Objectives
Making transport packaging more sustainable is high on Royal FloraHolland's agenda. Part of this involves reducing the amount of waste generated by the use of transport packaging.
We comply with current legal requirements and are now preparing for the introduction of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This legislation sets binding requirements and guidelines for reducing the environmental impact of packaging from 2030 onwards.
Our ambitions for 2030 are therefore directly linked to the PPWR objectives. And thus also linked to the efficient and circular use of materials. The following PPWR targets are expected to apply from 2030, the first of which we have already achieved:
- All packaging must be 100% recyclable.
- Plastic packaging must contain at least 35% recycled material.
- The design of packaging must ensure that the weight, volume and number of layers of material are kept to a minimum, while maintaining functionality.
- Promoting reusable packaging with minimum targets within the EU (10-40% for packaging used within the EU region and 100% for packaging used within an EU country).
Achievements to date
- All our transport packaging is 100% recyclable.
- The single-use plant trays we sell contain an average of 96% recycled material. We aim to use 35% recycled material for our reusable plastic buckets, racks and plant trays (provided this is sufficiently available from our suppliers).
- With standardised transport packaging, we are working to minimise the weight of packaging without compromising on functionality.
- We encourage the use of reusable packaging by offering reusable packaging and plant trays at attractive prices and by introducing the Euro Plant Tray (EPT) in 2025.
- 100% of the cardboard packaging we purchase or rent is FSC certified.
- By providing the right knowledge and tools, we make it easier for our customers to make more sustainable packaging choices. For example, by publishing various studies initiated by us on the environmental impact of different types of packaging.
- We are using less and less cardboard thanks to the introduction of smarter packaging (such as the reusable Fc595 stacking tray).
- We now trade 90% of flowers and 10% of plants in reusable packaging.
Our new developments
Below, we give you an insight into the various initiatives Royal FloraHolland is currently working on to realise our ambitions for 2030:
- Introduction of new reusable flower bucket Fc555 (spring 2026)
- With the introduction of the new Fc555 flower bucket, we are reducing chain costs and making floriculture more sustainable. When using this bucket, a single-use cardboard collar or reusable Fc596 support shelving is no longer necessary. This not only saves on packaging costs, but also reduces the use of cardboard.
- Roll-out of Euro Plant Tray
- Euro Plant Tray (EPT) is an initiative of lots of folks from all links in the European floriculture chain to introduce a reusable plant tray series, including the corresponding pool model. Royal FloraHolland is also part of this joint venture. Since March 2025, growers and buyers have been trading plant transactions in EPT trays, with Royal FloraHolland facilitating the collection and distribution of these trays.
- Roll-out of reusable support shelving Fc595
- With the development and introduction of the low reusable support shelving Fc595 in summer 2024, we expect to save 100,000 kilos of cardboard per year. The roll-out will take place in phases and we expect approval for all product groups next summer.
