Wooden pallet repairs rise to 49 million in 2025, TIMCON report shows
UK wooden pallet repair volumes continued to rise in 2025, with an estimated 49 million pallets repaired for reuse during the year, according to the latest UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market Report
Commissioned by TIMCON and Forest Research, the annual report shows an increase of approximately 4% on the 47.1 million pallets repaired in 2024, continuing the long-term trend towards repairing and reusing wooden pallets and packaging.
Interim results from the latest edition of the report were presented by Guy Watt, Managing Director of Clegg Consulting, at TIMCON’s Annual General Meeting and industry meeting in Edinburgh in September. The scope of the latest study is being extended as TIMCON works with the National Association of Pallet Distributors (NAPD) to add further data on reuse. The full results will be presented later this year.
The combined number of wooden pallets manufactured and repaired has grown significantly, according to the report. The latest figure is around 91 million, compared with approximately 81 million when the survey began in 2015.
The report also showed an increase in the proportion of UK-sourced timber used by the sector, which accounted for approximately 76.4 per cent of the timber used by the industry in 2025.
Respondents were also asked about market challenges. Finding and retaining good staff was the most frequently cited issue, followed by rising costs. However, there were signs of optimism: 70 per cent of companies expected sales to increase in 2027, while only 10 per cent predicted a fall.
TIMCON President John Dye said: “We are really pleased to see the positive trend towards repair and reuse continuing, as well as the overall growth in the wooden pallet and packaging market since we first began this survey.
“Being able to quantify the size, activity and importance of the wooden pallet and packaging industry is extremely important to help us demonstrate the contribution our sector makes to UK supply chains and support our lobbying work.
“Collaboration is essential if we are going to do this properly, so we are pleased to have brought the NAPD on board this year. Their members’ involvement will help us improve the statistical input into this invaluable report for TIMCON and the wider industry, making it even more valuable to our lobbying with the UK Government, DEFRA and others.”
Industry updates & AGM
The market report was part of TIMCON’s annual industry meeting and AGM, which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh. The event also featured a motivational keynote presentation, Raising the Bar, by speaker Dan Clark.
Scott Geffros, General Manager of the Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association (CWPCA), updated delegates on developments in the Canadian wooden pallet industry and discussed the importance of collaboration between pallet trade associations.
John Kirkby, Executive Director of PEFC UK Limited, presented on the PEFC International Recycling Materials Pilot Project. Nikhil M Varghese of DGA Group spoke about developments, requirements and challenges associated with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), following its entry into application in August.
James Southern, National President of the Timber Trade Benevolent Society (TTBS), introduced the work of the industry charity, while TIMCON President John Dye gave an overview of the current challenges facing the pallet and packaging sector.
2026 TIMCON Awards
The day concluded with TIMCON’s inaugural awards and dinner, held at Edinburgh Castle. Five awards recognised achievements in customer service, sustainability, health and safety, innovation, and emerging industry talent through the Rising Star Award.
Glennon Brothers won the Customer Service Award, sponsored by Scott Pallets, in recognition of its service, support, reliability and longstanding contribution to the sector.
The Sustainability Award, sponsored by Kara Future Energy Systems, went to PEFC UK for its contribution to the PEFC International Circular Materials Pilot and its work supporting circularity, traceability and responsible sourcing.
The TIMCON Health & Safety Subcommittee received the Health & Safety Champion Award, sponsored by Eirebloc Ltd, in recognition of its work to improve health and safety knowledge, awareness and best practice across TIMCON’s membership.
Timbermark won the Innovation Award, sponsored by ECC Timber Products, for marking technology designed to improve the clarity, consistency and legibility of timber marking and support traceability throughout the supply chain.
The Rising Star Award, sponsored by Ire-Wel Pallets Limited, was presented to Imogen Bennett of IPTS Ltd, recognising her achievements, commitment to the sector and potential to make a significant future contribution to the industry.
To find out more on TIMCON, see www.timcon.org.
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