European Groups Push for B2B RTP Reuse Symbol Exemption
Several European organisations are pushing for an exemption from displaying a reuse symbol on reusable transport packaging (RTP) used in business-to-business (B2B) operations in Europa. They argue that this will level the playing field with RTP in open-loop systems and avoid unnecessary duplication of existing reuse measures.
Leading the charge are industry bodies such as the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN), the European Shippers' Council (ESC), and the World Packaging Organization (WPO). They are joined by the European Shippers' Council (ESC) and the European Logistics Association (ELA), which focus on logistics and transport in the EU. These organisations aim to balance sustainability goals with efficiency and practicality in packaging procedures.
The signatories have urged the European Commission to allow this exemption. They propose that the symbol should only be used on packaging that is demonstrably reused in practice, operating in an established reuse system. The symbol should be visually attractive, memorable, and legible across different application methods and sizes. It should also be recognisable across various applications, contexts, languages, and cultures in Europe, and should not resemble existing symbols for different end uses. The packaging should safely withstand a set number of rotations, with producers verifying their compliance through traceable systems or certified average calculations. An entity or third party should maintain the system's performance and hold participants accountable.
The European Commission is encouraged to work with national competent authorities to conduct education and awareness-raising initiatives. The aim is to ensure that any exemption from displaying a reuse symbol on RTP used in B2B operations in the EU does not hinder sustainability efforts, but rather supports them while maintaining efficiency and practicality.
