TIMCON report highlights resilient reuse & rising production in pallet market

The wooden pallet industry continues to drive reuse across UK supply chains, according to the latest annual market figures.

TIMCON report highlights resilient reuse & rising production in pallet market

The 2024 UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market report – an independent study jointly commissioned by the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) and the Forestry Commission – shows that pallet reuse remains on an upward trajectory.

The findings were presented to delegates at TIMCON’s AGM, held at the Westminster Hotel in London, by Guy Watt of John Clegg Consulting, who conducted the research. The study estimates that 53.9 million wooden pallets were inspected and repaired in the UK market during 2024, closely matching the 54.1 million reported in the previous year.

New pallet production rose by 11%, from 41.7 million in 2023 to 46.3 million in 2024.

Survey respondents cited the sourcing and retention of skilled staff as the most critical factor likely to impact their businesses over the coming year, which is consistent with last year’s findings. Other key challenges included rising costs and inflation, intensifying competition, economic uncertainty, in addition to timber availability and pricing.

Now in its tenth year, the annual market report is based on a survey of TIMCON members, who’re estimated to represent 70-80% of the UK market.

TIMCON President, John Dye, said: “It’s encouraging to see another year of strong reuse, which remains a well-established and integral part of supply chain strategies across industries – from FMCG and beverages to pharmaceuticals and construction. Reuse of these essential assets improves efficiency and, with sustainability-focused legislation rolling out in the UK, EU and beyond, it also enhances environmental performance.”

He added: “2025 marks the tenth year that TIMCON has jointly commissioned this study with the Forestry Commission, providing our members with invaluable insights into industry trends and offering policymakers key data on the continued evolution of reuse. Wood remains the material of choice for pallets and packaging due to its renewability, flexibility, recyclability, durability, cost-effectiveness and all-round sustainability.”

The AGM also featured a presentation by Thierry Moubax, CEO and co-founder of AI Compass, who discussed how artificial intelligence is set to transform the pallet and packaging sectors. Applications include automating repetitive administrative and operational tasks such as pallet design, enhancing customer engagement and providing real-time insights into performance, competition and logistics, while opening up new business opportunities.

“Look at the repetitive things you don’t like doing,” Thierry advised. “This isn’t just about optimisation, it’s about transformation. Today, everything is possible; the only limit is your imagination.”

Additional presentations included an update on the Irish timber market, featuring Ireland’s Build with Wood campaign by Clodagh Kealy, Director of Sales & Supply Chain (Joint) at Coillte Forest, as well as an overview of PEFC’s expanding certification options by John Kirkby, Executive Director of PEFC. The meeting concluded with a dinner for delegates at the Institute of Directors on Pall Mall.

To find out more about the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON), see www.timcon.org.