Food processing and packaging solutions company Tetra Pak and Cycliq, a South African plastics injection moulding company specialising in high-quality plastic pallet solutions, have launched Africa’s first locally-manufactured E-pallet.
The solution could reduce environmental impact while delivering enhanced durability and efficiency across logistics operations.
The E-Pallet, a product of a four-year collaboration between Cycliq and Tetra Pak, is crafted from an advanced blend of high-density plastic and poly-aluminium (polyAl) material derived from recycled Liquid Board Packaging (LBP). This sustainable design not only enhances the pallet’s load-bearing capacity but also underscores Tetra Pak and Cycliq’s commitment to supporting a circular economy.
“This partnership with Cycliq is a significant stride towards sustainable industrial innovation in South Africa. By reusing materials from recycled beverage cartons (LBP), we’re delivering a product that is not only highly durable but also plays a role in reducing waste. It’s an example of how collaboration and innovation can drive meaningful progress in environmental stewardship,” says Klaus Plenge, MD of Tetra Pak South Africa.
The launch of the E-pallet will ensure the continued growth and demand of polyAl in the Southern African market, translating to a higher collection of cartons. Tetra Pak has been working towards significantly increasing the recycling rate of LBP and achieved over 20% by mid-2024.
“The E-Pallet is a testament to how we can push the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing. By introducing Africa’s first E-pallet, we’re demonstrating the immense potential for locally-produced solutions that cater to the highest environmental responsibility and logistics performance standards,” says Cycliq’s MD, Graham Colman.
Cycliq also worked closely with Gayatri Paper Mills to process the recycled polymers used in the E-Pallet. The design incorporates six PET straps – produced from recycled beverage bottles – secured with a winch system inspired by yacht technology, ensuring optimal strength and performance for static, dynamic, and racking applications.
In addition, the E-Pallet boasts various practical features:
- Standard size: 1m x 1,2 m, with additional sizes available
- 4-Way fork entry: Simplifies handling across logistics environments
- Stackable design: Maintains structural integrity even when fully loaded
- Skid-resistant: Equipped with non-slip grommets to prevent load slippage
- Versatile configurations: Adaptable for use as a “three runners” pallet
- Sustainable lifecycle: Fully recyclable, durable and easy to clean
- Smart Integration: Can be embedded with RFID or WiFi tracking devices for advanced logistics monitoring
The E-Pallet, marketed by Regenerated Polymers is available in a virgin option for cold-chain applications, capable of withstanding temperatures from -30°C to +30°C.