Lidl, Europe's largest food retailer, has introduced a new, more sustainable and efficient pallet pool contracting and management system, provided by PAKi: the e-Voucher. This system brings innovation to its logistics platforms, streamlining the processes at the docks and contributing to a more sustainable pallet management.
Since November 2018, Lidl offers its suppliers and carriers, in all European distribution centers, the option of digitally managing the pallet transport and rental service through a digital bonus system.
Benefits: less waiting time and more flexibility at the dock
The objective of the PAKi e-Voucher is to offer suppliers and carriers an automated 1:1 exchange service to reduce waiting times at Lidl distribution centers. This innovation is in line with Lidl's environmentally-friendly company philosophy, ensuring greater sustainability in the supply chain by reducing inefficient transport.
"The introduction of the PAKi e-Voucher gives our carriers greater flexibility. It prevents carriers from travelling unloaded and helps shorten transport distances during the relocation of pallets, thus reducing CO2 emissions," says Christian Stangl, General Director of Lidl.
How does e-Voucher work? Safer, easier and faster thanks to the digital process.
Lidl issues the digital voucher together with a unique code through the PAKi e-Voucher database. As soon as the operation has been registered and validated by PAKi, the corresponding amount of pallets will be billed to the beneficiary's online account. By dispensing with paper orders and thanks to the generation of a unique code, the process is faster and safer.
The PAKi e-Voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be transferred to third parties. Once accredited in a PAKi account, the account holder can benefit from the range of PAKi Logistics pooling services across Europe.
Christian Agasse, CEO of PAKi Logistics, is happy with the decision of the retail company owned by the Schwarz Group. "We are pleased that Lidl has decided to go on this journey with us. The e-Voucher allows a more organized Europallets exchange based on the needs of the client, which makes work easier for all parties involved in the supply chain. Thanks to digital solutions and our network across Europe, shippers and carriers can benefit from more agile, safer and more sustainable pallet management."
PAKi Logistics is responsible for the physical collection of the pallets from Lidl's central warehouses in Europe. The retailer currently has around 10,500 stores and more than 150 product distribution centers in 29 countries. Carriers and suppliers can retrieve and deliver PAKi pallets throughout Europe, regardless of whether the load is large or small.
For more information:
PAKi Logistics GmbH
www.paki-logistics.com