Pulgar, AlejandroOliveira, Nelson S.2026-03-192026-03-192024-04-02Pulgar, A., Oliveira, N.S. (2024). Production and Material Types for Pallets: A Review. In: Galvão, J.R.d.C.S., Brito, P., Neves, F.d.S., Almeida, H.d.A., Mourato, S.d.J.M., Nobre, C. (eds) Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Water Energy Food and Sustainability (ICoWEFS 2023). ICoWEFS 2023. Springer Proceedings in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-48532-9_35http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/15925Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Earth and Environmental Sciences ((SPEES)).Included in the following conference series: International Conference on Water Energy Food and SustainabilityPallets are used extensively in the supply chain for the transportation of goods between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. This article reviews pallet production, its mechanical properties related to material options (according to European standards and industrial applications) and management systems. In the global supply chain, polymer, metal, and composites pallets compete in line with the concept of sustainable development. The supply chain requires pallets according to specific characteristics, such as sizing, maximum load capacity, durability (lifespan), cost and more information is needed about their environmental impacts. Some types of pallets (stringer and blocks) can have several configurations, number, width and spacing. Furthermore, the pallets management system is divided in three models; EMP (extensive management of pallets), TPO (transfer pallet’s ownership) and PR (pallet rent), where suppliers, distributors and retailers select the most suitable option. The systematic review of the literature identified 15 documents with the key methodological elements, such as, specifications, inventory data, goals, and system boundaries for a life cycle assessment of pallets.engPallets materialsPallets productionPallets sustainabilitybook part2026-03-19cv-prod-413747610.1007/978-3-031-48532-9_352-s2.0-85191466555