Brick producers switch to circular plastic returnable pallets

Dutch producers of bricks affiliated to the trade association Royal Dutch Building Ceramics (KNB) are taking an important step towards using circular packaging. They do this in cooperation with Circular Plastics and Cabka, supplier and manufacturer of reusable plastic pallets. The switch to plastic returnable pallets for bricks generates significantly less waste and reduces the carbon footprint.

Circularity, reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint are important priority areas of the building-ceramic industry. This is why the brick manufacturers united in KNB are taking the initiative to switch from disposable wooden pallets to returnable pallets made from 100% plastic waste. The initiative fits seamlessly with the sustainability ambitions of the ceramic sector and is part of the Technology Roadmap Building Ceramics 2030. The brick manufacturers, Circular Plastics and Cabka are jointly working to make the plastic return pallets for bricks ready for the market.

Brick manufacturers took the initiative to investigate the feasibility of reusable returnable pallets for bricks. From this, a universally applicable plastic solution has emerged as an alternative to the traditional wooden HULO pallet measuring 1140 mm (L) x 420 mm (W). To prove the effectiveness of the pallets and their return in real life operations, pilot projects will commence in the construction industry with the cooperation of building material dealers and four contractors. This will be followed by the market roll-out. The nestable plastic pallets take up less space, last 10 to 20 times longer and serve as raw material for a new pallet after their full lifespan.

Building ceramics industry

The trade association Royal Dutch Building Ceramics (KNB) represents manufacturers of facade and paving bricks, ceramic roof tiles, ceramic indoor wall bricks and fired wall and floor tiles. The building ceramics industry has a turnover of circa €750 million (2022) and directly employs over 2,500 people.

Circular Plastics

Circular Plastics has already developed several sustainable circular packaging and transport solutions that contribute positively to the ecology and CO2 footprint with less environmental impact and less single-use of scarce raw materials.

Cabka

For over 25 years, Cabka has been changing the way goods are transported around the world. Plastic waste is transformed into sustainable, 100% circular plastic pallets and containers. Cabka is the answer for any company that wants to ship goods with maximum efficiency and with the smallest possible impact on the environment.

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