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The Pflanzen-Kölle retail group has been recognised by Deutsche Umwelthilfe for its reusable transport solution for plant pots. Since introducing this solution, the company has replaced around 1.8 million single-use packages, saving 250 tonnes of plastic.
The German Environmental Aid (DUH) today honoured the medium-sized retail group Pflanzen-Kölle for its commitment to avoiding single-use plastic waste. For 25 years now, the company has relied nationwide on the low-waste and climate-friendly transport of plants using Palettino reusable pallets that can be reused hundreds of times. As a result, more than 1.8 million single-use plastic packages weighing more than 250 tonnes could be saved. DUH calls on all plant producers and traders to use reusable instead of disposable packaging when transporting goods.
More than 150 million disposable pallets every year
„In the German plant trade, 95 per cent of single-use plastic pallets used for transporting perennials and houseplants from the grower to the retailer are short-lived. This results in a huge mountain of plastic waste of more than 150 million disposable pallets every year. With its reusable pallets, Pflanzen-Kölle shows how this waste problem can be solved quickly, easily and without any disadvantages. Reusable transport packaging can be reused hundreds of times and produces around 30 per cent less CO2. All plant retailers should take a leaf out of Pflanzen-Kölle's book and switch to reusable packaging. To speed this up, we are calling on Environment Minister Steffi Lemke to introduce a levy of at least 20 cents on single-use plastic pallets. The proceeds can be used to specifically promote reusable packaging,“ says DUH Federal Managing Director Barbara Metz. Metz personally presented the managing directors of Pflanzen-Kölle Jörg Greimel and Michael Wittmann with a certificate at the retail outlet in Teltow in recognition of their commitment to the environment through reusable packaging.
Pflanzen-Kölle has been using reusable packaging to transport perennials, bedding plants and balcony plants for years. Small trees from tree nurseries are also transported 100 per cent in reusable packaging. Cut flowers are offered 95 per cent in reusable containers. „We at Pflanzen-Kölle are gardeners with heart and soul. Thanks to our closeness to nature, we have a clear view of a healthy future. That's why, in addition to sustainable product ranges, biodiversity and species diversity, climate-friendly reusable packaging is also part of our corporate philosophy. We are constantly looking for innovative solutions and are trying to extend the reusable approach to other products. That's why we started transporting 80 per cent of our organic herbs in Palettino reusable pallets in February of this year. To this end, 100,000 reusable pallets are in circulation, replacing the energy- and resource-intensive production of new disposable packaging with each reuse„, says Michael Wittmann, Managing Director of Pflanzen-Kölle.
In addition to Pflanzen-Kölle, its partner suppliers of organic herbs and perennials also rely on reusable pallets. The more companies use reusable pallets, the more efficient and better the packaging system works. In addition to ecological reasons, it is also economically worthwhile for retailers to opt for reusable packaging. Particularly in view of ever-increasing energy and raw material prices, their use is significantly cheaper than constantly buying new disposable packaging.
Source: DUH
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