Logistics Arts Production with Processes for Pallets Made from Wood Waste

In Germany, 158 million pallets were used last year. At the same time, the Conversio study from 2020, conducted by the leading associations of the plastics processing industry, states that the recycled content in plastics is only 13.7%. To address the challenges of wood shortages, conserve the valuable resource of wood, directly utilize plastic waste, and thereby reduce CO₂ emissions, the start-up Logistics Arts Production GmbH has developed a patented process for manufacturing pallets from secondary raw materials. The company aims to produce its first pallets in series within one to two years. The start-up is currently in discussions with investors and licensees.

(Altensteig) In Germany, six million cubic meters of wood are processed into pallets and transport packaging. This corresponds to a quarter of the wood harvest. Most disposable pallets end up in the waste container at the first recipient. In addition to wooden pallets, pallets made from plastic, metal, paper, and corrugated cardboard are increasingly being produced. All of these share the commonality that high-quality raw materials are used, which, like wood, are becoming scarcer and more expensive.

Therefore, pallets made from reclaimed wood are increasingly gaining popularity in the market. Willy Lutz takes it a step further. With the LAP particleboard pallet, in addition to reclaimed wood from categories A1 and A2, reclaimed wood from category A3 and non-separable secondary raw materials such as paper, PET bottles, composite materials from beverage packaging, corrugated cardboard, as well as unused nonwoven materials from masks can be used. Alternatively, many natural and synthetic fibers and almost all duo and thermoplastics can also be processed.

Specialist in Production Technology

Together with a specialist in production technology, an already proven process has been further developed specifically for the production of recycling pallets. This production process is used, for example, to manufacture insulation materials for aircraft construction. The various materials are shredded into small flakes and mixed in a defined weight ratio. The recycling material is processed through a hot air stream of 180 to 220 °C and a filtration system. This not only heats the material but also destroys bacteria and viruses adhering to the recycling material. Timely test series with experts will be organized for this purpose.

In this patented process, the material is suctioned dry, mixed with a natural and chemical binder, blown into a mold, and pressed. In a first pilot plant, pallets in two common sizes with a load capacity of up to 500 kg are already being produced. The production process is already patented. The LAP pallet is registered as a utility model and has been submitted for EU and US patents.

Complete Circular Concept

Logistics Arts Production does not stop at a patented production process but has developed a complete circular concept. An online portal is to be established where used LAP particleboard pallets and secondary raw materials can be traded online, as well as defective pallets or wood fractions offered for processing. With an RFID transmitter integrated into the pallet, the location and material status of the LAP pallet are tracked.

Photo: © Logistics Art Production