ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Wood Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) is taking credit for securing an exemption from the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that established reuse requirements for wooden pallets entering and leaving the EU under load.

The PPWR aims to tackle the pressing issue of packaging waste by introducing rules for all packaging placed on the EU market. Key objectives of the regulation include reducing packaging waste through recycling and reuse initiatives. As wood is a natural and fully recyclable material, NWPCA fully supported the PPWR's aims to reduce waste and promote recycling. However, concerns arose regarding the prioritization of reusability over recyclability and the interpretation and implementation of the pallet reuse requirements, which posed a significant challenge to manufacturers and stakeholders.

NWPCA said its advocacy efforts included engaging extensively with EU decision-makers, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and member states in the Council of the EU. NWPCA said explained the logistical issues with managing a reuse system of imported pallets and advocated for a targeted exemption to alleviate these burdensome requirements for wooden pallets entering and leaving the EU under load. Through consistent communication and collaboration with key stakeholders, NWPCA said it actively built support for this critical exemption.

"This exemption is a clear win for wooden pallet manufacturers globally. Any company shipping goods into or out of the EU on a pallet will be exempt from challenging and costly reuse requirements” said Jason Ortega, vice president of public affairs of NWPCA. “Wood pallets are made from a natural, renewable resource, and billions of them serve as the backbone of the supply chain. We know that in the United States, they are recovered and recycled 95% of the time, more than any other packaging product. We do not contribute to the growing global landfill problem. Our successful engagement on this issue minimizes supply chain disruptions and safeguards the pallet industry's vitality."

NWPCA said its success was securing the inclusion of the "within the territory of the Union" language in the final negotiated text. NWPCA said it received “invaluable support” of partnering organizations, including the international membership of the Global Wood Packaging Forum, the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association, the UK Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation, and allies in the Canadian and United States governments.