Sustainability through repair and modification of trolleys

Case: NetOnNet

NetOnNet, a prominent company in electronics retail, uses manual picking trolleys from Helge Nyberg in its warehouse in Borås. Since the initial purchase of the trolleys in 2014, both the scale of operations and the warehouse layout have evolved—driven in part by significant growth in e-commerce. To meet these changing needs and optimize equipment for today’s workflows, NetOnNet chose to explore the possibility of adapting and further developing their existing trolleys—an approach aligned with the company’s commitment to cost-efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

Picking trolley with 96 compartments, repaired and modified

NetOnNet decided to repair one of its largest trolleys, which has 96 compartments. This trolley was difficult to steer when fully loaded and needed improvements to facilitate daily operations. Together with Helge Nyberg, they opted to install balancing wheels to improve maneuverability, as well as vertical handles for easier grip and handling. In addition, a simple, stable, and ergonomic step ladder was added to assist with picking from high shelves without taking up excessive space.

Circular solution and sustainability mindset

Instead of discarding the trolley, which had become damaged and worn, NetOnNet committed to a circular strategy. Repairing and modifying the existing trolley not only improved ergonomics and the work environment but also offered a sustainable alternative that reduced the need for new purchases. By extending the trolley’s lifespan, the company saved money and reduced its carbon footprint. This approach aligns with NetOnNet’s long-term strategy to conserve resources, and they plan to repair more trolleys during less busy periods.

Results and benefits

After the repairs and modifications, NetOnNet tested the upgraded trolley and received positive feedback from their staff. The trolley is now easier to maneuver and more ergonomic, which has improved the working environment for daily users. The integrated step ladder has made it easier to pick items from high shelves. This demonstrates how small adjustments can make a big difference in everyday work, without needing to replace entire pieces of equipment.

Andreas Jinnedal, Supervisor & Danijel Simonovic, Safety Representative

Use of QR codes to easily identify trolleys in need of service

Future sustainability goals

NetOnNet maintains a strong focus on sustainable solutions in transport and packaging. Although trolleys are not their primary sustainability focus, this initiative shows that they also apply circular thinking within warehouse operations. The company has also implemented a QR code system to quickly identify damaged trolleys and initiate repairs before issues escalate. This helps reduce downtime and maximize equipment lifespan.

Summary

By repairing and modifying existing trolleys from Helge Nyberg, NetOnNet has chosen a sustainable and cost-effective path. Focusing on repair over replacement has extended the life of their equipment, improved ergonomics for employees, and contributed to a more sustainable way of managing warehouse operations.

In this project, 94% of the trolley’s parts were reused, which significantly minimized the need for newly produced materials. The total climate impact (calculated based on steel production and transport in 2025) was 49.17 kg CO₂e for the modified trolley – compared to 270.03 kg CO₂e for a newly produced equivalent. This results in a climate saving of 220.86 kg CO₂e per trolley.