Retailer Kees Smit Garden Furniture will start delivering products with pallets made of recycled cardboard. The pallets should not only contribute to a circular economy, but also to the ergonomics of warehouse workers.
In the distribution centre in Almelo, Kees Smit Tuinmeubelen previously only worked with wooden pallets. This is now joined by the Revopallet, a lightweight pallet made of recycled cardboard. Transport from the distribution centre to consumers will now be carried out with cardboard pallets.
Ergonomics, emissions and circularity
From a health and safety point of view, the Revo pallet poses a lower risk than the standard wooden euro pallet, the retailer claims. The cardboard pallets weigh about six kilos, while a wooden pallet weighs around 25 kilos, and it also uses recyclable glue and staples. "The paper contains no sharp edges, splinters or nails and is significantly lighter than a wooden pallet," explains Conrad Aalpol, Logistics Manager. "This improves working conditions in our logistics centre, reduces weight in the truck and thus helps reduce emissions. But most importantly, of course, the Revopallet is made entirely of recycled paper. The goal is to eventually switch completely to these cardboard pallets."
Employee idea
Supplier behind the Revopallet is Revopal, a new company founded by Nick Geels (24). Geels works in marketing at Kees Smit Garden Furniture. "During my studies and my work at Kees Smit, I became increasingly interested in sustainable solutions. The idea for a recyclable pallet arose and then I got the space to develop this alongside it. That Kees Smit Garden Furniture is now the first retailer to start supplying it is therefore no surprise."
