Sustainability is a concept that plays an increasingly important role in business. It's no longer just about making a profit. Of course, profit is still a key part of doing business, but not at any cost. Sustainable or socially responsible business considers human, environmental, and economic aspects. This is also known as People, Planet, and Profit. Our production processes and the materials we use align with sustainable business practices. How do we ensure the sustainability of our plastic pallets?
Reducing CO2 emissions
The production and distribution of our plastic pallets require energy, and energy use generates waste gases. This is mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. One of these gases is CO2, also known as a greenhouse gas. The emission of this gas contributes to climate change, leading to global warming. This warming results in the melting of polar ice caps and, consequently, rising sea levels. To combat this, Q-PALL focuses on reducing CO2 emissions during transport. Transport accounts for 80% of the CO2 emissions in this industry. To address this, pallets are produced close to where they are needed by relocating the mold for the required pallet to the nearest European production site. This production method saves many kilometres, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. An additional benefit is that transport expenses are minimized.
Plastic pallets made from recycled materials
Another important aspect of sustainable business is reducing plastic waste. The 'plastic soup' — the massive accumulation of plastic waste floating in the oceans — is a well-known issue. This waste threatens marine animals, as well as plants and coral. Awareness of this problem is widespread, and inaction is no longer an option! A plastic pallet is sustainable in several ways, particularly because plastic can be recycled effectively. At Q-PALL, recycling materials plays a significant role in our operations, and it works. When the company was founded, the goal was to recycle 90% of the plastic. This target has been exceeded, as 98% of our pallets are now made from recycled materials. Furthermore, we support projects that raise awareness of the plastic waste issue.
Focusing on reduction
In reducing various processes within production, Q-PALL pays close attention to its ecological footprint. This is especially important because the raw material for the product, plastic, can negatively impact the environment. Research into and understanding of our ecological footprint provides information that helps us further improve the environmental friendliness of our products, including pallets. We continue to seek ways to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. This involves setting strict design goals to achieve high standards in energy and material efficiency. When expanding our range of plastic pallets, we prioritize lightweight designs, reduced yield loss, and the (re)use of components and production scrap. These efforts result in reduced water and energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions, and less waste.
These three pillars ensure that Q-PALL produces sustainably and delivers sustainable pallets. Want to learn more? Or do you have other questions about our range? Feel free to contact us. We are happy to assist you!