PostNord TPL and Stadium take sustainability to the next level
At PostNord TPL’s warehouse Randmärket in Norrköping, something as ordinary as a pallet has become a symbol of innovation and sustainability. Together with Wimao Impossible Plastics, Stadium has introduced recycled plastic pallets that are proving to be a win for both logistics and the planet.
One year ago, Stadium took a bold step and invested in 3,700 recycled plastic pallets – so-called nestable full pallets –for distribution to its Outlet stores across Sweden. The result? A pallet that not only withstands daily wear and tear but also creates lasting value.
– We haven’t had to return a single pallet so far. They’ve held up incredibly well, proving that quality, durability and sustainability truly can go hand in hand, says Victor Stridh, Head of Logistics at Stadium.
Unlike traditional wooden pallets, the plastic pallets can be ground down and recycled up to 10 times, giving the material an even longer lifecycle. In addition to saving plastic, the solution also saves wood – disposable wooden pallets constantly need to be replaced, while the plastic pallets can circulate in the flow for a long time.
– We’re excited to continue this journey of change together with Stadium. The pallets aren’t just a sustainable choice – they also make everyday work easier by removing dust and wood residues from production. This means a cleaner and safer workplace for our employees, says Jörgen Larsson, Head of Logistics at PostNord TPL.
Turning waste into value
Produced in Motala from plastics that would otherwise have been incinerated, the pallets transform waste into a valuable resource.
– We’re essentially converting rubbish into a solid, functional product. Burning one kilo of plastic releases 2.5 kilos of CO₂. By turning that same plastic into pallets, emissions are drastically reduced and the material gets a new life, says Fredrik Anderson, co-owner of Wimao OY.
Each pallet weighs 11.8 kilos. If incinerated, that would equal about 30 kilos of CO₂. Thanks to Stadium’s investment, nearly 110 tons of CO₂ have been prevented from entering the atmosphere.
– That’s a figure we’re proud of. Linking our logistics operations directly to climate benefits makes this initiative even more rewarding, says Victor.
Pallets from Impossible Plastics beside disposable pallets and corrugated pallets.
Smart design, smart business
The pallets aren’t just sustainable – they’re also efficient. Their slimmer design means more pallets can be stacked on the same height, saving space in stores and during transport.
At today’s market prices, a plastic pallet costs about twice as much as a disposable wooden pallet. But thanks to their reusability, Stadium recovered the investment in just one year. Stores return the pallets in stacks, and PostNord drivers pick them up during regular deliveries – keeping the circulation smooth and simple.
– It feels good to know that we’re reducing plastic waste while also saving trees. This is a very concrete way for us to make a difference in our everyday operations, says Victor from Stadium.
Looking ahead and beyond pallets
For Stadium, this is just the beginning. The company is already exploring new opportunities with Wimao Impossible Plastics – from replacing Euro pallets at the distribution center to recycling its own plastic waste into new products.
– We’re constantly looking for ways to make our operations more sustainable. These pallets show that what’s good for the environment can also be good for business – and we believe this is only the start, Victor concludes.