Pallet banking is a sustainable solution for standard logistics carriers. Why can one say this? Well, this service avoids the huge cost of return transportation of returnable packaging, even if the distance between product recipients is thousands of kilometers. It has been proven that with pallet banking, you can save up to 80% of packaging costs and, at the same time, reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 90%!
Does this seem unbelievable? It turns out to be true. Business analysts and logistics specialists have verified the accuracy of this data, which only confirmed that this service has a significant impact on the sustainability of companies.
Watch the animation below and see how pallet banking works.
Pallet banking - what is it?
Pallet banking is related to sustainable logistics and efficient management of returnable pallets. It primarily refers to a system in which companies using pallets and returnable packaging do not incur huge return transportation costs for empty packaging. Instead of buying new pallets for each shipment or incurring the cost of transporting their packaging back, companies use a pallet bank, which is physically available at several hundred European locations.
The process involves using pallets to make a delivery and then returning them to the pool for reuse by another company. It provides many benefits, especially when the delivery location is so far away that return transportation of the packages is very expensive or even uneconomical.
With pallet banking, the service provider (Rotom) returns identical replacement packaging without the need for return transportation from the point of delivery. This approach reduces costs, lowers CO2 emissions, and promotes environmental sustainability.
Pallet banking - how does it work?
Pallet banking is like a bank, only with pallets. You start by taking or "withdrawing" pallets from the nearest warehouse (i.e., pallet bank) to make a delivery to your customer. After delivery of the goods, your customer, according to the contract, wants to return an identical amount of exchangeable packages to you. At this point, you have two options:
- 1.Collect the pallets from the Customer and deliver them to the nearest Rotom warehouse, i.e., "deposit" them back into the pallet bank, avoiding the cost of return transportation to your location.
- Have us pick up your packages to "deposit" them back into the pallet bank on your behalf.
You gain a great deal in both cases, especially when your customers are far away. The car making the delivery is immediately ready to accept the next load, as it doesn't have to pick up dozens of empty pallets that will limit its cargo space before the next run.
Key aspects of pallet banking
No packaging of your own
You don't need to have your own packaging to use the pallet banking service. What does this mean? Well, it means a great deal. Having your own packaging means huge maintenance, storage, and use safety costs. With pallet banking, you simply take pallets from the bank, use them, and give them away. You can use the freed-up storage space for more essential purposes.
Quality of packaging
Pallets and containers in the bank undergo regular maintenance and repairs to extend their life. We constantly care for their condition and inspect their quality when we collect packaging from your customers. EPAL certifications and years of experience in the production and repair of pallets guarantee the safe and uninterrupted delivery of goods to your customers.
Use of the packaging pool already available
Using pallet banking not only reduces the cost of return transportation of empty packaging but also lowers the associated CO2 emissions. It's also part of a sustainable approach to packaging logistics using the already available packaging pool. By using pallet banking, your business becomes more sustainable and responsible.
When should you decide to use pallet banking?
Pallet banking is a service tailored to specific logistic carriers available throughout the EU and for companies working over long distances.
#When you use standard packaging
If you use standard logistics carriers such as the Euro pallet, H1 plastic pallet, or Euronorm E2 container to transport your goods, this service is a perfect fit for your business. These are standard carriers in many industries, from retail and manufacturing to food and pharmaceuticals.
#When you don't have your own packaging
You don't even have to have your own packaging. Rotom, as a supplier, will deliver logistics carriers directly to your company so you can efficiently and quickly ship your products to them. After delivery, we will pick up empty carriers from your customers. This way, you don't have to incur the cost of return transportation of empty carriers.
#When your transports operate over long distances
If your company has more production facilities or a large network of customers, pallet banking still applies. With operations in 11 countries, Rotom has a vast number of logistics warehouses in Europe, which means we are always close to your company's operations.
Get started with a sustainable logistics strategy for your business
Pallet banking is gaining popularity in Europe. The Rotom Group has been focusing on sustainable logistics solutions, conducted in 11 European countries, for years. Outside of Europe, similar practices exist around the world, although terminology may vary. Today, more and more companies are recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of pallet banking, which is a natural choice for companies to manage their supply chain efficiently.
Customized Offer
If you would like to consult with logistics specialists about this service or other sustainable logistics solutions, please contact us. We will be happy to suggest the best solution and prepare a customized offer for your company.
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