(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2012)
Blake, Patrick A.
Considering the abundance of wood pallets in today’s manufacturing and distribution system, the reckless disposal of pallets calls for a sustainable disposal solution to better utilize the pallets and conserve resources. For example, only 10 percent of wood pallets are recycled and one quarter of all wood in landfills is from pallets. This project examines the use of wooden pallets in furniture making since the furniture industry has seen an increase in hardwood prices and a decrease in the quality due to hardwood shortage. The outcome of this project is a process book that documents collection, transformation and use of pallet wood to construct furniture and offer a sustainable solution for pallet disposal. The book serves as a guide in utilizing processes and using the tools needed to obtain furniture grade wood from pallets for furniture making. While there may be other ways to address pallet disposal or furniture wood scarcity, this process book provides a sustainable solution making good use of discarded pallets.