The Euro Plant Tray eG cooperative is recognised in the latest annual reports of the OECD and the German Federal Cartel Office as a positive example of legally compliant sustainability initiatives in the European plant trade.
The OECD's new annual report emphasises the introduction of the reusable plant tray from Euro Plant Tray eG (EPT) as a forward-looking model. Back in May, the German Federal Cartel Office confirmed that the Europe-wide reusable system is unobjectionable under antitrust law. The Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM), which played a key role in the introduction of EPT, sees this as a clear signal: Sustainability is increasingly seen as a legitimate competitive advantage.
Legal certainty as the key to sustainable business models
Euro Plant Tray eG was founded by companies in the European plant trade, plant production and industry associations. As a cooperatively organised initiative, it has introduced a reusable plant tray system that replaces disposable solutions for transporting potted plants throughout Europe. The system was launched with the advice and support of the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg foundation, which has been campaigning for reusable systems in transport logistics and retail for almost 30 years.
„Legal certainty is the decisive factor for the future viability of sustainability initiatives. The mention in both annual reports shows that sustainable models are not only tolerated by supervisory authorities, but are actively recognised as an advantage.“
Dr Jens Oldenburg, Managing Director of the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg
Relevance for the European Packaging Ordinance (PPWR)
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into force in February 2025, calls for a more circular economy and waste prevention in the EU internal market from 2026. The recognition of the EPT system by central competition authorities emphasises that cooperatively organised reusable solutions are eligible and economically viable within the meaning of the PPWR.
The Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg considers the current development to be Impetus for companies, to adapt to the new regulatory framework at an early stage and invest in circular systems.
Source: Foundation Reusable Goods Initiative
