Driving Genuine Change in Our Supply Chain: Partnering with Digipal for a Smarter, Cleaner Future

For us at MWW, we believe meaningful change often starts with small everyday things that can be easily overlooked, for example, something ordinary like a pallet. We use thousands of wooden pallets in our supply chain but in late 2024 we realised there was a better alternative.

We started working with a recent start-up Digipal UK Group Ltd , led by Managing Director Mattan David, to introduce smart, durable plastic pallets into our supply chain instead. On the surface, it was a simple operational improvement. But six months in and it’s already proving to be a smart, sustainable shift that reflects our long-term priorities towards our people and the planet.

Putting the Planet First: Lighter Loads, Lower Emissions

Each Digipal pallet we now use is 10kg lighter than its traditional wooden equivalent. When you multiply that by our projected 80,000 pallets per year, and we’re already looking at a reduction of nearly 5,900kg of CO₂ annually.

Over the next five years, this small change will save close to 30 tonnes of transport-related emissions, a simple example of how small things can add up to a big environmental impact.

But our sustainability story doesn’t just stop there. For every pallet used, Digipal contributes to planting mangrove trees in Africa, one of nature’s most powerful carbon absorbers. So far, our pallet usage has funded the planting of around 1,333 mangrove trees, which are projected to absorb over 8,000kg of CO₂ annually.

Over five years, this initiative is expected to sequester more than 40,000kg of CO₂, while also supporting biodiversity, protecting coastlines, and creating economic opportunities for local communities across the continent.

Performance That Goes the Distance

Digipal pallets aren’t just lighter than their wooden counterparts they’re also built to last longer.

Unlike wood, which often splinters, warps or breaks after just a few turns, these pallets are designed to withstand over 250 reuse cycles with minimal damage. That means less waste, fewer disruptions, and a significant reduction in replacement costs.

They’re also equipped with IoT tracking technology, enabling real-time visibility across our supply chain via GPS and Bluetooth. This enhanced traceability helps us reduce losses, refine routing, and increase efficiency across every delivery route.

Safer, Smarter and More Supportive for People

For our warehouse and logistics teams, the plastic pallets are safer to handle, with no splinters or sharp edges, and are more consistent in weight and size, making them easier to move and stack. That means fewer accidents, greater efficiency, and a cleaner, more predictable working environment.

We’re proud to know that our partnership with Digipal UK Group Ltd is also supporting livelihoods abroad. Through the mangrove planting programme, our logistics investment is helping fund jobs, protect fishing communities, and support environmental education in regions that need it most.

For us, this is more than just a supply chain upgrade, it’s a shared impact in action.

Looking Ahead: The Five-Year Impact

We’re only six months into our journey with Digipal, but for us the five-year benefits already look interesting:

• ~29,280kg of CO₂ saved through weight reduction

• ~40,000kg of CO₂ sequestered through mangrove planting

• Improved durability leading to fewer disruptions and lower replacement costs

• Smart tracking enabling real-time visibility and better decision-making

• Safer working conditions for our teams

These aren’t just numbers; they represent a better way of working. They show that even the most ordinary elements of our supply chain can be reimagined for the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.

Progress in the Everyday

At MWW, we’re always looking for ways to operate more sustainably, more efficiently, and more in line with our values. Our partnership with Digipal is a clear example of how small, smart decisions can deliver lasting impact both to our operations and to the planet.

Switching our pallets may not be revolutionary, but it is effective, and it’s helping us build a more resilient, responsible supply chain for the future.

If you're working in supply chain, food logistics, or sustainability, and still using traditional wooden pallets, we encourage you to take a closer look at what’s possible. For us, this has been more than just a procurement decision. It’s a step towards a smarter, cleaner, and more collaborative future.