Wooden pallets represent one of the largest waste streams for logistics companies.

As part of the Green Deal and a new action plan for a circular economy, the European Commission has presented a proposal to amend the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), with the aim of promoting the reuse of packaging materials. In this proposal, pallets are placed under the category of ‘transport packaging’, with the associated target of 30% reuse in 2030 and 90% reuse in 2040.

Although this proposal is not yet binding, lobbyists from the sector and representatives of the European Union are looking positively at the upcoming stricter legislation regarding packaging materials. Once this legislation becomes effective, companies will have to closely monitor their pallet flows.

Xella Netherlands, as a partner of the Circular Plastics Alliance, has already taken the first step by making the wooden pallets used for cellular concrete panels more sustainable by switching to 100% recyclable plastic pallets. This saves the company 70 tons of CO2 emissions annually and puts it ahead of the upcoming legislation.