Ensuring Compliance with New EU PPWR Packaging Regulations With Reusable Plastic Crates

With new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws emphasising reuse, businesses are rethinking their packaging strategies. Importantly, this shift isn’t just about compliance; it’s about enhancing sustainability. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the key advantages of reusable plastic crates over single-use packaging, including reduced environmental impact, improved operational efficiency, and lower costs. As sustainability gains importance, now is the perfect time to consider why switching to reusable plastic packaging makes sense for your business. 

The Cost of Single-Use Packaging  

Single-use options, such as cardboard and rigid plastic crates and containers, may seem convenient initially but they come with several hidden costs and inefficacies. These include:

• Lack of Standardisation and Compatibility: Varied sizes and shapes from different suppliers lead to inefficiencies in palletization and transport. 

• Increased Handling: Single use boxes often require extra handling due to their instability, risking product damage and employee injury. 

• High Transport and Storage Costs: Single use packaging and rigid plastic containers take up the same space when empty as when full. This results in higher storage and transport costs. 

• Poor Traceability: Tracking the origin and journey of products in cardboard boxes can be difficult, manual and time consuming, increasing the risk of errors and costs throughout the supply chain.

• Replacement Costs: Cardboard boxes are disposable, and this can lead to frequent repurchasing and replacement costs. 

The Advantages of Reusable Plastic Crates and Packaging 

In contrast, Tosca’s reusable plastic crates offer several benefits that align perfectly with the new EU PPWR regulations and their focus on reuse:   

•  Standardisation and Compatibility 

Tosca’s reusable crates are designed for efficiency. Our standard 60cm x 40cm crates fit both European (80cm x 120cm) and Industrial (100cm x 120cm) pallets, optimising pallet loads and reducing transport costs. This standardisation eliminates the inefficiencies associated with single-use crates. 

• Easy and reduced handling time 

Reusable plastic crates are robust, stackable, and stable. They reduce the need for extra labour and protect products better, minimising damage and the risk of employee injury. These crates are also compatible with automated systems, further enhancing operational efficiency. 

• Lower Transport and Storage Costs 

Unlike single-use rigid crates, Tosca’s reusable plastic crates are foldable and nestable to optimise reverse logistics. This means more empty crates can fit into a standard truck, significantly reducing storage and transport costs. As an example, it takes seven trucks to transport the same number of rigid single-use crates as one truck of folded Tosca crates. 

• Enhanced Traceability 

Our reusable plastic crates can be equipped with traceability features, providing clear tracking of the product’s origin and journey. This is crucial for compliance with PPWR regulations and ensures transparency and accountability in the supply chain. 

• Better Asset Control and Fewer Losses 

With reusable crates, asset control is significantly improved. Tosca offers flexible pooling, rental, or purchase options, giving suppliers and retailers more control over their assets without high upfront costs. This reduces losses and the constant need for replacements. 

• Sustainability and Environmental Impact 

Increased sustainability is a core advantage of reusable plastic crates. They improve cube efficiency, leading to fewer trucks on the road, reduced CO2 emissions, and lower transport costs. At the end of their life, Tosca’s crates are 100% recyclable, eliminating single-use packaging waste and aligning with the PPWR’s focus on reuse and recycle.

 Conclusion 

The new EU PPWR regulations highlight the importance of reuse in packaging, making it more relevant than ever for suppliers and retailers to consider switching to reusable crates. Tosca’s reusable, foldable plastic crates offer a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solution compared to traditional single-use packaging such as cardboard or rigid plastic crates options. 

Our standardisation, reduced labour costs, lower transport costs, enhanced traceability, and better asset control all contribute to a more streamlined and profitable operation. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also helps growers comply with the latest regulations. 

To find out more, download our free whitepaper Navigating the Future: A Guide to EU Packaging Regulations.