In Austria, it is estimated that around 15 million disposable plant trays are thrown away as waste every year.

Especially now in spring, retailers and especially garden centers are increasingly offering plant pots in so-called plant trays – these are transport aids that allow for safe transport and presentation of multiple plants. Plant trays are currently predominantly disposable products, meaning they are disposed of after one use. In Austria, it is estimated that approximately 15 million disposable plant trays are generated as waste each year. 80% of these disposable trays can be replaced with reusable trays, which corresponds to a saving of around 18,000 kg of single-use plastic waste per year.

Estimating the savings over ten years, a reusable system, such as the EPT system offered in the European plant market, reduces approximately 180 tons of plastic waste or approximately 900 tons of CO² equivalent emissions. This Euro Reusable Plant Tray is a European concept that will be of interest to retailers in Austria for the international supply of flowers and plants. Furthermore, the sustainability aspect of significant CO² savings must be considered, because reusable packaging is climate protection. The Logistics Association Reusable Packaging, a division of GS1 Austria, is addressing this topic in a new working group, starting at the end of June 2025.

Further information is available at http://l-mw.at.