Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has partnered with Cycliq, a South African company specialising in high-quality plastic pallet solutions, to launch the continent’s first locally-manufactured E-pallet.
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) to enhance the pallet’s load-bearing capacity.
Pushing the boundaries
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,” says Cycliq’s Managing Director, Graham Colman.
Cycliq has 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 to its unique use of recycled materials, the E-Pallet boasts various practical features:
- Standard size: 1m x 1.2m, 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 Wi-Fi tracking devices for advanced logistics monitoring
The E-Pallet, marketed by Regenerated Polymers, a Level 2 BEE company, is available in a virgin option for cold-chain applications, capable of withstanding temperatures from -30°C to +30°C, ideal for industries with strict temperature requirements.
