Zellik, 14 October 2025 – European Commissioner Jessika Roswall, leading the EU’s agenda on environment, water resilience, and circular economy, visited Euro Pool Group’s Zellik service centre to witness how circular logistics are already delivering results across Europe.
The visit brought together all members of Reusable Packaging Europe (RPE), offering a dynamic platform for dialogue on reusable packaging systems and sustainable logistics. Commissioner Roswall’s engagement underscored the EU’s commitment to fostering industry acceleration regarding the transition towards a circular economy.
Advancing a competitive and circular economy
Reusable Packaging Europe (RPE) represents companies across the European Union that offer reusable transport packaging systems for retailers and producers. United by a shared mission, RPE actively engages with EU institutions to reinforce the strategic importance of reusable packaging in shaping a competitive and a truly circular European economy.
Through established, commercially viable pooling systems that are circular by design, RPE members have already been demonstrating for years how circularity and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Euro Pool Group: driving efficiency and sustainability
Euro Pool Group is one of the pioneering co-founders of Reusable Packaging Europe and Europe’s leading logistics service provider for reusable transport packaging. For over three decades, the Group has been at the forefront of circular logistics, helping retailers, growers and producers transition from disposable, single-use packaging to reusable solutions that drive efficiency, resilience and sustainability across supply chains.
“Circularity has always been at the heart of our strategy and business. It seamlessly aligns efficiency and sustainability. Retailers, customers, and suppliers are seeking value through enhanced efficiency and CO2 reduction strategies”, says Gerjo Scheringa, CEO of Euro Pool Group and Vice-Chairman of Reusable Packaging Europe. “EPG is uniquely positioned to foster these partnerships and lead supply chain circularity as a collaborative and sustainable partner for retail and fast-moving consumer good companies.”
Smart logistics in partnership with Delhaize
By integrating a sustainable business model with strategic partnerships across the value chain, Euro Pool Group has successfully transformed circularity into a tangible reality. Their iconic green trays – once seen, instantly recognisable – are delivered empty, clean and folded to growers across Europe, offering a durable and circular alternative to single-use cardboard packaging. After being filled with produce, they are sent directly to retailers such as Delhaize and forwarded to the stores. After use, the trays are returned to one of EPG’s services centres across Europe, where they are washed and distributed for reuse. The EPS service centre in Zellik, located adjacent to Delhaize, exemplifies this efficient loop by minimising transport distances and streamlining operations.
Together Euro Pool System, part of Euro Pool Group, and Delhaize have optimised return logistics and reduced truck movements, by maintaining a dense network of depots. So-called ‘empty miles’ are minimised, and CO2 emissions are reduced.
RPE proves circularity is already transforming European supply chain
The visit of European Commissioner Jessika Roswall demonstrated that circularity is not a distant ambition but a functioning reality, already transforming Europe’s logistics chains. The automated depot showcased by Euro Pool Group and other RPE members prove that reuse delivers tangible environmental and economic value at scale. RPE’s reusable packaging sector contributes significantly to Europe’s circular economy:
- Over €6-7 billion in market value (Europe only)
- 900+ operating sites
- 10,000+ direct employees and a multitude of jobs in related industries
Commissioner Roswall stated earlier this year that there is no contradiction between high environmental standards and competitiveness. Indeed, Euro Pool Group’s model reflects this vision in practice. By integrating efficiency, reuse and carbon reduction into everyday logistics, Euro Pool Group shows that circular systems are not a trade-off between environmental ambition and economic success, but a catalyst for both.
Reusable packaging as a catalyst for a competitive Europe
Reusable transport packaging remains an untapped resource across the European Union, held back by current policies and supply chain models that favour single-use systems. The upcoming Circular Economy Act offers a critical chance to reverse this trend.
In order to advance a truly competitive circular economy, Euro Pool Group urges the European Commission to take decisive action by formally recognising proven reuse models within the framework of the upcoming Circular Economy Act:
- Make reuse the cornerstone in circular economy policy. Reusable transport packaging systems operating in closed loops currently deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits at industrial scale, demonstrating the viability of circular packaging versus single use packaging like cardboard packaging.
- Safeguard and build upon the ambitions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The reuse targets and definitions established in the PPWR represent a critical foundation.
- Set clear and consistent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules. Future laws should fully recognise closed-loop reuse systems.
By embedding these principles at the heart of EU policy, Europe can strengthen its industrial competitiveness, significantly reduce emissions, and build more resilient, resource-efficient and circular supply chains.
Looking ahead: strengthening the path to a circular economy
In conclusion, Commissioner Jessika Roswall’s visit to Euro Pool Group’s service centre highlights the significant strides being made in the reusable packaging industry and the vital role it plays in advancing a circular economy in Europe. As the EU continues to prioritise circularity and efficiency, the collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers will be essential in driving forward innovative solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.
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About Euro Pool Group
EPG is Europe’s leading logistics services provider. We are specialised in returnable packaging solutions, with divisions LPR managing pallet pooling, Euro Pool System providing reusable trays for fresh produce and Stack&Track offering digital solutions that enhance customers’ supply chain efficiency, all while championing sustainability at every turn.
Join us in creating circular progress.
Contact: Sabine Gremmen, Head of Group Marketing & Communications (sabine.gremmen@europoolgroup.com / +31 6 1153 8032).
