RE: CocoPallet - Organic pallets from coconut waste
Great idea, to use the waste of coconuts to build something which saves the need to cut down more trees.
If it's possible to build palettes, I'm sure coconut waste can be used as a wood substitute elsewhere too - which makes this a great development.
I'm a little sceptical of the claim that de-forestation is in any great way due to wood being sources to make more palettes - I think it's a much wider issue than that (and something just being used to strengthen the argument for one product).
Also, I'm pretty sure (not an expert, though) that palettes are not single use. I think they are used over and over, and would be very surprised if there's anywhere in the world that goods are shipped to (on palettes) which cannot, or does not re-use or recycle the wooden palette in some way.
These comments are not intended to take away from the validity and great potential this product/idea shows.
Great hunting :)
Thank you for your full answer. The wood used for pallets is certainly only a very small part of the total consumption. These export wood pallets are only used once and then burned. Returning them would be much too expensive and they are not suitable for use in truck transport. The pallets used in exchange are slightly larger and more stable. These are standardized and are used in truck transport. Each pallet warehouse is designed according to these standards.
Thanks for your reply. That situation is, indeed, absolutely ridiculous. Surely, there'd be a big market for others to use the palettes being burned - even if it were not in shipping. There'd certainly be a use in construction, and possibly demand from consumers (look at what people do with "standard" palettes, which are available).
I completely agree with her opinion. In Germany, pallet sets are now being sold so that people can build themselves a sofa and a table.