Brambles is committed to using resources efficiently and minimising waste.
With pooling models that operate on the principles of recover, reuse, reduce and recycle, we are focused on continuously improving our performance to reduce material consumption, maintenance costs and meet stakeholders’ sustainability expectations.
Compared with disposable pallets, pallet pooling significantly reduces the use of wood and waste. Unlike CHEP's pallet pooling system, many other types of wooden pallets (without a clear system of ownership and accountability) end up in landfill.
By maintaining ownership of our assets and enforcing a system of controls, we can maximise the reuse of materials in the pallet pool or recycle materials away from landfill at the end of the pallets’ useful lives.
When a pooled pallet is returned to a service centre, the pallet is checked for quality. Undamaged pallets are returned to the pool. Sound wooden boards are removed from damaged pallets and used for repair work. Wood that cannot be reused is recycled for use as a fuel source, mulch, or other purpose.
General and hazardous waste
General solid waste (for example office/sanitation) is handled by local solid waste management or recycling facilities. Where possible in office locations, segregation and recycling programs are in place.
Universal waste and used oil (both generated in limited quantities), as well as cardboard, plastic and metals, are generally reused or recycled where facilities are available.
CHEP’s hazardous waste predominately relates to paint, paint residues, inks, oil and contaminated water, disposed of responsibly.
In the Containers segment, CHEP Catalyst & Chemical Containers Inc (CCC) handles waste on the behalf of its customers. CCC provides packaging systems, on-site management and logistics support for the storage and shipment of catalysts used in petroleum refining, gas processing and petrochemicals manufacturing. While CCC cannot eliminate waste, steps are taken to reduce the amount of waste handled.