50 Best Companies to Watch 2024
KraftPal is committed to decarbonizing the planet’s logistics industry through its corrugated cardboard pallets: Gregor Brajovic, CEO
The Silicon Review
“By offering a sustainable alternative to traditional pallets, the company is actively contributing to the global effort to combat climate change and minimize the environmental impact of logistics.”
KraftPal was founded in response to the pressing need for sustainable solutions in the logistics industry. The company recognized the environmental challenges posed by traditional wooden pallets, including deforestation and waste, as well as the economic inefficiencies associated with their weight and disposal. With the advent of technological advancements in corrugated cardboard engineering and automated production processes, KraftPal saw an opportunity to create a viable and scalable alternative that could address these issues and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly logistics solutions. The company’s establishment was further fueled by the increasing emphasis on sustainability in supply chains, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory pressures.
The company is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with local production units in Finland, Austria, and Saudi Arabia, and a new production unit opening soon in Ontario, California.
The Silicon Review had the privilege of interviewing Gregor Brajovic, the CEO of KraftPal. Here are the highlights from our conversation.
Interview Highlights
Q. How does KraftPal’s innovative approach to corrugated pallets address the specific logistical challenges of the 21st century?
KraftPal’s innovative approach to corrugated pallets directly addresses the logistical challenges of the 21st century. By utilizing lightweight, 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard, KraftPal reduces the environmental impact of pallets significantly. This approach aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in logistics. Additionally, KraftPal’s customizable pallets, made possible by their Palletonator technology, offer flexibility and efficiency in the supply chain, catering to the diverse needs of various industries. The company’s focus on global expansion, with strategically located production facilities, ensures a reliable supply of sustainable pallets while minimizing transportation emissions.
Q. Could you elaborate on the unique performance attributes of KraftPal’s corrugated pallets that differentiate them from conventional pallets, and how these attributes contribute to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the pallet industry?
KraftPal’s corrugated pallets differentiate themselves from conventional pallets through a combination of unique performance attributes. They are remarkably lightweight, weighing 80% less than wooden pallets, which translates to reduced shipping costs and lower carbon emissions. The pallets are also hygienic, sanitized during production, and resistant to pests, making them suitable for industries with stringent hygiene standards. Moreover, the patented X-Frame construction ensures strength and durability, capable of supporting static loads of up to 4.5 tons. The customizability offered by the Palletonator technology further enhances their versatility, enabling tailored solutions for specific product and industry requirements. Finally, the pallets are 100% recyclable and can be easily disposed of in standard cardboard recycling bins, aligning with circular economy principles.
Q. How does KraftPal ensure that its corrugated cardboard pallets make a substantial contribution to decarbonizing the planet’s logistics industry, and what specific environmental benefits do these pallets offer compared to traditional wooden or plastic alternatives?
KraftPal is committed to decarbonizing the planet’s logistics industry through its corrugated cardboard pallets. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study has confirmed that KraftPal pallets have a 64.3% lower carbon footprint compared to wooden pallets throughout their entire lifecycle. This substantial reduction is achieved through several factors. KraftPal pallets require significantly fewer raw materials (trees) for production, resulting in less deforestation and lower emissions in the manufacturing process. Their lightweight design translates to reduced fuel consumption and emissions during transportation. Additionally, the pallets are 100% recyclable, diverting waste from landfills and promoting a circular economy, as I already mentioned. By offering a sustainable alternative to traditional pallets, KraftPal is actively contributing to the global effort to combat climate change and minimize the environmental impact of logistics.
Q. In what ways does KraftPal prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility throughout its production processes, from sourcing materials to manufacturing and distribution, to ensure its corrugated cardboard pallets align with global efforts to combat climate change?
KraftPal prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility throughout its production processes. The company sources FSC-certified corrugated cardboard from sustainable sources, ensuring responsible forest management. It utilizes the Palletonator, an energy-efficient and automated production system powered by green energy, further minimizing the environmental impact. KraftPal strategically locates its production facilities near customers, reducing transportation emissions and promoting localized supply chains. Additionally, the company facilitates the easy recycling of its pallets through existing cardboard recycling infrastructure, contributing to a circular economy and reducing waste. This comprehensive approach to sustainability demonstrates KraftPal’s commitment to minimizing its environmental footprint and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
Tell us, what’s next for KraftPal.
KraftPal has ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to expand its global presence, strategically positioning their local production units near customers to efficiently serve local markets. KraftPal is also dedicated to continuous innovation, investing in research and development to enhance its pallet designs, production processes, and sustainability initiatives. The company actively seeks collaborations with major brands and retailers, assisting them in achieving their sustainability goals. By leading the transition from traditional wooden pallets to sustainable corrugated alternatives, KraftPal aims to disrupt the pallet industry and become a global leader in providing environmentally friendly pallet solutions.
Q. Before we conclude, is there any additional information or final thoughts you would like to share?
In closing, I would like to emphasize that KraftPal’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond simply offering an environmentally friendly product. The company is actively engaged in driving positive change within the industry by sharing best practices and collaborating with stakeholders to promote sustainable solutions. KraftPal’s innovative approach, combined with its dedication to environmental responsibility, positions the company as a key player in the transformation of global supply chains towards a more sustainable future.
Gregor Brajovic | CEO
As a professional athlete and a fully qualified lawyer, Gregor Brajovic, who has worked professionally in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia, has acquired extensive knowledge of business start-ups in the context of disruptive technology projects as well as in international corporate and tax law. In addition, Gregor has extensive experience in compliance, audits, strategic legal due diligence and negotiations in the investment industry. Gregor Brajovic has applied this experience at KraftPal, made one of the largest investments (in industrial projects) and demonstrated his skills in transforming the pallet market into a modern, sustainable element of the supply chain.