Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell reports on a new closed-loop scheme for wooden pallets.

What currently requires the harvesting of an estimated 6,000 acres of forestry, with a further 236,000 acres grown to cater for future demand?

Pallets.

Every year around 18 million pallets are manufactured for the UK construction industry, with estimates suggesting less than 10% are currently reused.

Therefore, for anyone who’s scratched their head in wonder at the inefficiency tied up in the wooden pallet industry, news this week that a new reuse scheme has been launched will be welcomed.

Widespread adoption of The Pallet Loop across the construction sector would reduce CO2 emissions by 40%, and reduce timber use by up to 75%, according to estimates.
The scheme already has the backing of some high-profile construction companies, such as BAM Construct UK, Bradfords Building Supplies, and Wilmott Dixon, which are committed to a comprehensive evaluation of how The Pallet Loop could be integrated within their business to help cut waste.

At a time when we are all looking at sustainability with renewed interest, schemes like this should be welcomed.

Also, following on from my leader comment last week, Global Parlez’s co-founder Jane Dalton discusses how consumers’ views on sustainability were reignited following the Covid pandemic here.