London, UK – June 30, 2025 — The UK’s reconditioned pallet market is beginning to feel the pinch of rising material and logistics costs, according to a new update from the National Association of Pallet Distributors (NAPD). The group, which represents the UK’s pallet repair and recycling sector, says June purchasing data shows a marked increase in timber and related inputs.
“The latest UK market confirms what our members have been telling us; that the market for reconditioned pallets is now facing many of the same pressures affecting production of new,” said Paul Tait, NAPD Chairman. “This includes rising inflation in the price of timber and for labour and logistics.”
June’s purchasing managers index (PMI) data revealed increased costs for pallet timber, reused timber, pallet logs, and key components. These increases come amid continued volatility in global shipping, customs slowdowns, and material shortages. Industry leaders are also bracing for the potential impact of looming trade tariffs.
Recent reports from other industry bodies reinforce the trend. “In April, FEFPEB pointed to the rising price of sawn timber across parts of Europe, despite flat demand,” said Saleh Hijazi, NAPD press officer. “The organisation’s pallet timber price index – which collates measures in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK – showed all countries apart from Italy tracked upwards during the first quarter of the year.”
In May, the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) flagged additional price increases. The UK’s AFRY index rose 0.6% in Q1 2025, while Germany’s HPE index for pallet timber jumped 7.1% from January through April.
Although reused pallets remain a more sustainable and cost-effective option than new ones, the NAPD is encouraging supply chain operators to engage early with their suppliers to understand pricing pressures and availability.
The National Association of Pallet Distributors was founded in 1984 to support high standards in pallet repair and recycling. Members agree to a strict code of conduct and often provide additional services, including export packing, wood waste disposal, and factory clearance. Reused pallets are also exempt from packaging waste regulations, helping buyers reduce compliance costs and paperwork.
For more information, visit www.napd.co.uk
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
