2016-2017 - PalletKraft Evolves Into KraftPal as the X-Pallet Breakthrough Redefines the Technology
The 2016-2017 period marked a major technology and brand transition as KraftPal emerged, a new R&D center opened in Slovenia and the patented X-Pallet architecture addressed critical international logistics requirements.
A New Brand for a Larger Ambition
In January 2016, KraftPal Ltd incorporated the PalletKraft brand into a broader corporate structure and began using KraftPal for local operating units in different markets. The brand transition reflected the project's evolution from early testing toward a more scalable international industrial proposition.
A Larger R&D Platform in Slovenia
In June 2016, the project moved its research and development activities to a new center in Ruse, Slovenia. KraftPal's historical record describes a 30,000-square-meter facility intended to support the next stage of development and host international partners, clients and the technical team.
The R&D challenge remained demanding: a corrugated pallet intended for mass adoption had to operate inside infrastructure originally designed around wooden pallets.
The X-Pallet Breakthrough
In January 2017, KraftPal recorded one of its most important technology milestones: the X-Pallet concept. The interlocking architecture was developed to improve structural rigidity and load distribution while allowing a corrugated pallet to perform in demanding logistics applications including open-edge racking, conveyor systems and heavy-load transportation.
Independent Testing Matters
KraftPal states that the X-Pallet underwent testing at the NEFAB Engineering Center in Barneveld, the Netherlands. Current KraftPal product documentation continues to reference independent NEFAB testing and describes the proprietary interlocking X-frame as the structural basis of the pallet system.
This was strategically important. Industrial disruption requires more than a sustainability narrative; the replacement product must work within the operational realities of the incumbent system.
From Product Design to Intellectual Property
The X concept also became part of KraftPal's intellectual-property strategy. The company's corporate materials list patents, utility models, copyrights, machinery blueprints and know-how among its IP assets.
The project was therefore developing two connected technology layers: the pallet architecture itself and the manufacturing process required to produce multiple pallet designs at scale.
Why the X-Pallet Became the Turning Point
Bloomberg Adria later highlighted the 2017 X-Pallet development in Ruse as one of KraftPal's most important breakthroughs, noting its compliance with international logistics requirements and its role in the company's wider expansion.
For the founder history, this is a key milestone: the project had moved from testing whether corrugated pallets could work to engineering a proprietary architecture designed for mainstream logistics.
← Previous Milestone: 2013-2016 - From Pilot Production to Commercial Validation: PalletKraft Builds Its R&D Foundation
→ Next Milestone: 2017 - KraftPal Expands the Platform With an Airfreight Pallet Developed With DHL
