Jim Hardisty Retires After 3 Decades at the Helm of Goplasticpallets.com

Longtime industry advocate leaves behind a legacy of sustainability and growth

EASTBOURNE, UK – July 1, 2025 – After more than three decades championing plastic pallets and sustainable supply chain practices, Jim Hardisty, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com, has officially stepped down from his role, the company announced Monday via LinkedIn.

Hardisty co-founded Goplasticpallets.com in 1993 with Chris Adam, with a vision to introduce UK businesses to high-quality plastic pallets as a durable, sustainable alternative to traditional wood. Under his leadership, the company has grown to become the UK’s leading independent supplier of plastic pallets and boxes, working with clients across retail, automotive, food manufacturing, pharma, and more.

“After more than 30 years leading goplasticpallets.com, now is the right time to hand over the reins to my talented team,” Hardisty said. “I have full confidence in their ability to innovate, push the boundaries, and take the business forward over the coming years.”

Hardisty’s focus on environmental responsibility helped position the company as a leader in circular logistics. The company reports recycling more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic under his tenure, part of a broader push to promote reuse, reduce waste, and make reverse logistics more efficient.

“Jim has been a driving force in promoting plastic pallets as a smarter, more sustainable alternative for modern supply chains,” the company stated. “His passion for sustainability and his commitment to customer service has helped to shape the values we continue to live by today.”

Following its acquisition by Rotom Europe in 2023, Goplasticpallets.com became part of a pan-European logistics platform, but it has retained its independent focus and customer-first philosophy. The leadership transition was described as “seamless,” with Sales Director Dan Starnes and Finance Director Lee Denyer stepping in to lead day-to-day operations, supported by Office Manager Emma Hall.

Hardisty, though retiring from daily business, won’t be disappearing entirely. He is expected to stay in touch with the team, lend support to selected projects, and continue cheering the company on from the sidelines.

“I’m so proud of the team, and everything we have achieved together, and I’d like to express my gratitude to each and every one of them,” he added. “I have had the opportunity to work with so many fantastic clients over the years, so I’d like to thank them too, as well as letting them know they are in the safest of hands.”

The company also credited its long-tenured workforce – many of whom have been with the business for over 10 years – as key to its continued success.

As the company enters this next chapter under new leadership, it remains committed to offering what it calls “expert advice, exceptional product range, and outstanding customer service.” The values instilled by Hardisty – sustainability, transparency, and client partnership – will remain core to the business.

For more information, visit goplasticpallets.com.

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Rick LeBlanc

Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.