Replacing Wood for Good - The Grocer

It’s inevitable. The wooden pallet is dead, and the sustainable plastic pallet is born. “The future is only heading in one direction. PalletEarth has developed the strongest, most technologically advanced pallet with sustainability as a default” – Our Group GM was recently interviewed by The Grocer about the current pallet revolution.
Pallets are evolving and so is the supply chain. Carl McInerney, group general manager at PalletEarth, explains what is happening across the UK and Europe.
Tell us about an average day

Each day I partner with pioneering retailers and suppliers who are committed to changing how the world moves. While legacy wooden pallets have been around for close to 100 years, the problems they pose are well-known – and the market is now demanding an alternative.

My role involves working collaboratively with industry to bring about change in a simple and cost-effective way.

So, what does the future for supply chains look like?

The future is strong for sustainable plastic pallets. Reusable, repairable and recyclable, they have circularity as a default and are technologically enabled to digitise the end-to-end supply chain.
Our focus at PalletEarth is to reduce our impact on the planet, while prioritising efficiency and economies. Ultimately, the future is tree-free.

“We track every pallet with proprietary technology”

Wooden pallets consume a vast amount of hardwood, are one of the largest contributors to deforestation, and release tons of C02e at end of life. Our customers are looking to step away from this unsustainable product.

Aren’t plastic pallets more expensive?

The next-generation plastic pallet – which is stronger and repairable – is absolutely not more expensive. At PalletEarth, we can provide a pallet that will last longer and cost you less than any rented wooden option on the market.
The upfront investment pays for itself. They are more than basic wood and nails. They sustain less damage and avoid constant recall and repair.

Because we track every pallet with proprietary technology, we never lose them. Anyone who has ever had a huge invoice for lost pallets understands this benefit.

Carl McInerney, (group GM) demonstrates 10 nestable pallets vs 10 wooden pallets “The future is strong for sustainable plastic pallets, which have circularity as a default”
Who are the early adopters?

I’m thrilled to be working with change-minded retailers and suppliers across the UK and Europe, who are witnessing the benefits of sustainable plastic pallets across their systems. This includes fruit importers who are focused on reducing their carbon impact, product damages, food waste and cost. They are now seeing the benefits of space-saving, improved hygiene and health & safety, as well as reduced cost per pallet trip. They are also now embarking on futureproofing and digitising supply chains with our tracking and management information.

We are also working with a shipping company, adapting our trackers to locate and avoid losing containers while rapidly improving cycle times.

So, why PalletEarth?

The future is only heading in one direction. PalletEarth has developed the strongest, most technologically advanced pallet with sustainability as a default.

Contact us with any enquiries

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