CJ Logistics, Second Shipment of Carbon Zero Pallets Using Recycled Plastic... Full-Scale Commercialization Begins

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] CJ Logistics is accelerating the commercialization of eco-friendly recycled pallets by releasing a second batch of pallets made from waste plastic.

On the 17th, CJ Logistics announced that it had additionally produced 400 'carbon-zero pallets' made from waste plastic. In May of last year, CJ Logistics introduced 300 carbon-zero pallets made through waste plastic upcycling at its logistics center. The 400 eco-friendly recycled pallets released in the second batch are planned to be introduced at CJ Logistics' logistics site in Indonesia.

The carbon-zero pallets were created by combining leftover plastic from Lock&Lock with green technology from the pallet manufacturer Sangjin ARP. Lock&Lock provides 12 tons of leftover plastic generated during its product processes to CJ Logistics free of charge. CJ Logistics, through a win-win collaboration with Sangjin ARP, transformed this into 400 eco-friendly recycled pallets. Pallets are platforms used in logistics sites for stacking and transporting goods, typically made from plastic materials.

The carbon-zero pallets were additionally produced based on positive feedback from actual logistics sites. Over the past year, CJ Logistics introduced 300 carbon-zero pallets at its Shindeokpyeong Logistics Center. Despite being made from waste plastic, their strength and performance were equivalent to general pallets capable of carrying up to 1 ton. Furthermore, production costs were similar to those of new plastic pallets, and it is expected that if high-quality waste plastic can be stably supplied, the adoption at sites can be accelerated.

Each carbon-zero pallet reduces carbon emissions by 67.3 kg. Producing 400 pallets from waste plastic is expected to reduce approximately 26,880 kg of carbon dioxide. This amount is equivalent to the carbon dioxide absorbed by 8,960 pine trees over one year.

The second batch of 400 carbon-zero pallets will be introduced at CJ Logistics' logistics center in Indonesia. Indonesia typically uses inexpensive wooden pallets instead of higher-priced plastic pallets. However, wooden pallets often deteriorate or suffer from pest problems in the hot and humid tropical climate, leading to disposal after a single use, which reduces efficiency. Therefore, CJ Logistics plans to collaborate with KOTRA to safely deliver carbon-zero pallets and improve efficiency at logistics sites in Indonesia. KOTRA will also support Sangjin ARP, the manufacturer, in pioneering overseas export routes for carbon-zero pallets and enhance the level of cooperation.

A CJ Logistics official stated, “While most waste plastic utilization projects are one-time exhibitions, carbon-zero pallets create added value in actual sites, making it a highly sustainable business.” He added, “We will continue to practice global ESG management through sustainable carbon reduction projects and take the lead in creating a green logistics environment.”