy loads |
The biggest difference: export fumigation
This is the deciding point. A traditional pallet is raw solid wood, so it must be fumigated and IPPC-stamped under ISPM-15 before export - costing money, time and the risk of held cargo. A pressed wood pallet is already heat- and pressure-treated, so it is fully exempt and ships straight through with no wood-quarantine procedure.
When to choose which
Choose a pressed wood pallet for one-way export, when you need light weight to cut freight and want to skip fumigation. Choose a traditional wooden pallet for heavy loads, many in-plant cycles and repairability for long use. Many firms run both: traditional for internal use, pressed wood for export batches.
What ICD offers
ICD supplies both pressed wood pallets and wooden pallets to export standard, advising on the right type by lane, load and fumigation to optimise cost.
More on pressed wood pallets
Topic pillar
› Why pressed wood pallets are popular
In-depth analysis articles
| › What is a pressed wood pallet? | › Rubber wood classification |
Frequently asked questions
How do pressed wood and traditional wooden pallets differ?
A pressed wood pallet is moulded in one piece from chips, light and fumigation-exempt; a traditional pallet is nailed from boards, heavier and higher-load but needs fumigation for export.
Which is better for export?
The pressed wood pallet, because it is ISPM-15 exempt, light to cut freight and ships straight through with no IPPC stamp - ideal for one-way cargo.
Which carries heavier loads?
The traditional wooden pallet, with higher dynamic load (around 1,500 - 2,500 kg) and better durability for many internal cycles.
Is a pressed wood pallet cheaper?
Usually, since it uses wood-chip and sawdust by-products; combined with saved fumigation cost, its total export cost is lower.
Should I use both types?
Yes. Many firms use traditional pallets for internal loops and pressed wood pallets for one-way export shipments.
How does ICD advise on the choice?
ICD supplies both and advises by lane, load and fumigation requirements to pick the most cost-effective option.
Contact ICD Vietnam
ICD Vietnam Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd - pallets, plastic crates, stretch film, forklifts and packaging solutions.
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat on Zalo
