Key Takeaways
- The Pallet LOOP’s reusable pallet system is helping the construction sector reduce carbon emissions, waste, and costs, with partnerships like the one with British Gypsum driving adoption.
- Rob Devonshire’s appointment as Merchant Account Manager aims to increase merchant engagement and boost returns of green LOOP pallets, offering a PayBack of up to £4 for each pallet returned.
- The Pallet LOOP’s presentation at UK Construction Week will highlight the progress of its circular economy model, showcasing the sustainability benefits and encouraging broader industry participation.
The Pallet LOOP, part of the BSW Group, is taking significant steps to advance sustainability in the construction sector. The company will present its innovative reusable pallets and nationwide pallet collection service at UK Construction Week in Birmingham in early October. It is also expanding its team with the appointment of Rob Devonshire as Merchant Account Manager.
Presentation at UK Construction Week
At UK Construction Week on Thursday, October 3rd, Nathan Wride, Head of Partnerships & Innovation at The Pallet LOOP, will address the ongoing issue of pallet waste in the construction sector. Wride will explain the company’s four-year journey to introduce a circular economy model for pallets. The Pallet LOOP’s bright green reusable pallets are designed to drive down carbon emissions, reduce waste, and save money for the construction industry. A key partnership with British Gypsum, part of the Saint-Gobain Group, has enabled The Pallet LOOP to expand its impact, with British Gypsum becoming the company’s first customer.
During his presentation at the Net Zero Hub stage, Wride will discuss how British Gypsum is now delivering its bagged plaster and a significant portion of its plasterboard products to customers on The Pallet LOOP’s sustainable pallets. Once the pallets are unloaded, customers—whether builders’ merchants, principal contractors, or housebuilding companies—can contact The Pallet LOOP to schedule a collection. As part of the program, companies can receive a PayBack of up to £4 for each green pallet returned to the LOOP.
Wride will be joined on stage by Ian Argent, Supplier Development Manager Net Zero at Saint-Gobain, who will discuss British Gypsum’s decision to adopt The Pallet LOOP as part of its sustainability roadmap. This collaboration is helping British Gypsum align with the UK Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
In addition to Nathan Wride’s talk, Charlie Law, Head of Construction and ESG at The Pallet LOOP, will be present at UK Construction Week to support the company’s efforts to promote sustainable practices across the sector.
Rob Devonshire Appointed Merchant Account Manager
As the number of green LOOP pallets continues to increase across the construction industry, The Pallet LOOP has appointed Rob Devonshire as Merchant Account Manager. Devonshire, a national account specialist with extensive experience in the merchant sector, joins the team to help onboard merchant branches and ensure they maximize the value of the pallet collection service.
Devonshire brings years of experience, having worked in leadership roles at Vado, Victoria Plum, Geberit, Travis Perkins, and Marshalls. His appointment comes four months after the initial rollout of the green LOOP pallets, during which demand for pallet collections has grown. However, the company believes there is still significant potential to increase returns.
Boosting Pallet Returns
“We’re getting lots of requests for collections, but there are definitely more of our green pallets out there, and we want to start driving up returns,” said Steve Ottaway, Chief Operating Officer at The Pallet LOOP, emphasizing the importance of boosting pallet returns. “This will not only benefit the environment but also provide merchants, housebuilding companies, and contractors with significant waste, carbon, and financial savings.”
Devonshire expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I’m really excited to be joining The Pallet LOOP, a truly innovative, forward-thinking company with a unique solution for addressing the huge issue of pallet waste in construction. I’m looking forward to helping our merchant partners and the wider sector contribute to the Government’s goal of net zero by 2050.”
Builders’ merchants using green LOOP pallets can reach out to Robert.Devonshire@thepalletloop.com for more information on how to register for pallet returns and take advantage of The Pallet LOOP’s collection service. Housebuilding companies and contractors not yet involved can email setmeup@thepalletloop.com to learn how to join the program.
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.
