Innovation in action: Auchan deploys 50,000 smart Q-Pall pallets in collaboration with IBM

Logistics is rapidly evolving through digitalisation and we are leading the way. In a milestone for sustainable supply chains, retail giant Auchan is deploying no fewer than 50,000 of our smart, heavy-duty Euro pallets made from recycled plastic across France.

The transition from traditional wooden pallets to smart plastic solutions is no longer a concept; it is a reality. By integrating our high-quality, recyclable pallets with advanced IoT technology, we are helping Auchan take a massive step towards their sustainability goals, specifically aiming to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions by 25% by 2030.

From carrier to data point

A pallet is no longer just a carrier of goods; it has become a critical source of data. Designed in partnership with IBM Consulting, these pallets are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors that provide real-time visibility into the supply chain.

This "Smart Green Pallet" offers stakeholders immediate access to crucial metrics via IoT connectivity:

• Geolocation: Knowing exactly where goods are at any moment.
• Temperature monitoring: Ensuring perishables remain in optimal conditions.
• Shock detection: Identifying where and when goods are mishandled to reduce breakage.

 

In the event of a temperature fluctuation or physical shock, the system triggers an immediate alarm, allowing logistics teams to intervene proactively rather than reactively.

Environmental impact: the numbers speak

At Q-Pall, we have always championed the environmental benefits of plastic over wood in closed-loop systems. Auchan’s data confirms this vision. The switch to these smart, recyclable pallets is projected to avoid the equivalent of 21,328 tonnes of CO2 over eight years.

This reduction is driven by two factors:

1. Longevity: Our pallets have a significantly longer lifespan than wood and are fully recyclable.
2. Waste reduction: By monitoring temperature and shock, food waste, which accounts for up to 5% of logistics-related emissions, is drastically reduced.

 

A successful pilot paves the way

Before the full rollout, a pilot project involving 10,000 connected pallets across two warehouses and four stores demonstrated the power of this collaboration. The results were clear: optimized tracking, improved safety for warehouse staff due to lighter weight, and a tangible increase in overall logistics management quality.

Who is next?

We are incredibly proud to supply the foundation for this technological leap alongside IBM. Auchan is setting the standard for what a resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chain looks like.

At Q-Pall, we believe this is just the beginning. The transition from "global dependency to local resilience" starts with smarter packaging choices. We invite other forward-thinking retailers to follow Auchan’s example and join us in shaping the sustainable logistics of tomorrow.