In the latest instalment of our supply chain industry executive interview series we spoke to David Rose, Innovation Director at PALLITE, about the company, the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, industry opportunities and technical innovation…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
PALLITE® is an ambitious, award-winning international designer and manufacturer of paper honeycomb board products from Northamptonshire, UK. We focus on innovation and sustainability. All of our products are made from over 80% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. We try to empower our customers to make sustainable choices while still achieving efficiency, productivity, and bottom-line cost improvements. We make everything from pallets and shipping crates to pop-up warehouse storage units.
What have been the biggest challenges the Supply Chain industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Everyone in the supply chain deserves a huge pat on the back and the industry has definitely been the unsung hero of the pandemic….although I think more of the general public are starting to appreciate what supply chain means.
If I was to nudge towards the top three challenges, I would say the growth of online sales and the impact on warehouses and delivery; the management of spike demand (remember toilet rolls) and product shortages; and clearly the big challenge of HGV driver shortages.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
The biggest opportunity is to recognise any shortcomings that have been exposed.
If we’re candid, we’ve all had them and like us, many businesses will have put systems or solutions in place to overcome these…and that’s made us all stronger.
What is the biggest priority for the Supply Chain industry in 2022?
Getting slicker and greener. Consumers want their order tomorrow. Consumers also want us to be more environmentally friendly. These two priorities need to work out a way of going hand in hand.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2022?
I think it will be a year of settling from the COVID impact. There’s no doubt the container related challenges will still have an impact, but that aside, I hope it’s a greener way of working.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this year?
Automation. There’s still a long way to go but I’m seeing this more and more. Anything from robots in warehouses to payments and invoicing being used by our customers, it’s here to stay and we need to embrace it.
In 2025 we’ll all be talking about…?
What we can do to be greener
Which person in, or associated with, the Supply Chain industry would you most like to meet?
I think after the year or so of Zoom and Teams, I’m happy to meet anyone!
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Supply Chain sector?
I’ve not been surprised, but proud of the resilience. Not many other industries can survive and thrive after massive demand spikes, COVID, product shortages, disruption globally whilst trying to embrace automation and being more environmentally friendly!
You go to the bar at the Total Supply Chain Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
Guinness, Guinness, Guinness, Guinness then a red wine.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Love meeting new businesses and being able to help. I love it.
And what’s the most challenging?
Not having enough time in the day to give everyone the time they deserve.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Say ‘please’ when you’re meant to say please, say ‘thank you’ when you’re meant to say thank you and ‘sorry’ when you’re meant to say sorry.
Peaky Blinders or Stranger Things?
Can I say Silent Witness?
