PPL has launched the operation of smaller, more sustainable Parcelboxes. More than 500 of them have been installed across the country so far. Unlike standard Parcelboxes, the new, more sustainable ones are fitted with photovoltaic panels and therefore need no external electricity supply to operate. This addition to the PPL parcel box range is not only another step towards sustainability; it also improves local amenities in municipalities across Czechia.
PPL is expanding its ESG activities and putting its first energy self-sufficient Parcelboxes into operation. “By launching solar-powered Parcelboxes we are not only taking another step towards sustainability, we are also broadening our services. The boxes are smaller and can be used practically anywhere, with no need for an electricity connection. At the same time, we are improving amenities even in municipalities that have not managed to find a suitable site for a standard Parcelbox but want to offer these services to their residents,” explains Petr Horák, CEO of PPL CZ.
One advantage of the new type of box being energy self-sufficient is that it does not depend on an external power supply, so it can be installed in places where a connection would be difficult or outright impossible.
“The PPL Parcelbox gives our residents another convenient way to collect their shipments and improves the services available here, and we consider it part of the village's amenities. We particularly appreciate being able to pick up a shipment at the time that suits the recipient best, which is a great advantage when most of our residents commute to work and come home in the evening. Given the almost complete absence of local amenities, shops included, this is a way for us to improve the quality of life in our village,” says Lenka Houžvičková, Mayor of Květnice.
Hundreds of sustainable boxes across the country
There are currently more than 500 of these special Parcelboxes across the Czech Republic, in both smaller and larger municipalities. The company plans to increase that number further by the end of the year. “Thanks to the new technology and the smaller dimensions, we can expand into places where it was not possible before. Our sales team is in touch with other mayors and we believe that, in time, this will make order collection available to everyone in the country,” comments Petr Horák.
They cope with months without sun
The environmentally friendly Parcelboxes have no trouble operating even in the winter months, when there are fewer sunny days. The photovoltaic panels generate electricity even in low light or under cloud. The battery also stays charged for up to several months. “And if the power should run out after all, the battery can be swapped for a charged one. Sending and collecting parcels therefore continues without restriction,” adds Petr Horák.
Riding the wave of green logistics
Operating the new Parcelboxes is in line with the other steps PPL is taking in sustainable logistics. Year on year, the company has cut CO2 per delivered shipment by 12%. Last year the company handled almost four million shipments emission-free, almost twice as many as in 2023. PPL drivers currently also deliver parcels using more than 140 alternative-fuel vehicles, and the charging network for electric vehicles now has two hundred and fifty charging stations. In the centres of six Czech cities (besides Prague, for example Liberec and České Budějovice), parcels are also delivered by PPL cycle couriers.