How will the Kraftpal pallet made of corrugated cardboard change the world?

Avg. 16, 2022
Before you read about how we at Kraftpal technologies are going to change the world, you need to know a little about the history of cardboard, which, by the way, is quite impressive. It's been almost 271 years since cardboard was invented in any form. The material was first made in France in 1751 by a Reaumur student and used to reinforce playing cards.
How will the Kraftpal pallet made of corrugated cardboard change the world?

The first commercial cardboard box (not made of corrugated board) is sometimes attributed to the firm of M. Treverton & Son in England in 1817. In the same year, cardboard packaging was also produced in Germany. Around 1840, cardboard boxes were developed in France for the transport of the spinner Bombyx mori and its eggs by silk manufacturers, and for more than a century the production of cardboard boxes was an important industry in the Valréas region.

The term cardboard has been used since at least 1848, when English writer Anne Brontë mentioned it in her novel The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. The Kellogg brothers first used cardboard boxes for their cereals, and later, when they began marketing them to the general public, a heat-sealed bag of waxed paper was wrapped around the outside of the box and printed with their brand name. This development marked the origin of the cereal box, although today the sealed bag is made of plastic and kept inside the box. The Kieckhefer Container Company, headed by John W. Kieckhefer, was another early pioneer in the American packaging industry. It excelled in the use of fibre shipping containers, particularly the paper milk carton. 

Scottish-born Robert Gair invented the pre-cut cardboard or cardboard box in 1890 - pieces of casing that were produced in enormous quantities and folded into boxes. Gair's invention was the result of an accident: he was a printer and paper bag maker in Brooklyn in the 1870s, and one day while printing an order of seed bags, a metal ruler normally used to score bags slipped and cut them. Gair discovered he could make pre-made boxes by cutting and scoring in one operation. Applying this idea to corrugated board was an easy development when the material became available at the turn of the century.

Corrugated (also known as folded) paper was patented in England in 1856 and used as an insert for large hats, but corrugated board was not patented and used as a shipping material until December 20, 1871. The patent was issued to Albert Jones of New York City for single-faced corrugated paperboard, which he used to package bottles and chimneys of glass lanterns. The first machine to produce corrugated board in massive quantities was built by G. Smyth in 1874, and in the same year Oliver Long improved on Jones' design by inventing corrugated board with double-sided facings. This was corrugated board as we know it today. 

The first corrugated box was manufactured in the USA in 1895. In the early 1900s, wooden boxes and crates were replaced by corrugated shipping cartons. By 1908, the terms "corrugated" and "corrugated board" were in common use in the paper industry. So, more than 120 years ago, wooden crates were replaced by boxes made of corrugated cardboard! We live in the 21st century, where the wooden pallet industry still prevails by far.

The history of the wooden pallet begins with its predecessor, the "skid". A skid was a simple wooden base on which goods could be stacked or even rolled. Skids have been around since ancient times, and their existence is even documented among the Egyptians who built the pyramids. Pallets as we know them today did not exist until the invention of the forklift. When the first forklift was invented in 1915, skids were slowly adapted to this new machine. 

The first patent for a pallet was in 1925 by a gentleman named Howard T. Hallowell, who called it the "lift truck platform." Like many technological advances, the history of the wooden pallet owes much to World War II, when the demand for pallets skyrocketed. It was also during this time that the four-way pallet was invented. Pallets were used by the Allies and the U.S. military to transport weapons and armaments as quickly as possible. As is often the case in wartime, developments were accelerated, and patents were not officially filed until after the end of the war. After the war, there was a flood of patents of all kinds, including many for wooden pallets. One of these patents' dates from 1945 by Robert Braun for the first four-way pallet and another by Norman Cahners from the same year for a one-way pallet. The Kraftpal project is based on the idea of "disruptive technology" projects, where the technologies developed open opportunities for rapid global market penetration and extremely scalable businesses. Since the early years after World War II, it has been known that the paper and corrugated industry needed a corrugated pallet to transcendently change both profitability and scale. To date, tremendous effort and resources have been expended, especially by the corrugated industry, to overcome this hurdle - without success. Kraftpal has always believed that in addition to flawed product models, three elements are missing in the quest for corrugated pallets: Timeline, business model and product designs that enable mass production on a larger scale. 

Today, after 15 years of research and development, we are proud to have overcome all these hurdles and secured our place as a global leader accelerating supply chain transformation to environmentally sustainable solutions. We are determined to pursue our mission and bring about a change in thinking in the corrugated cardboard pallet industry to eliminate the last bastion of wood in the conventional one-way logistics chain. Pasaca Capital's $123 million investment allows us to uphold our values of ethics, accountability, and responsibility to our ecosystem, along with a corporate culture based on mutual respect and trust among our employees. Kraftpal cardboard pallets are the perfect alternative to wood, composite, plastic, and all other pallets currently on the market. 

Ultra-light Kraftpal pallets combine all the important advantages of cost savings with the usual strength and durability of conventional solutions. Our mass production process allows us to deliver quantities that meet even the most demanding packaging and shipping requirements. The best and most important news of all is that customers can switch to Kraftpal pallets without changing their existing processes or equipment. We tailor our solutions to meet our customers' needs.

It takes 82% less raw materials to produce a single KraftPal EUR1 XHD pallet (vs. EUR1 wooden pallet), and it is manufactured in an efficient, automated production process that emits 52% less CO²e than production stage vs a wooden pallet. The KraftPal pallet is also superior to the wooden pallet in the product's use phase. It is more than 80% lighter, resulting in lower fuel consumption and 80-82% lower CO2e emissions, depending on the mode of transport.

In the end-of-life phase, both pallets behave similarly, reducing CO²e emissions into the atmosphere (negative emissions). However, KraftPal pallets are recycled 100% of the time, offsetting the need for pulp from newly felled trees. Wooden pallets, on the other hand, end up in landfills in most cases because they are too complicated to recycle, take up valuable space in nature, and contribute to the proliferation of landfills around the world. 

Overall, the KraftPal pallet has 52% lower overall lifecycle CO²e emissions comparing to a standard EUR1 wooden pallet. 

Is 2022, 120 years after the switch from wooden crates to cardboard boxes, perhaps the right time to switch from wooden pallets to cardboard pallets? We believe there is always a right time to change the world and make it better. At Kraftpal technologies, we are more than ready to change the true (bad) impact wooden pallets and replace those with our more environmentally #sustainability friendly product. Because our planet deserves better. One pallet at a time. 

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KraftPal Technologies will be unveiling logistic innovation in corrugated carboard pallets at Connect in Pharma 2023 in Geneva this month.
Maj 30, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that KraftPal Technologies will be participating in Connect in Pharma 2023, held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 14th and 15th of June. As a valued industry professional, we invite you to join us at booth D28 for an exclusive showcase of our innovative corrugated cardboard pallets.
KraftPal Technologies: Making Cardboard Pallets for Today’s World and a Sustainable Future
Maj 18, 2023
KraftPal Technologies has been recognized by Digital First Magazine as one of Europe's top 10 most innovative companies in 2023. In an exclusive interview, CEO Gregor Brajović explores the immense potential of utilizing corrugated cardboard pallets. Discover how KraftPal's innovative pallets not only minimize costs but also contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Continue reading for more details.
KraftPal Technologies Announces Raymond Yager as New Chief Financial Officer
Maj 4, 2023
KraftPal, a leader in sustainable corrugated cardboard pallets, is excited to announce the appointment of Raymond Yager as the company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
John Holden Visit KraftPal Technologies And Did a Short Documentary
April 18, 2023
John Holden from EARTH with John Holden travels to Slovenia with the aim of discovering how KraftPal has replaced traditional wooden shipping and storage pallets with lighter and more eco-friendly alternatives.
KraftPal Technologies to Exhibit Sustainable Corrugated Cardboard Pallets at CPHI North America 2023
April 11, 2023
KraftPal Technologies is pleased to announce its participation as an exhibitor at CPHI North America, taking place April 25-27, 2023, in booth 656 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
Founder of Pasaca Capital Visits World's First Pallet Mega-factory in Saudi Arabia
Marec 22, 2023
Dr. Charles Huang, founder, and president of Pasaca Capital, principal investor in KraftPal Technologies, visited Saudi Arabia to meet with the Royal Commission.
5th Generation Palletonator is Alive
Marec 8, 2023
The fifth generation of the KraftPal Palletonator has come to life. Industry 4.0 technologies, fully automatic, modular concept, ready for fast and efficient deployments. The machine is the result of Slovenian know-how and its unique design consist of more than 15,000 highest quality components.
Slovenian Embassy in Austria Visits KraftPal Facility to Explore Sustainable Corrugated Cardboard Pallets
Feb. 24, 2023
KraftPal is the market leader in producing environmentally friendly corrugated cardboard pallets, using FSC-certified cardboard to produce hygienic, lightweight, durable, and cost-effective corrugated pallets that reduce the carbon footprint per pallet by 80%.
KraftPal Technologies Announces Martin Fishman as Head of Sales for the United States
Feb. 13, 2023
KraftPal, a market leader of sustainable corrugated cardboard pallet solutions, is excited to announce the appointment of Martin Fishman as the Head of Sales for the United States area.
KraftPal Technologies Showcases Its Innovative Pallets at PharmaPack
Feb. 9, 2023
KraftPal Technologies, a market leader in corrugated pallets, recently participated in PharmaPack, the premier trade show for the pharmaceutical industry. The show was held Feb. 1-2 in Paris, France, and KraftPal was present at booth B56.
KraftPal Technologies is transforming the global supply chain with sustainable and future-proof solutions
Jan 30, 2023
“We bring our clients immediate savings, lower CO2 emissions by 80% and reduce their pallet costs.”
Pharmapack: Kraftpal to Showcase Eco-Friendly, Hygienic and Cost-effective Corrugated Cardboard Pallets
Jan 19, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that our company, Kraftpal, will be participating in the upcoming Pharmapack event in Paris, 1st and 2nd Februar 2023 to showcase our corrugated cardboard pallets and how they are the perfect fit for the pharmaceutical industry.
KraftPal opens a new Global R&D and Product Design Centre
Okt. 26, 2022
To support its global expansion, KraftPal invested in upgrading its R&D capacities with state-of-the-art equipment that meets the level of an ISTA-certified laboratory. The new R&D center will allow KraftPal engineers to continue to innovate and further improve overall product design, consistency, and quality.
KraftPal Nordics at Scanpack
Okt. 20, 2022
KraftPal is expanding its activities into the Swedish market and starts extensive campaigns for KraftPal’s corrugated cardboard pallets.
Did You Know That Carbon Footprint Reduction in One Way Logistics can Exceed 80% using Alternative Solutions from Kraftpal?
Sept. 5, 2022
The world faces severe problems at the moment: from air pollution, climate change, global pandemics, supply chain disruption, deforestation, droughts and more. It was never harder to run your business but it was also never better moment to adjust to new realities and turn these in your favor. In Kratfpal we strive to this occasion and are excited to participate as a leading authority in our segment of the business. Let us introduce you to a 100% recyclable, 80% lighter and environmentally friendly alternative for one way logistics.
KraftPal Technologies Raises US$123.9 million from Pasaca Capital
Feb. 21, 2022
KraftPal Technologies (KraftPal) announced today a US$123.9 million equity investment from Pasaca Capital Inc. (Pasaca), a California-based private equity firm, which will allow KraftPal significantly to expand the production of its lightweight, eco-friendly, low-cost, and highly durable corrugated pallets and accelerate a massive paradigm shift throughout the pallet industry.
Client Showcase: Magaloop GmbH
Feb. 4, 2022
Magaloop's fast-growing business brings with it a great responsibility to operate sustainably and provide customers with an excellent experience. That's why the company recently made a switch to KraftPal cardboard pallets in order to reduce carbon footprint and make its customers' lives a little easier.
KraftPal Saudi Arabia launches production, new developments in sight
Dec. 19, 2021
After successfully developing the market and completing various trials with some of the country's largest exporters, KraftPal has completed the deployment of its world-class pallet production technology and started production in the Middle East
Yahoo! Finance, Markets Insider, FOX TV and other media report on KraftPal's expansion plans
Nov. 17, 2021
Starting a new chapter in business development, Kraftpal received tremendous support from global and local media after announcing its plans to enter the US market.
KraftPal Finland primed for take-off early in 2022
Nov. 9, 2021
Martin Wichmann CEO and Jarmo Palukka COO of KraftPal Nordic visited KraftPal to attend management training and get ready to start strong when the production in Tampere gets going.
Next generation Palletonator already in sight
Okt. 22, 2021
With innovation at the heart of KraftPal’s operations, the company continues to work on its next-generation pallet production line by employing new state-of-the-art technology and industry 4.0 principles.
KraftPal Saudi Arabia poised to launch in December
Okt. 12, 2021
With its state-of-the-art pallet production line already assembled KraftPal is set to launch its second production site to supply state-of-the-art sustainable cardboard pallets to clients in the Gulf region with an official opening scheduled for December 19.
KraftPal featured in WPO’s global awards winner showcase at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Okt. 4, 2021
After winning the Global Star Award in the Transit category and the Bronze Award in the Sustainability KraftPal was invited by the World Packaging Organization to feature in privileged company at the largest packaging trade show in North America - Pack Expo Las Vegas.
Kraftpal Appoints First Officers on US Market
Julij 12, 2021
Following the successful path in business development, Kraftpal appoints Ramon Todd Chimelis as a Head of Operations for the US market
Study finds consumer purchasing decisions driven by sustainable packaging
Junij 3, 2021
The 2021 Buying Green Report from Trivium Packaging, based on a survey of more than 15,000 consumers across Europe, North America, and South America, shows that increasing environmental awareness is influencing consumer purchasing behavior and expectations regarding sustainable packaging.
Client Showcase: Etivera GmbH
Marec 17, 2021
Ever since Etivera ships hundreds of packages a day to small and medium-sized businesses, they were looking for a lightweight solution that would provide them and their customers with hassle-free handling and easy, responsible disposal. But those weren't the only benefits Etivera and its customers gained by switching from wooden to cardboard pallets.
Kraftpal sets the course for entry into the US market
Marec 10, 2021
Following the commissioning of its first production facility in Austria, supplying Central Europe, and the second in Saudi Arabia, coming in 2021 to supply customers in the Middle East, Kraftpal continues to pursue its goal of supplying customers on all continents with best-in-class corrugated cardboard pallets.
New machine for Kraftpal Saudi Arabia ready to ship
Jan 28, 2021
Not even a year has passed since the signing of the agreement, yet the key element of every new Kraftpal's production, the state-of-the-art Palletonator 4000X, is ready to taken-ower by the new owner and be shipped to Saudi Arabia in the forthcoming weeks.
Kraftpal continues to conquer the accolades and expert praises: declared Winner of the 2021 WorldStar Award by the World Packaging Organisation
Jan 18, 2021
Following the win at the Green Start Packaging award in Austria, Kraftpal continues to conquer the accolades and expert praises at the World’s stage by winning the WorldStar Award among 345 packaging projects, from 35 countries, that applied for WorldStar Awards 2021.
Kraftpal group management visits Al Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to check on new KraftPal plant progress, conduct successful trials
Nov. 4, 2020
The group’s management, including CEO G. Brajovic, COO D. Desy, and CTO T. Velecic performed a field trip to visit Mr. Saeed Jumaan Al Zahrani, managing director of KraftPal Saudi Arabia and his associates, in Al Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
X-Pallet wins the Austrian Green Packaging Star Award®
Okt. 9, 2020
KraftPal pallet has been declared winner of the Austrian Green Packaging Star Award® for the year 2020.
KraftPal pallets nominated for Green Packaging Star Award®
Sept. 21, 2020
KraftPal has been chosen as one of the 9 finalists for the Green Packaging Star Award® in Austria by industry experts.
LCA Study finds Corrugated Cardboard Pallets as the most ‘nature-friendly’ standardized loading platform
Avg. 6, 2020
Recently conducted lifecycle assessment study (LCA Study) comparing EUR-sized corrugated cardboard pallet and wooden pallet concluded significantly lower CO2e emissions from the corrugated cardboard pallet when compared through all lifecycle stages.
Welcome to Mr. Saeed Alzahrani in the KraftPal Family
Feb. 11, 2020
We are proud to announce the investment in KraftPal Ltd by Mr. Saeed Alzahrani becoming an active shareholder and the new Vice Chairman of the board.
KraftPal Saudi Arabia Agreement Is Signed!
Dec. 18, 2019
We are proud to announce the signature of the licensing agreement with our partner ISOL (Industrial Services On Lines Co Ltd).
Acknowledgment for Saudi Arabia & Colombia
Okt. 25, 2019
Special thank you for the visit of our potential partners from Saudi Arabia and Colombia. Very busy and constructive days of meaningful meetings in Austria leading to a concrete plan of implementation.
Business Development In Colombia
Okt. 16, 2019
Successful visit from our potential partner for the Colombian market. We have signed an MoU!
Business Development In Saudi Arabia
Okt. 10, 2019
We have welcomed our potential partner from Saudi Arabia visiting our flagship production facility in Austria. Following two days of successful meetings, we agree to sign an MoU building a plan of action for implementation in the Saudi market and MENA region.
Final trials in The Navigator Company in Portugal was successful
April 25, 2019
After a long process of trials in the production facilities of The Navigator Company in Portugal, the KraftPal EUR1 pallet was approved in the supply chain. It is an important milestone for KraftPal to scale is international expansion.
KraftPal annual meeting 2019 in KraftPal Austria
Marec 22, 2019
KraftPal embraces this special event with its shareholders to present very exciting news coming from the global scene, new tests, new clients, new local units implementation in the pipeline. The meeting was held in the brand new KraftPal facility in Austria.
KraftPal Finland is building up!
Feb. 26, 2019
Special thank you for our partners Martin and Jarmo building the production unit in Helsinki, Finland.
The KraftPal Austria Project
Jan 21, 2019
In Graz, Austria, our manufacturing partner started to build modular manufacturing process for KraftPals 2nd generation of X pallet models. The next couple of months will consist of a complete checkup and preparation for the new Austrian warehouse.
Successful test in Havi Logistics in Austria
Dec. 12, 2018
We had a successful test with our EUR1 pallet in Havi Logistics, McDonald's Street 4, 2100, Korneuburg, Austria. Thank you to the Havi team for the warm welcome!
The KraftPal Finland Project
Okt. 29, 2018
We are proud to announce that we have started the collaboration with Martin Wichmann and Jarmo Palukka to establish a production unit in Helsinki, Finland.
KraftPal Austria is on its way!
Sept. 12, 2018
The KraftPal production unit is situated in Industriestraße 266, 8321 St. Margarethen at Raab, Austria.