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Sustainable Pallet Solutions: Prioritizing ESG for a Better Future

Picture of Jess Bonsall
Jess Bonsall
6 min read

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives are not only important from a compliance perspective, but also from a strategic standpoint. At 48forty, our goal is to help our customers achieve their ESG targets in a way that makes a real impact on our planet and their bottom lines.

What Is ESG?

The acronym itself stands for environment, social, and governance. ESG provides a framework to evaluate an organization's business practices and performance across a number of sustainability and ethical issues. It includes topics that are important in the environmental space, such as greenhouse gas emissions, as well as social and governance considerations. At its core, ESG is about sustainability, and not just sustainability in the traditional environmental sense, but holistic sustainability.

Beyond The Surface: ESG at 48forty

Environmental

The environmental component of ESG is more than just our own emissions as a company. It includes emissions associated with our office space, facility space, and fleet operations. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have recently become a partner with the EPA's SmartWay® program. This program allows us to explore opportunities for reducing emissions from our fleet and managing logistics in a more efficient manner. Additionally, we are now using Greenly, a carbon management platform that gives companies an opportunity to manage their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and take steps to reduce them. This intuitive platform allows us to measure, reduce, report, and offset our carbon emissions, giving us the opportunity to effectively reduce our environmental impact and enabling our customers to do the same. 

[48forty recently adopted a tech-enabled carbon emissions management program. See how this program is improving our sustainability efforts for our company and our customers.]

At 48forty, we are dedicated to sustainable operations and assisting our customers in reducing their carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and achieving their sustainability goals in a cost-effective manner.  Learn more about how we can work together to implement a pallet management program in your supply chain here.

Social

The social component of ESG centers around two key areas: health and safety, and workforce engagement. This means creating a work environment that prioritizes the well-being of our workforce. We provide diverse educational opportunities for team members, whether they are in leadership or working on the repair line. The core component of our safety program is ensuring that our hardworking employees return home safe each and every day. This commitment to health and safety is an integral part of our approach to sustainability. When we’re working safely, we’re able to perform for our customers, which has a direct impact on their operations as well. 

Governance

The last pillar of ESG is governance, which covers two key areas at 48forty. First, we prioritize business ethics and operating with honesty and integrity. Conducting business ethically is crucial to building trust with our customers and employees. Second, we manage the regulatory environment that we operate in. This includes compliance with regulations related to environmental impact, such as stormwater and air quality, as well as cybersecurity and data privacy. As our market expands, regulatory compliance is essential for sustainable growth and responsible operations. In addition, cybersecurity and data privacy are critical elements of a comprehensive governance program, especially in today's digitally driven world. By prioritizing governance, we ensure the protection of our customers' data, foster trust, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our business.

Why You Should Care About ESG

More and more, the public and investors are asking for companies to be very transparent about ESG information. These factors are playing a crucial role in shaping business operations. Many companies are required to report ESG-related data, whether due to public commitments to reduce emissions and improve workforce engagement, or as a response to emerging regulatory drivers here in the United States.

Group of 48forty employees wearing safety vests on pallet facility plant floor. Stacks of recycled white wood pallets are in the background.

ESG considerations are not just important from a compliance perspective, but also from a strategic standpoint. Businesses are looking to work with other entities that align with their values and make positive contributions to society. Companies that prioritize ESG demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices and gain a competitive edge. As a supply chain leader in this area, we’re able to help our customers meet their ESG goals with transparency and data-driven reporting.

When it comes to sustainability initiatives in the supply chain industry, 48forty is at the forefront. Our ESG program is founded on transparency and supported by actual data that we track, allowing us to provide our customers with audit-quality information that is robust and can withstand regulatory audits. This commitment to data-driven reporting and accountability sets us apart, and we are proud to offer our customers the ability to provide reliable information for their ESG and sustainability needs.

Frequently Asked Questions – The ESG Advantage

 

What does ESG stand for?
 ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It is a framework used by organizations to measure and communicate their commitment to sustainable and ethical operations in areas such as environmental impact, labor practices, community involvement, and corporate accountability.

Why is ESG important in the supply chain industry?
 ESG factors help supply chain and logistics companies reduce risk, improve operational efficiency, meet regulatory demands, and appeal to environmentally conscious customers and investors. ESG-aligned practices can lead to long-term resilience and competitive advantage.

How does 48forty approach ESG?
 48forty integrates ESG into every layer of its operations. From using recycled wood in pallet manufacturing to reducing transportation emissions and enhancing worker safety, the company aligns its core business model with ESG principles, driving impact and efficiency.

What environmental benefits come from recycled pallet solutions?
 Recycled pallets significantly reduce the demand for virgin lumber, divert materials from landfills, and decrease shipping operations' carbon footprint. 48forty’s large-scale recycling and reuse infrastructure ensures that pallets are kept in circulation as long as possible.

How is ESG performance measured at 48forty?
 48forty tracks progress using quantifiable metrics such as CO₂ emissions avoided, landfill waste reduction, energy savings, and workplace safety improvements. These data points support internal benchmarking and customer ESG reporting needs.

Can customers benefit from 48forty’s ESG efforts?
 Yes. By partnering with 48forty, customers can improve their own ESG scores through reduced Scope 3 emissions, enhanced supply chain sustainability, and responsible sourcing of shipping materials. Custom reports are often available to support ESG disclosures.

What role does technology play in ESG at 48forty?
 48forty leverages digital platforms to optimize pallet logistics, track sustainability metrics, and improve supply chain transparency. These tools support smarter routing, reduced empty miles, and greater visibility into asset lifecycle management.

Is ESG just a trend, or is it here to stay?
 ESG is evolving from a “nice-to-have” into a business imperative. Investors, regulators, and customers increasingly expect ESG transparency and performance. Forward-thinking companies like 48forty are embedding ESG into their long-term strategy for continued growth and impact.