Auchan is deploying 50,000 smart green pallets across its logistics warehouse and stores in France as the multinational retail group looks to reduce its environmental impact.

Designed by IBM Consulting, the recyclable plastic pallets are equipped with sensors that provide real-time data to supply chain stakeholders, including pallet geolocation, temperature and shock exposure, aiming to improve monitoring and overall logistics management quality.

The sensors are connected via IoT technology and short-circuit circuits that enable them to detect factors that could negatively affect the quality of goods in transit, including physical shocks and temperature fluctuations.

In the event of an alarm, they communicate this information to the relevant teams, enabling them to take appropriate action.

Real-time visibility strengthens collaboration across the supply chain and helps ensure that products reach consumers in optimal temperature conditions.

The retailer added that the pallets are lighter than traditional models, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of accidents.

An initial pilot project tested 10,000 connected pallets in two warehouses linked to four Auchan stores, with tests showing that tracking was optimised and overall quality of logistics management was improved.

The French retailer emphasised the importance of using the pallets to monitor product losses, as these also contribute to the overall environmental footprint of a supply chain.

According to data from the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), food waste accounts for up to five per cent of carbon emissions during the logistics cycle.With the implementation, Auchan said it is renewing its commitment to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions, which cover all upstream and downstream activities of its stores and supply chain, by 25 per cent by 2030.

The company said that replacing a wooden pallet with a smart green pallet avoids the equivalent of 21,328.08 tonnes of CO2 over eight years thanks to its longer life and the ability to manage repairs.

Franck Descamps, director of logistics procurement France at Auchan commented on the rollout: “It is a concrete lever to better manage our flows, safeguard the quality of our products, and provide our teams with a safer and more ergonomic working environment.”

---