A coalition representing Europe’s reusable transport packaging (RTP) industry is urging policymakers to give reuse a more prominent role in the European Union’s upcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA), arguing that reusable pallets, crates, trays and containers already deliver measurable economic, environmental and supply chain benefits that deserve greater recognition in future legislation.
PPWR vs. Circular Economy Act
| PPWR | Circular Economy Act |
|---|---|
| Packaging-specific regulation | Economy-wide circular economy framework |
| Sets packaging rules and reuse targets | Expected to influence broader circular economy policies |
| Already largely adopted | Currently under development |
| Focuses on packaging compliance | Could shape incentives, EPR, procurement and future legislation |
The Roundtable for Reusable Containers, Trays and Pallets (RCTP), whose members manufacture reusable pallets, crates, trays, foldable containers and bulk containers, recently released a position paper outlining four policy recommendations intended to strengthen the role of reuse within Europe’s broader circular economy strategy. The organization contends that while recycling remains an essential part of the circular economy, policymakers should place greater emphasis on preventing waste before it is created.
Although much of the industry’s attention in recent years has focused on the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the RCTP says the proposed Circular Economy Act presents another opportunity to strengthen policies that support reusable transport packaging. Rather than revisiting packaging-specific rules, the organization is advocating for broader economic policies that encourage reuse across European industry.
Rather than framing reusable packaging solely as an environmental initiative, the RCTP argues that reusable transport packaging should be viewed as critical industrial infrastructure that strengthens supply chain resilience while lowering costs and reducing dependence on virgin raw materials.
“Europe is looking for practical and scalable solutions that can strengthen competitiveness, improve resilience, and reduce environmental impact,” said Britta Wyss Bisang, chair of the RCTP Business Group. “Reusable transport packaging already delivers on these objectives. It has been operating successfully across European supply chains for decades, yet reuse remains largely absent from the current Circular Economy Act debate.
“The Circular Economy Act should recognise reuse not simply as an environmental measure, but as a strategic asset that contributes directly to Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and sustainability objectives.”
Four policy priorities
The position paper outlines four recommendations for lawmakers as they develop the Circular Economy Act.
The first calls for the legislation to explicitly recognize reuse as a strategic pillar of Europe’s circular economy. While acknowledging the importance of recycling, the RCTP argues that policy should prioritize waste prevention by encouraging products and systems designed for repeated use.
Second, the association is seeking reforms to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs across the European Union. It says today’s patchwork of national EPR systems creates unnecessary administrative complexity and recommends exempting reusable transport packaging from EPR fees. Where fees remain, the organization argues they should reward waste prevention rather than focusing primarily on recycled content.
The third recommendation focuses on public procurement. The RCTP believes governments should make greater use of reusable transport packaging when purchasing goods and services, noting that public institutions such as hospitals, schools and prisons already use reusable transport packaging in a variety of logistics applications. With public procurement representing approximately €2 trillion annually, the group sees government purchasing as an important opportunity to expand adoption.
Finally, the organization is calling for certification requirements covering reusable transport packaging imported from countries outside the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It argues that certification would help ensure imported products meet European environmental and recycled-content standards while maintaining fair competition for manufacturers investing in durable, circular products.
Research supports broader adoption
The position paper also cites recent Fraunhofer Institute research highlighting the performance of reusable transport packaging.
According to the RCTP, reusable transport packaging can remain in service for up to 15 years, reducing demand for virgin raw materials while lowering lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90 percent compared with comparable single-use alternatives. The studies also found reusable systems require significantly less energy and freshwater over their lifecycle.
Another study cited in the paper estimated that wider use of reusable crates in Europe’s fruit and vegetable sector alone could reduce product losses valued at nearly €100 million annually because of their durability.
A Broader Vision for Reuse
Beyond its specific policy recommendations, the paper reflects a broader shift in how the reusable transport packaging industry is presenting its case to policymakers.
Rather than emphasizing environmental benefits alone, the RCTP repeatedly describes reusable transport packaging as an established component of Europe’s industrial infrastructure, supporting resilient supply chains, improving resource efficiency, reducing dependence on imported raw materials and strengthening economic competitiveness. The organization argues that future circular economy policy should recognize reuse not simply as a waste management strategy, but as an investment in Europe’s long-term industrial resilience.
The RCTP represents European manufacturers of reusable transport packaging, including reusable pallets, crates, trays, foldable containers, stack containers and bulk containers. According to the organization, the sector employs approximately 10,000 people across Europe and generates roughly €2.2 billion in annual revenue.