Industry Calls for Reusable Transport Packaging to Become a Pillar of the EU Circular Economy

The Roundtable for Reusable Containers, Trays and Pallets (RCTP) is urging the European Commission to prioritize reusable transport packaging within the upcoming Circular Economy Act. The organization argues that while current policy focuses heavily on recycling and waste management, established reuse systems for pallets and containers offer superior benefits for industrial competitiveness and supply chain resilience. This push aims to shift the legislative focus toward waste prevention as the packaging sector seeks more resource-efficient solutions to meet tightening environmental regulations.

The RCTP, representing stakeholders in reusable containers, trays, and pallets, has published a position paper asserting that these systems are critical across manufacturing, food production, retail, healthcare, and the automotive sectors. The group recommends that the EU harmonizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes across Member States and introduces financial incentives to reward businesses for waste prevention through reuse. Specific proposals include exempting reusable transport packaging from certain EPR fees and establishing common certification requirements for imports from outside the European Free Trade Association to ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of Europe's circular economy.

Supporting these calls, research from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute highlights the significant economic and environmental advantages of reuse. One study indicates that expanding reusable transport packaging in the fruit and vegetable sector alone could prevent product losses valued at nearly €100 million annually due to improved protection during transit. Furthermore, data suggests that reusable plastic transport packaging can remain operational for up to 15 years, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90% compared to single-use alternatives while requiring significantly less freshwater and energy throughout its lifecycle.

This advocacy follows a recent decision by the European Commission to exempt certain transport applications, such as pallet wrapping films and strapping materials, from the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) reuse targets due to concerns over disproportionate costs. Despite these specific exemptions, innovation continues within the private sector, exemplified by the recent collaboration between Tosca and Cabka to launch an industrial pallet made entirely from recycled plastic for automated logistics. The forthcoming Circular Economy Act is expected to be a decisive factor in how European companies design and implement future logistics and packaging frameworks as they face increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints.