Used Pallets as a Source of Pellet Fuel: Current Industry Status

P.B. Aruna; Jan G. Laarman; Philip A. Araman; Edward Coulter; Frederick Cubbage

Used Pallets as a Source of Pellet Fuel: Current Industry Status

Informally Refereed

Authors:

P.B. Aruna, Jan G. Laarman, Philip A. Araman, Edward Coulter, Frederick Cubbage

Year:

1997

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Forest Products Journal. 47(9): 51-56.

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Abstract

U.S. companies discard approximately 4 billion board feet per year of wood pallets and containers. Manufacturing fuel pellets from this wasted wood may be an alternative to disposal. This study traces the development of biomass energy and the wood pellet industry in the United States and considers the production aspects of making pellets from used pallets. In addition, an attempt is made to analyze the current market for wood pellets and pellet stoves and ascertain the industry's views on exports. The study concludes that the rising cost of raw material to manufacture pellets encourages the use of used pallets. If this resource is tapped, it could be a useful fuel source for the residential, commercial, and industrial market. At present, wood pellets and pellet stoves are mainly sold in the domestic market, with some exports, which might change in the future considering the growing interest in exports.

Citation

Aruna, P.B.; Laarman, Jan G.; Araman, Philip A.; Coulter, Edward; Cubbage, Frederick. 1997. Used Pallets as a Source of Pellet Fuel: Current Industry Status. Forest Products Journal. 47(9): 51-56.