Navigating EU's Packaging Waste Directive and Eco-design Regulation

Transportation pallets

For the Logistics and Transportation industry:

The rules, which have been provisionally agreed on with the European Council, include packaging reduction targets (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035 and 15% by 2040).

These legislative measures aim to reshape the landscape of packaging and product design, particularly impacting the transport and logistics industry.

Key Highlights:

• PPWD Reusable Targets: The PPWD sets ambitious targets for economic operators, requiring a minimum percentage of reusable packaging by 2030, with a further increase to 70% by 2040.
• Recycled Content Targets: The PPWD further sets minimum levels of recycled content in plastic packaging, which for packaging items has been set at minimum 35% recycled content by 2030, and further to 65% by 2040.
• Eco-design Standards: The Eco-design Regulation introduces new standards for product design, emphasizing lightweight structures, material efficiency, and the use of recycled materials.

Targets are set to increase the amount of recycled plastic used in packaging. Foto: Bremnes Agency

AION understands the importance of these directives and their implications for businesses operating in the logistics sector.

Especially reusable and recycled content targets can be challenging to meet for various packaging. And while certain exemptions exist for specific applications, for example cardboard boxes may be exempted from reuse targets due to their limitations in certain contexts or packaging relating to medical grade items to ensure safety - items such as transportation pallets can for many be an easy to implement change that will fall under new regulations.

The PPWD states that economic operators must ensure that at least 40% of transport packaging used is reusable by 2030, with a goal of reaching 70% by 2040. This requirement encompasses a wide range of packaging formats, including pallets, foldable plastic boxes, trays, and plastic crates. Additionally, the regulation emphasizes the need for economic operators to adhere to strict waste management rules and encourages the use of recycled materials in packaging.

AION 100% circular pallets are a economical viable alternative to meet regulations

OUR SOLUTION:

• Circular Pallets:
  Our AION Nestable pallets offer a durable design, ensuring longevity and impact resistance for reliable logistics solutions. Weighing less than half of the EPAL, significantly reducing transport weight and fuel consumption. Also helping the importer ensure that the packaging placed on the marked has a weight that is reduced to the minimum while still for ensuring functionality.
• Hygiene and Reusability:
  Plastic pallets can be easily cleaned, ensuring hygiene standards are maintained throughout the supply chain. Moreover, the Eco-design Regulation mandates a maximum empty space ratio of 50% for packaging, where our AION nestable pallets excel by maximizing truck space, fitting up to 1617 empty pallets compared to 500 EPAL.
• Practical Features:
  With features such as easy cleaning, RFID/IoT compatibility, and freezer storage capability, our pallets are versatile across diverse environments. Plastic pallets are easier to handle for employees, making it safer to unload, refill, and handle without risking injuries.

Wooden pallets used in transportation result in heavy transport, heavily reliant on the use of virgin resources

Consequences for Non-Compliance: Companies that fail to adopt these changes risk facing consequences, both from regulatory bodies and consumers. Non-compliance with reuse and recycled content targets could result in fines, reputational damage, and limited market access. Moreover, as sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for consumers, companies that neglect to embrace circularity may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage in the market

In conclusion, by embracing reusable, recycled and circular packaging solutions, companies can not only meet regulatory requirements but also contribute to a cleaner, greener future for generations to come. At AION, we are proud to be at the forefront of this, offering innovative solutions that drive positive change in the industry.

Join us in our mission to create a more sustainable world, one pallet at a time.

New EU rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging | News | European Parliament (europa.eu)

EU Parliament approves new ‘ecodesign’ rules to make products more sustainable – Euractiv