- The introduction of reusable pallet covers set to save 920 tonnes of plastic annually, according to the company.
JYSK continues efforts to become more sustainable. Therefore, it’s goodbye to single-use plastic covers on pallets, saving 920,000 kilograms of plastic annually.
The introduction of the reusable pallet cover has already made the change at most of JYSK’s distribution centers.
“It’s a step towards a more sustainable future for JYSK,” explained Michael Olesen, Retail Operational Manager at JYSK. “Until now, we have put top plastic on all the pallets, but thanks to optimisation, it’s no longer needed that often. So, we’ve come up with a reusable cover for stores who may need it.”
The purpose of the top plastic was to protect the goods from the weather, but most of the pallets go straight into storage at the stores. In rare cases, the pallets may need to be outside for a while, and in such cases, the stores may use the new covers.
What is a reusable pallet cover?
A reusable pallet cover is a protective covering designed to fit over palletized goods to shield them from dust, dirt, moisture, and damage during storage and transportation. These covers, like reusable pallet wraps in general, are typically made from durable materials such as vinyl, nylon, or other heavy-duty fabrics that can withstand repeated use.
What are the benefits of reusable pallet covers?
As with other forms of reusable packaging, reusable pallet covers offer improved sustainability, a lower cost per use, higher quality and other features:
- Environmental Sustainability: Reusable pallet covers help reduce waste associated with single-use plastic top covers. By reusing the covers multiple times, companies can decrease their environmental footprint.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The initial investment in reusable pallet covers will be higher than disposable covers, but the long-term savings can be significant. Reusable covers can be used repeatedly, reducing the need to purchase disposable wraps over and over.
- Improved Protection: These covers often provide superior protection compared to single-use alternatives. They are generally more robust and can offer better shielding against environmental factors, thus potentially reducing the risk of damage during transport and storage.
- Ease of Use: Reusable pallet covers can be designed with features like zippers, Velcro, or ties, which make them more effective and easier to handle in various applications.
- Enhanced Security: Some reusable covers can be equipped with locks or seals, adding an extra layer of security during transportation, which is particularly important for high-value goods.
- Customization: They can be customized to specific pallet sizes and shapes and include features like transparent windows for labels, facilitating easier identification and handling.
A workgroup comprising JYSK retailers from different countries worked on a smart design to ensure they were easy to use. Selected stores then tested the covers. 755 JYSK stores have already received their new covers, while an additional 100 stores have placed orders to get theirs.
The change will be gentler to the environment and result in financial savings. As an added bonus, the new initiative is also more efficient for those working at the distribution centers. “It saves them time and that makes for a better work environment which is always a win,” says continued Olesen.
JYSK is an international home furnishing retailer with Scandinavian roots. With more than 3,300 stores and webshops in 48 countries, JYSK always has a great offer and competent service nearby, no matter how customers want to shop. Founder Lars Larsen opened his first store in Denmark in 1979. Today, JYSK employs 31,000 colleagues. JYSK is part of the family-owned Lars Larsen Group, which had a total turnover of DKK 44.0 billion in the financial year 2021/22 and DKK 38.5 billion in the financial year 2022/23.
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.
