For Theuws Metaal in Luyksgestel, recycling pallets has become a well-established routine. Teun Martens, head of the operations department, is responsible for procurement and is closely involved in implementing the Wood4Wood concept at Theuws Metaal.
Martens: "In 2022, Rogier, our account manager at MCB, approached us with the question: would this be something for you? It was during the COVID period, wood was becoming more expensive, pallets were becoming more expensive, and we were also thinking: can we do something about this? We can unload the pallets quite neatly, so they can be returned almost undamaged. However, there was no return system, so they were left outside and deteriorated in the rain. Over time, they would break apart and be disposed of as firewood or waste. At the same time, the volume and number of pallets were increasing, and they were getting in the way more often. So, we started discussions with MCB and joined the Wood4Wood programme."
Fixed Return Agreements
Now, the pallets are collected every Tuesday. Martens: "MCB deliveries usually arrive on Thursday or Friday, so we can unload the sheets into our automated warehouse until Monday. The pallets then return to MCB on Tuesday. This way, they don’t get in the way, and our production process is not disrupted. Since the cycle is so short, the pallets never go outside and stay dry. It would be a waste not to reuse them. Initially, we struggled with the process. Should we call every time we had a stack of pallets? That’s what we did at first. However, we noticed that the pallets weren’t always picked up immediately, so they were still in the way. Now, they are collected every Tuesday as a standard, and both our planning and MCB’s take this into account. Since then, everything has run smoothly."
Sustainability Without Extra Costs
"The fact that we are contributing to sustainability is, of course, a great benefit. More and more of our customers are asking us to focus on sustainability. Many sustainability initiatives involve additional costs, but this one actually saves money, making it a win-win. Besides being an environmentally friendly initiative, it is also a very efficient solution."
After a brief tour of the company, we arrive at the stacks of sheet material that still need to be separated from the pallets and placed into the fully automated warehouse. Martens: " Unloading a pallet takes us very little time. Our process allows us to store pallets quickly and efficiently." A colleague then demonstrates how easily the sheets are removed from the pallets and placed into the impressive high-rise storage system. And indeed, the pallets remain almost untouched and suffer no damage. It would be a great waste if they weren’t reused.
Series Production and Specialist Custom Work
As a family business, Theuws Metaal combines a practical approach with a passion for quality in everything they do. The company offers a versatile range, from specialist custom work and prototypes to large-scale series production and complete assemblies. Operating in sectors such as automotive, offshore, cleanrooms, prototyping, handling, and storage production, this family business prioritises quality, with short communication lines and personal attention at the core of its operations.
More details about our Wood4Wood programme and how you can participate? Click here for more information.