Disposal of transport packaging
Since 2019, the Packaging Act has obliged companies in Germany to take back and recycle transport packaging such as wooden pallets, cardboard boxes and stretch film free of charge. Around 60% of this packaging is made from recyclable materials such as wood or corrugated cardboard, but improper disposal is detrimental to the circular economy.
The Central Agency Packaging Register monitors compliance via the LUCID database, in which distributors have had to register since July 2022. Violations risk fines of up to 100,000 euros or distribution bans. International markets such as France and Italy require additional EPR regulations. Material mixes, such as wood with plastic, and distributed logistics locations make take-back more difficult.
What is transport packaging?
Transport packaging is packaging that protects goods during shipping or transportation. This ensures that products arrive undamaged at retailers, logistics companies or commercial customers. Examples of transport packaging are wooden pallets, cardboard boxes, stretch film, wooden crates, foam padding or metal straps. This packaging often consists of several materials. In contrast to sales packaging, which ends up with private end consumers, transport packaging remains in the B2B sector. This type of packaging is robust, often suitable for multiple use and designed for safety. Their main purpose is to protect against impact, moisture, dust or other damage. Transport packaging plays an important role in supply chains, e.g. for machinery, food, electronics or building materials.
What materials are used?
Transport packaging often consists of several materials, which are selected depending on the product, type of transport and requirements. The most common materials are wood, corrugated cardboard, plastics, metal or textiles. Wood is used for pallets, boxes or crates. Corrugated cardboard is used in cartons, intermediate layers or protective packaging. Plastics such as stretch film, bubble wrap, foam padding or plastic straps protect sensitive goods. Metal straps are used for heavy or bulky goods. Each material has individual recycling paths and requirements. Wood is processed into chipboard, paper, furniture or biomass. Corrugated cardboard is turned into new paper or cardboard. Plastics are turned into granulate for new films, pipes or packaging. Separation by type is crucial. Contamination or material mixtures make recycling more difficult and cause higher costs.
The Packaging Act and transport packaging
The Packaging Act (VerpackG) has been in force since January 2019 and implements the EU requirements and thus regulates the handling of packaging in Germany. Transport packaging is not subject to system participation. This means that it does not have to be licensed with dual systems. Nevertheless, manufacturers and distributors have clear obligations. According to § 15 VerpackG, you must take back transport packaging from your customers free of charge. This includes retailers, logistics companies and commercial customers. Since July 2022, an extended information, verification and documentation obligation applies and registration with the Central Agency Packaging Register (LUCID) is mandatory.* You must provide proof of take-back and recycling. This is done by means of recovery certificates or quantity reports. The 2021 amendments to the Packaging Act have tightened the requirements. It requires more detailed documentation and stricter controls by the Central Agency. Violations can be punished with high fines of up to €100,000 or result in distribution bans.
The EPR and transport packaging
In Europe, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)* regulates the handling of packaging. It obliges companies to take responsibility for their packaging
- even across national borders. Each EU country has its own regulations for transport packaging. For example: In France, there are strict take-back obligations and high recycling rates. In Italy, packaging must be registered with special systems such as CONAI. In Poland, detailed documentation and fees are required. Specific rules also apply in non-EU countries such as the UK or Switzerland. If you operate internationally, you need to know the regulations of your target markets.
How is transport packaging disposed of?
First of all, the transport packaging is taken back from your customers. These can be retailers, warehouses, construction sites or logistics centers. Certified service providers collect the materials directly on site. The packaging is separated in specialized sorting facilities. Corrugated cardboard is processed into new paper or cardboard. Wood is turned into chipboard, furniture, paper or biomass for energy. Plastics such as stretch films or foam are turned into granulate for new films, pipes or packaging. Separation by type is essential. This maximizes recycling rates and minimizes waste. Some packaging, such as reusable pallets or sturdy crates, can be reused directly.
Disposal challenges
The disposal of transport packaging is associated with several challenges. Many types of packaging consist of a mix of materials, such as wooden pallets with plastic film, cardboard boxes with metal straps or foam with corrugated cardboard. This makes separation in sorting plants more difficult. Contaminants such as adhesive tape, labels and impurities interfere with the recycling process. Large quantities of packaging, distributed customer locations or international supply chains increase the effort involved. Documenting take-back and recycling can also be time-consuming, especially for companies with many customers. Specialized sorting plants and disposal service providers offer the right solutions here.
The correct disposal of transport packaging: With us
*The packaging legislation expressly regulates the possibility of commissioning third-party service providers. With our service, you can dispose of your transport packaging easily, legally compliant and sustainably. Our online quantity reporter simply records your TVP quantity report digitally. This makes documentation transparent, efficient and legally compliant. We organize the take-back directly from your customers. Certified partners ensure professional recycling in specialized sorting plants. Our solutions are environmentally friendly, cost-efficient and meet all the requirements of the German Packaging Act. We also support you with international obligations, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR). We help you to comply with country-specific regulations. Together, we will find the best solution for your company. This is how we make your disposal future-proof and sustainable.