ber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) has issued a short statement on current conditions in the timber pallet market, following what it says are "extremely misleading" comments by a plastic pallet supplier.Stuart Hex, General Secretary of TIMCON, said: "At the end of 2013, TIMCON issued a press release alerting its members and their customers about a squeeze in availability of pallet timber, which has been caused by the welcome recovery in the UK construction sector, and the much increased demand for fencing caused by this year's extreme weather conditions.
"Since we issued the press release, we have become aware of a story given by a supplier of plastic pallets that distorts the situation.
"To clarify, it has indeed been challenging to source timber for new pallets during the last two quarters and prices are continuing to increase at present. However, the gap between the price of a timber pallet and a plastic pallet remains extremely large. Moreover, timber pallets are not in short supply - and to suggest otherwise is extremely misleading.
"The UK pallet manufacturing industry is well used to coping with the seasonal fluctuations of the timber industry. Timber shortages have occurred in the past, and time and again we have demonstrated both the capacity and ingenuity to meet customer demand for timber pallets.
"These reports are inaccurate and also potentially damaging, not least to the more than 90 per cent of pallet users who continue to use timber pallets because they are the best choice from the point of view of price, repairability, sustainability and environmental credentials.
"Monitoring and reporting on the developments in the timber market is one of TIMCON's key roles. We would recommend that all companies using pallets and packaging should make informed decisions based on fact. They should be extremely sceptical of taking advice from suppliers that have a clear vested interest in creating confusion and misunderstanding in the marketplace."
