PPL launches a new type of Parcelboxes

PPL has launched smaller, more sustainable Parcelboxes. More than 500 of them have been installed across the country so far. Compared to traditional Parcelboxes, the new more sustainable Parcelboxes are equipped with photovoltaic panels and thus do not require any external electricity supply for their operation. The innovation in the field of PPL dispensers is not only another step towards sustainability, it also contributes to the amenities of municipalities across the Czech Republic.

PPL expands its ESG activities and launches its first energy-saving Parcelboxes. "With the launch of the solar-powered Parcelboxes, we are not only taking another step towards sustainability, but also expanding our services. The boxes are smaller and can be used virtually anywhere, without the need to be connected to electricity. At the same time, we are also supporting the amenities of those municipalities that have not been able to find a suitable location for a classic Parcelbox but want to provide these services to their citizens," explains Petr Horák, CEO of PPL CZ.

The energy self-sufficiency of the new type of boxes brings, among other things, the advantage of their independence from the external electricity supply, and it is possible to place them even in places where the connection could be difficult or impossible.

"For us, PPL Parcelbox represents an extension of the offer of convenient parcel pick-up for our citizens, an improvement in the quality of services and we consider it a part of the civic amenities. We especially appreciate the possibility of picking up a parcel at a time that best suits the addressee, which is a great advantage when most of our residents commute to work and return home in the evening. Given the absence of almost all amenities, including shops, this is a way for us to improve the quality of life in our village," says the mayor of Květnice, Lenka Houžvičková.

 

Hundreds of sustainable boxes around the country

There are currently more than 500 of these special Parcelboxes across the Czech Republic, both in smaller and larger municipalities. By the end of the year, the company plans to increase their number even further. "Thanks to the new technology and smaller size, we can expand to places where this was not possible before. Our sales team is in contact with other mayors and we believe that this way we will eventually make order pick-up available to everyone in the country," comments Petr Horák.

 

They can handle months without sun

There are no problems with the operation of environmentally friendly Parcelboxes even in the winter months when there are fewer sunny days. The photovoltaic panels can generate electricity even when it is dark or cloudy. In addition, the batteries can stay charged for up to several months. "But if the electricity does run out, the battery can be replaced with a charged one. Sending and picking up packages is thus unrestricted," adds Petr Horák.

 

Riding the wave of green logistics

The operation of the new Parcelboxes is in line with other steps PPL is taking in the area of sustainable logistics. Year-on-year, the company has managed to reduce the amount of CO2 per parcel delivered by 12%. Last year, the company processed almost four million parcels emission-free, which is almost twice as much as in 2023. Parcels are also currently delivered by PPL drivers using more than 140 alternatively powered vehicles, with the charging network for electric vehicles currently having two hundred and fifty charging stations. In the centres of six cities in the Czech Republic (besides Prague, for example, in Liberec or České Budějovice), PPL cycle couriers also deliver packages.