Organizations today are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental footprint. From using eco-friendly raw materials to minimizing emissions from transportation, businesses are seeking smarter, more sustainable practices—while also cutting costs. One of the fastest-growing approaches is the circular economy model, which aims to maximize material usage and minimize waste and pollution. Corrugated cardboard pallets are a prime example: they are 80% lighter than traditional wooden pallets and help companies reduce their carbon emissions by the same percentage—per pallet.
Corrugated cardboard pallets are made from 100% recyclable and biodegradable materials, making them both renewable and environmentally friendly. These pallets are clean, lightweight, hygienic, residue-free, and easy to handle. They also reduce logistics costs without requiring additional investment in existing systems, making them more cost-effective than their wooden counterparts. Many companies are now adopting one-way corrugated pallets as part of their sustainability initiatives.
The Origins of KraftPal
In the heart of Europe lies Slovenia—a small country where KraftPal Technologies was founded. This innovative company was established with the aim of transforming supply chain logistics through lightweight, corrugated cardboard pallets. KraftPal’s mission is to ease logistical bottlenecks while staying committed to sustainable development. To support global demand for more cost-efficient and eco-friendly pallet solutions, the company plans to establish 60 manufacturing facilities worldwide across the U.S. and EMEA regions. This expansion is backed by a significant $124 million investment from Pasaca Capital, marking one of Europe’s largest non-IT investments.
KraftPal has successfully resolved three key challenges that previously hindered the widespread adoption of cardboard pallets: load-bearing capacity, scalable mass production, and transportation costs. Their pallets are engineered to handle up to 4.5 tonnes of static load, thanks to a proprietary production method and innovative structural design.
Driving Innovation with Technology
Technological advancements have played a vital role in reshaping the pallet manufacturing industry. KraftPal has automated its production process, allowing it to create corrugated pallets within seconds. The company’s flagship machine, the Palletonator, can produce up to 22 different pallet variations in five standard sizes (U.S. and EU formats). This customization flexibility helps meet the diverse needs of businesses.
These advancements have increased manufacturing precision, reduced material waste, and improved traceability throughout the supply chain. KraftPal’s investment in cutting-edge technology ensures faster, more affordable production of high-quality pallets that meet ISPM 15 standards, keeping the company competitive in the global market.
Resilience Amid the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to global supply chains, reducing consumer demand and temporarily halting non-essential operations. Shortages of nails and wooden pallets—due to mill closures—led to increased costs across the board, from raw materials to logistics.
KraftPal responded swiftly by revisiting its operations, embracing new technologies, and updating its business model. The company’s 5th Generation Palletonator, a fully automated machine with over 15,000 high-tech components, can produce 1.5 million pallets annually. KraftPal plans to deploy 60 of these units worldwide, beginning in California, Finland, and Austria by 2023. By 2026, they aim to manufacture 90 million pallets annually, significantly reducing supply chain bottlenecks and cutting carbon emissions by 80% per pallet.
A One-Stop Solution for Clients
KraftPal’s unique production model uses a single automated machine to mass-produce corrugated pallets globally, ensuring consistent quality and specifications. This simplifies the transition for companies seeking a more efficient and sustainable alternative to wooden pallets. Since they are made entirely from recycled materials, KraftPal pallets are not only eco-friendly but also lightweight, easy to handle, and capable of supporting heavy loads—up to 4.5 static tonnes.
Their high performance and cost savings make them a reliable option for businesses looking to optimize logistics. KraftPal stands out in the pallet industry through its blend of durability, efficiency, affordability, and environmental consciousness.
KraftPal’s Tangible Impact
KraftPal’s corrugated pallets offer 80% better shock absorption than traditional wooden ones, making them ideal for transporting delicate goods like fresh produce, berries, and snack foods. This enhanced cushioning helps reduce damage during shipping and improves product safety upon delivery.
For one client, KraftPal developed a custom spacer pallet tailored to air freight conditions with specific temperature and humidity requirements. This innovation not only reduced transportation costs but also lessened the client’s carbon footprint.
The transition to KraftPal’s solution typically takes between six and twenty-four months, depending on the complexity of a company’s logistics system. To ensure a smooth shift, KraftPal’s team offers full support—from initial consultation and use case validation to technical integration and product testing. The final stages involve setting trading terms, confirming orders, and arranging deliveries. KraftPal’s overarching goal is to transform supply chains globally—one sustainable pallet at a time.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Palletization
Each year, over 5.8 billion wooden pallets are used worldwide, with nearly a third ending up in landfills. This heavy reliance on wood depletes precious natural resources and poses environmental risks for future generations. KraftPal offers a smarter, more sustainable solution: one-way disposable corrugated pallets that outperform traditional options in both cost and carbon impact.
By partnering with KraftPal, businesses can reduce expenses, streamline logistics, work with a global supplier, and significantly improve their sustainability metrics. For more than a century, the logistics world relied on wooden pallets. Today, KraftPal is leading the way with an innovative, sustainable alternative: a corrugated board pallet designed for the future.
KraftPal’s groundbreaking technology has already earned global recognition. In 2021, the World Packaging Organization awarded the company a WorldStar Award. Looking ahead, KraftPal plans to open a pilot production facility in Los Angeles, California, during Q2 2023—marking the company’s first U.S.-based manufacturing plant following the opening of its Design Center.
For inquiries, you can reach out to the U.S. Head of Sales at martin.fishman@kraftpal.com or contact the general sales team at sales@kraftpal.com.
