In a world of growing environmental requirements and pressure on supply chain efficiency, long-term partnerships are gaining increasing strategic importance. The collaboration between pallet pooling system expert CHEP and meat industry leader Animex Foods demonstrates that a circular economy model can effectively support both business results and ESG goals.
The cooperation between the two companies began in 2017 in response to a specific business need: as a dynamically growing organization, Animex was looking for a solution that would ensure operational stability in pallet management, reduce downtime, and streamline processes within a closed logistics structure.
The initial pilot project quickly demonstrated that a pooling model based on a closed-loop system, where pallets and containers are shared and reused by various manufacturers and distributors, could become more than just sustainable operational support. As the owner of the pallets, CHEP handled the delivery, collection, inspection, and repair of the carriers used by Animex Foods, which allowed the client to focus on their core business while saving costs and time associated with pallet management. Over time, the cooperation expanded to other plants, leading to the implementation of a consistent, multi-site operational model that now covers both domestic distribution and exports.
At Animex Foods, we treat logistics as one of the elements of building a competitive advantage. The partnership with CHEP allows us not only to increase operational efficiency but also to effectively support the implementation of our sustainability strategy. Together, we create solutions that address the challenges of the future – both business and environmental.
– emphasizes Łukasz Dominiak, Public and Government Relations Director at Animex Foods.
Following the expansion of CHEP services to multiple plants, processes and reporting were unified and standardized across the organization, which increased transparency and improved the management of pallet flows throughout the network.
Currently, the cooperation covers over a dozen Animex Foods plants and a significant volume of pallet flows. Its effects are visible at both the operational and cost levels. Stable access to pallets, a reduction in shortages and downtime, and a uniform quality standard have resulted in greater predictability and efficiency of the supply chain.
The cooperation with Animex Foods is an example of a partnership that has truly evolved. It is very important for us to create solutions that not only increase operational efficiency but also support the achievement of our clients’ sustainability goals.
– emphasizes Michał Osuch, Commercial Director of CHEP Poland and the Baltic States.
This partnership also involves jointly addressing challenges, from standardizing processes between plants and improving return flows to ensuring supply stability during periods of increased demand. Flexibility and the ability to react quickly to changing market conditions have proven to be key.
In recent years, the cooperation between the two companies has clearly shifted towards sustainability activities, such as developing more efficient transport models or implementing solutions, including carbon-neutral pallets. The CHEP circular economy model supports Animex Foods in reducing CO₂ emissions and waste, while also aligning with growing ESG reporting requirements.
The collaboration between CHEP and Animex Foods shows that a modern supply chain can be both efficient and environmentally responsible, and that well-designed logistics, based on transparency and communication, becomes a real tool for building a competitive advantage.
Source: CHEP Poland