New recycled plastic keg pallet from Schoeller Allibert: lighter loads, lower emissions, lasting impact.
In an innovative move that blends centuries-old brewing tradition with a sustainability mindset, the Royal Grolsch brewery has partnered with reusable packaging specialist Schoeller Allibert to launch a new keg pallet made entirely from recycled plastic. The initiative supports Grolsch’s ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030 and is already making waves in the beverage packaging world.
A Sustainable Solution to an Old Problem
Grolsch, based in Enschede, Netherlands, identified that their previous keg pallets were falling short for operational needs and environmental standards. The older pallets were heavy, costly to transport, and increasingly difficult to source due to outdated mold designs. For a brewery intent on cutting CO₂ emissions and aligning every element of its operations with circular economy principles, an upgrade was due.
“Replacing these pallets was an excellent occasion to consider their environmental implications,” said Joost Nawijn, Packaging Material Development Specialist at Koninklijke Grolsch. “That’s why we wanted a lighter pallet made from recycled material, thus a more sustainable solution.”
Enter Schoeller Allibert.
With its expertise in reusable packaging, Schoeller Allibert designed and delivered a high-performance keg pallet that checks all the boxes. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, the new pallet is 12 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The reduced weight not only lowers transport-related emissions and costs, but also reflects a smart use of materials—less bulk, more durability.
Designed for the Circular Economy
The new design isn’t just about recycled content—it’s about intelligent engineering. The pallet features a honeycomb structure that enhances both strength and weight reduction. It’s produced via high-pressure injection molding, a technique that allows for greater precision and strength than low-pressure alternatives.
The result? An 83% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to pallets made from virgin materials. And when these pallets reach the end of their service life, Schoeller Allibert will take them back and recycle them—closing the loop in true circular fashion.
“Our intelligent solutions are tailored to the requirements of the Grolsch brewery,” explained Vincent Vos, Head of Design at Schoeller Allibert. “To achieve this, our experts listen to what the customer needs, develop a solution, and test it until it is successful.”
The pallet also features smoother fork entries to reduce handling damage, and it is compatible with both the old and new pallet models—allowing for a seamless transition and stackability that saves return transport space and further reduces carbon emissions.
Building on Momentum
The Grolsch pallet is only the latest in a series of developments for Schoeller Allibert. The company continues to expand its line of sustainable transport packaging for the food, beverage, and industrial sectors, with new product launches and innovations around every corner.
At Grolsch, these pallets have been in operation since January 2025. The results, according to both companies, speak for themselves: reduced emissions, improved logistics, and lower costs—all wrapped into a pallet made from yesterday’s plastic waste.
This partnership demonstrates how meaningful impact can arise from material innovation, co-creation, and a clear commitment to sustainability.
For the beverage industry, the message is clear: sustainable solutions are not just viable—they’re already being brewed.
Source: Schoeller Allibert
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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.
