UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 25, 2025 /

The UK’s largest importer and stockist of pallet trucks and other manual handling equipment has reported a notable rise in demand for more sustainable solutions. 

As conversations around climate impact and greener operations grow louder, Pallet Truck Shop is noting that businesses are increasingly seeking equipment that aligns more closely with their environmental commitments. The company has seen a marked shift in buyer behaviour, with customers prioritising tools that support long-term sustainability, operational resilience, and low-energy performance. 

This shift is likely driven by a change in mindset. While sustainability requirements were once seen as a challenge, more UK businesses are now embracing them as a genuine opportunity. Many have realised that investing in eco-friendly equipment not only reduces their environmental footprint but can also bring practical advantages. From lower operational costs to improved flexibility and better alignment with modern customer expectations, the benefits are becoming harder to ignore. As a result, low-emission, non-electric pallet trucks and durable manual gear are no longer a niche choice or a basic solution; they’re fast becoming the preferred option.

Lower-energy alternatives are gaining ground at a time when companies and warehouse operators alike are rethinking how they consume resources. Pallet Truck Shop has noted a significant increase in demand for manual table trucks, manual stackers, regular hand pallet trucks, and other types of low-energy solutions. There is also growing interest in equipment that relies on hydraulic systems, compatible with the new generation of sustainable, biodegradable fluids. These products are enabling teams to reduce emissions and energy consumption without sacrificing day-to-day functionality.

“We’re seeing a genuine shift, not just in product demand, but in mindset,” says Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Truck Shop. “More businesses are moving away from energy-hungry automation and towards manual solutions that offer control, efficiency, and a lighter environmental impact. Businesses aren’t just meeting targets; they’re making conscious, strategic choices that are set to benefit them not only today, but into the future.”

Cost remains a powerful driver. With energy bills continuing to bite and economic conditions still uncertain, eco-friendly options often present a cheaper alternative. Manual handling equipment typically requires little or no power to operate, which means lower running costs, minimal maintenance, and fewer technical issues, all of which help protect margins in leaner times. For many firms, the most cost effective choice is also the greenest choice. 

However, it’s not just about the bottom line. Growing pressure around ESG commitments, corporate sustainability goals, and the UK government’s net-zero targets means environmental responsibility is no longer optional. Many clients now expect the businesses they work with to demonstrate real accountability. By investing in cleaner, greener equipment, companies are not only improving performance but reinforcing their values, communicating their beliefs, acting responsibly, and future-proofing their reputation.

To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk