As global supply chains grow more environmentally conscious and regulation-driven, sustainability is no longer a competitive edge—it’s a baseline expectation. In this in-depth conversation, Jay Deepak Shah, CEO & Managing Director of Jay Wood Industry, shares how his company has been ahead of the curve, setting new benchmarks in sustainable packaging. From pioneering certified wooden pallets to investing in heat-treatment technology and solar-powered production, Jay Wood Industry is not only addressing India’s packaging challenges but also shaping the future of eco-friendly logistics. Shah offers sharp insights into how sustainability is reshaping manufacturing priorities, the rise of biodegradable and smart pallets, and why responsible packaging is now a critical enabler of international trade and long-term value creation.
Scroll down to read the full interview:
Q. How does Jay Wood Industry view the evolving role of sustainability in the Indian manufacturing and export ecosystem today?
A. Sustainability has evolved from being a choice to a fundamental aspect of how Indian manufacturers compete, operate, and grow. At M/s Jay Wood Industry, we see this shift as a positive change. For exporters, adopting environmentally responsible practices has become essential for gaining access to global markets and ensuring long-term credibility within supply chains.
As India continues to rise as a manufacturing powerhouse, the global demand for transparency, traceability, and a reduced environmental impact has never been clearer. That’s why we’ve integrated sustainability across every aspect of our operations. We source 100% of our wood from PEFC-certified forests in Europe, and our Taloja facility runs entirely on solar energy, generating 97.5 kWh daily. Our products are designed with reuse, repair, and circularity in mind, ensuring that at the end of their lifecycle, they’re repurposed into value-added goods. By following this model, we can contribute to India’s manufacturing growth while staying in line with global ESG standards. As India’s first EPAL-certified CP pallet manufacturer, we believe that sustainable manufacturing is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart business strategy.
Q. Why is sustainable packaging emerging as a strategic advantage for manufacturers, and how has the industry’s mindset toward eco-friendly solutions shifted over the past decade?
A. Over the past decade, the conversation around packaging has shifted significantly, from a focus on cost and convenience to priorities such as compliance, climate impact, and competitiveness. What was once viewed as a backend logistical function has now become a strategic business decision, particularly for manufacturers aiming to meet global standards and evolving buyer expectations.
Sustainable packaging is becoming a key differentiator because it impacts every stage of the value chain. It reduces waste, lowers freight costs, and strengthens brand credibility in markets that are increasingly ESG-conscious. For manufacturers, it’s no longer just about minimising environmental harm—it’s about creating tangible value. Effective packaging can enhance handling efficiency, extend product shelf life, and reduce the carbon footprint per shipment, all of which translate into measurable business benefits.
A decade ago, eco-friendly packaging was often dismissed as costly or impractical. Today, it is recognised as a critical tool for managing risk, ensuring compliance, and driving innovation. This transformation has been shaped by tighter regulations, growing pressure from buyers, and a broader understanding that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand when approached strategically. As a company deeply embedded in industrial logistics, we’ve seen this shift unfold firsthand—and it’s clear that sustainable packaging is no longer a trend, but a long-term imperative.
Q. What inspired Jay Wood Industry to prioritise certified wooden pallets over other packaging materials in the quest for greener supply chains?
A. At Jay Wood Industry, our decision to prioritise certified wooden pallets was driven by a clear vision: packaging should uphold product integrity while actively supporting environmental responsibility. As global supply chains have grown more complex and regulatory demands more stringent, it became clear that packaging must serve a greater purpose—contributing to sustainability goals, not just product protection.
We chose wood because it offers a unique combination of environmental and operational advantages. It has a lower carbon footprint compared to many alternatives, is naturally biodegradable, and can be reused and repaired multiple times. These qualities make it an ideal fit for circular economy models. Our commitment was further reinforced by the ability to source wood through a fully traceable, PEFC-certified supply chain, ensuring that each pallet supports responsible forestry and resource stewardship.
Instead of defaulting to plastic or composite options, we invested in a material that delivers on all fronts: regulatory compliance, performance efficiency, and sustainability. This approach has not only helped us reduce our own environmental footprint but has also enabled our clients to build more sustainable, regulation-ready logistics systems.
Q. In what ways do PEFC certifications influence trust, compliance, and international trade opportunities for Indian exporters using Jay Wood Industry products?
A. PEFC certification provides buyers with the assurance that the wood is sourced from sustainably and responsibly managed forests, which is increasingly vital in today’s ESG-driven procurement landscape. This traceability fosters trust and enhances the credibility of our clients’ supply chains, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.
From a compliance perspective, PEFC certification aligns with international environmental regulations, particularly in Europe. Exporters using certified pallets are better equipped to meet these standards, minimising the risks associated with regulatory checks or potential trade barriers. Most importantly, PEFC certification serves as a key enabler for accessing global markets. As sustainability norms tighten worldwide, certification acts as a mark of credibility, facilitating smoother entry into environmentally conscious markets.
For us, certifications are not just credentials—they are strategic assets that help our clients navigate the complexities of global supply chains with confidence.
Q. How do certified wooden pallets tangibly contribute to reducing the carbon footprint in industrial logistics, especially when compared to traditional plastic-based alternatives?
A. Certified wooden pallets offer tangible environmental benefits over traditional plastic-based alternatives, particularly in reducing carbon emissions within industrial logistics. As a naturally renewable resource, wood stores carbon throughout its lifecycle. When sourced from sustainably managed forests validated through certifications like PEFC, it also supports reforestation and carbon sequestration efforts, directly contributing to broader climate goals.
Plastic pallets, by contrast, are derived from fossil fuels, require energy-intensive manufacturing, and often face limitations in recyclability, leading many to end up in landfills. Wooden pallets not only require significantly less energy to produce but are also reusable, repairable, and easily repurposed at end-of-life. This extends their utility while minimising waste and emissions.
By incorporating certified wooden pallets into their logistics networks, businesses can reduce the embodied carbon of their packaging solutions and advance circular economy practices. This not only supports their sustainability targets but also helps meet rising market expectations for environmentally responsible supply chains.
Q. Can Jay Wood Industry share insights on the challenges Indian manufacturers face in transitioning from plastic to sustainable wooden packaging?
A. Making the switch from plastic to sustainable wooden packaging is a meaningful step forward for Indian manufacturers, but it does come with some initial adjustments. While wooden pallets may seem costlier upfront, their durability, reusability, and lower environmental impact make them a more practical investment over time. More importantly, they help businesses stay aligned with global compliance standards and sustainability goals, both of which are becoming essential for accessing international markets.
On the operational side, manufacturers might need to tweak their handling or storage processes slightly, but these are manageable with the right support. That’s why we work closely with our clients, offering technical guidance and training to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Today’s wooden pallets are also far more advanced than they used to be. With innovations like moisture-resistant treatments and EPAL-certified designs, they meet strict hygiene and safety standards—even in sectors like pharma and cold-chain logistics. So, this shift isn’t just about swapping one material for another—it’s about embracing a more responsible, future-ready way of doing business.
Q. What innovations is Jay Wood Industry currently investing in, such as heat-treated pallets or alternative materials, that reflect the future of sustainable packaging?
A. At Jay Wood Industry, innovation is central to how we approach sustainable packaging. We’re constantly investing in technologies and practices that improve product performance, reduce environmental impact, and ensure compliance with evolving global standards.
One of our key areas of focus is heat-treated pallets. Our facility is equipped with three advanced treatment units, each capable of processing up to 750 pallets per batch. This ensures full compliance with ISPM-15 phytosanitary regulations, which are critical for international shipping. Heat treatment not only enhances the durability and hygiene of our pallets but also makes them well-suited for sensitive sectors like pharmaceuticals and cold-chain logistics.
We’ve also embraced automation across our production lines. From corner cutting and branding to stacking and our in-house developed Chamfering Machine, which reduces a 12-hour manual process to just one hour—we’re driving greater efficiency, precision, and scalability, while cutting down on material waste.
On the materials front, we remain committed to using PEFC-certified wood sourced from responsibly managed forests in Europe. This supports both traceability and global forest conservation efforts. Looking ahead, we're actively exploring areas like pallet refurbishment, modular designs, and lifecycle extension—each aimed at reinforcing a truly circular packaging model.
Ultimately, our goal is to create pallets that do more than just meet current requirements—they need to be part of a sustainable, future-ready supply chain built for a low-carbon, regulation-driven world.
Q. From your experience, which industries, such as pharmaceuticals or FMCG, have been the earliest adopters or strongest advocates of sustainable palletisation, and why?
A. From our experience, the pharmaceutical, chemical, and FMCG sectors have been among the earliest and most proactive adopters of sustainable palletisation.
The pharmaceutical industry has led this shift largely due to its stringent global compliance requirements. Exporters in this space depend on ISPM-15-certified, heat-treated wooden pallets to meet hygiene and safety standards, particularly critical in cold-chain logistics. For them, sustainable pallets aren’t just about environmental responsibility—they’re a necessity for regulatory approval and secure global transit.
In the chemical industry, the emphasis is on durability and load stability. Wooden pallets are valued for their strength and ability to withstand heavy or hazardous materials without deforming. The added benefit is their compatibility with circular practices such as repair, reuse, and material recovery.
FMCG companies have embraced sustainable pallet solutions as part of their broader ESG and brand sustainability goals. As consumer expectations shift toward environmentally responsible practices, these businesses are adopting biodegradable, reusable packaging as a way to align with their values and stand out in global markets.
What unites these sectors is a shared recognition that sustainability is not just good practice—it's a good strategy. Their demand has played a crucial role in driving innovation, improving standards, and accelerating broader adoption across the supply chain.
Q. Could you share any recent data on how many pallets Jay Wood Industry manufactures annually and the average reuse rate achieved per pallet in the supply chain?
A. Jay Wood Industry currently produces over 550,000 pallets annually, each of which is treated in accordance with ISPM 15 standards to ensure full compliance with global regulatory requirements, particularly relevant for sensitive sectors such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals.
All the new pallets we supply to our clients are primarily used for export purposes. While our clients typically use them only once, their customers often reuse these pallets multiple times. According to a study conducted by EPAL (European Pallet Association), a properly handled pallet can be reused up to seven times before it requires any repairs. This highlights the durability and extended utility of high-quality pallets in the supply chain.
Manufacturing is carried out at our solar-powered facility in Taloja, which generates an average of 97.5 kWh of clean energy per day. Process innovations—including the integration of specialised equipment like the Chamfering Machine—further optimise efficiency while reducing our environmental footprint. Sustainability and durability are at the core of our design philosophy, enabling us to maximise value across the product lifecycle through responsible manufacturing practices.
Q. Looking ahead, what are the top sustainability packaging trends Jay Wood Industry anticipates shaping the Indian manufacturing and export space over the next five years?
A. Several key trends are expected to drive the evolution of sustainable packaging in India’s manufacturing and export landscape:
- Adoption of biodegradable and mono-material packaging: The industry is likely to shift away from multi-layer plastics toward biodegradable, compostable, and mono-material options. These alternatives will be particularly significant for secondary and tertiary packaging, promoting easier recycling and reducing overall landfill contribution.
- Emergence of smart pallets and IoT-enabled packaging: As logistics operations become more digitally integrated, the adoption of smart pallets equipped with Iot sensors, RFID tags, and tracking systems is set to increase. These technologies allow for real-time monitoring of variables such as temperature, humidity, and location, especially critical for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and perishable goods.
- Regulatory compliance driving innovation: Heightened global environmental regulations, particularly in the EU and North America, are encouraging manufacturers to pursue certifications that validate sustainable sourcing, treatment, and traceability. This regulatory pressure is catalysing innovation across packaging systems.
- Eco-friendly cold-chain logistics: The rising demand for temperature-controlled exports, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, is generating interest in sustainable materials that are suited for cold-chain environments. Solutions that are moisture-resistant, durable, and hygienic are poised to replace traditional plastic-based options.
- Automation for waste reduction and precision: There is growing industry-wide investment in automated, energy-efficient manufacturing systems designed to minimise waste and improve consistency. Automation is increasingly seen as a strategic lever for achieving both environmental and operational efficiency.
- Expansion of circular economy and reuse models: Finally, the industry is gravitating towards packaging models that support repair, reuse, and end-of-life repurposing. Initiatives such as pallet pooling, buyback schemes, and refurbishment programs are gaining traction as part of broader ESG-driven strategies.
Through these emerging trends, Jay Wood Industry remains committed to advancing responsible packaging solutions that align with the evolving needs of manufacturers, exporters, and regulators alike.
x
.jpg)
