Following the recent vote on the draft Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) at the European Parliament, we’re pleased to report that, the European Parliament has adopted the industry’s proposed changes which effectively exempt wooden pallet shipments in and out of the EU from specific provisions that would unnecessarily disrupt vital supply chains.
As a member of the Global Wood Packaging Forum, our Technical & Industry Affairs Director, John Dye, was actively involved in an advisory role with the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA), to support engagement and lobbying on the issue.
He said: “As an industry committed to sustainability, we support the overarching goals of the PPWR in waste reduction, but a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work for pallets and their pivotal role in the supply chain.
“The initial PPWR draft did not recognise the unique properties of timber pallets as infinitely customisable, reusable, and 100% recyclable. Within this context, we must ensure an uninterrupted, sustainable supply chain for timber pallets to support the continuity of global trade.”
The NWPCA said: “As the sole advocate for the global wooden pallet industry in Brussels, NWPCA thanks the European Parliament for exempting international wooden pallet shipments from disruptive PPWR provisions, safeguarding vital supply chains.
“European Parliament has incorporated our proposed language into the PPWR. This is a big win for our membership and global trade, and we strongly recommend that the European Council adopt the same provisions.”
