Western Pallet Magazine June 2019 | Page 26

26 WESTERN PALLET

“The spring meeting saw an important exchange of information between members and discussion on subjects including European legislation, recycling and ISPM15,” said Ceelaert. “International logistics is connected by its very nature, so collaboration between the UK and our colleagues in Europe and beyond is essential, both now and after Brexit, to ensure that business remains smooth and wooden pallets and packaging continue to play their central role, both as a facilitator of trade and a part of the increasingly prominent circular economy.”

FEFPEB welcomes changes to Packaging Waste Directive

In another announcement, FEFPEB welcomed an important change to the European Union’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive, which affects how recycling targets for wooden packaging are calculated, following work by the industry.

The European Union has accepted that wood used in both the reuse and repair of pallets and packaging have to be included in the calculation of recycling rates.

FEFPEB has informed its members about the changes – which have been incorporated into the Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive.

“Wood used in both the reuse and repair of pallets and packaging has been accepted, which is a real success,” said Ceelaert. “Not reaching recycling targets could cause great problems in terms of penalties, so we are happy with this helpful new regulation, with realistic recycling targets, which removes a lot of concern for our industry.”

He added that under the revised directive, replacing one component in a pallet also now allows the full weight of the pallet to be accounted for as recycled.

Source: FEFPEB Newsletter