Euro Pool Group is Europe’s leading logistics services provider. We specialise in returnable packaging solutions, with our divisions LPR managing pallet pooling and Euro Pool System providing reusable trays for fresh produce.
1992 – Euro Pool System: an initiative by three auction houses
Three packaging pools, part of the cooperative auction houses in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, wanted to put an end to the logistics impasse of inefficiency in the packaging of fresh produce. They collaborated on this and created a standard form of packaging for fruit and vegetables. The collaboration led to a sturdy, blue reusable type of packaging in four sizes and represented a major leap forward in the manner in which fresh fruit and vegetable were distributed throughout Europe.
1992 – LPR: company founded in Toulouse, France
In the same year, the story of LPR begins in the south west of France. Initially, LPR focused on several industrial sectors: chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and components. Later, Nestle Waters entrusted us with the management of its entire supply chain. This was a great mark of confidence on the part of the Swiss giant, and a relationship which we have strengthened over the years. For LPR, this was an opportunity to learn how to meet the highest standards demanded by large businesses.
1997 – Euro Pool System: expansion driven by folding trays
Because empty trays were being transported over greater distances, in 1997 we designed a new tray to reduce our carbon footprint: the folding sibling to the rigid tray. Stackable, even with the rigid version, but up to 86% less volume once the tray is folded. Because of this it is considerably more efficient and sustainable in the logistics of the fresh supply chain.
1998 – LPR: creation of the European network
LPR – La Palette Rouge began to extend its network to other European countries: its first subsidiary was established in the Netherlands, followed closely by Spain in 1999 and Portugal in 2000. This was the beginning of the European adventure that enables us to follow our customers all over Europe today!
2011 – LPR becomes a division of Euro Pool Group
LPR was acquired by Euro Pool Group, the leader in reusable packaging in Europe. This acquisition enabled LPR to expand its presence on the continent, increase its teams, and benefit from greater resources to innovate and develop new solutions.
2015 – Euro Pool System: 888 million tray rotations
Gradually we continued growing and in 2015 we achieved a record number of 888 million rotations a year. And we continue innovating. Euro Pool System is investing in washing capacity, service centres, traceability, automatic order picking and online registration of our packaging. We are placing more focus on service provision to retailers. In practice we do far more than managing reusable packaging: our strength lies not only in our packaging, but also in the knowledge of the logistics of fresh produce and service concepts.
2019 – Growing across Europe
Euro Pool System has extended its scope to other countries in Europe like Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. That ensures that we can provide service to retailers that are internationally oriented.
LPR demonstrated its commitment to continuing to develop in Eastern Europa, enabling us to go further to be near to our customers.
2022 – Further reducing our carbon footprint
In 2022, we made further progress towards reaching our goal of reducing our carbon footprint by 20% by 2025 by implementing several improvement projects. At EPS we managed to increase energy efficiency by lowering the washing temperature of our trays and installing energy-efficient equipment. At LPR we worked closely with our transport partners and relevant sustainability initiatives, such as Lean & Green and Fret21, to reduce our emissions per movement.
Our story doesn’t end there, of course. We’re always looking forward. And that’s exactly why we remain committed to leaving the world a little better than we found it. Circularity literally means the world to us. We help our customers optimise their supply chain with our products and services, becoming more sustainable and cost-efficient. And working towards a more circular economy will continue to drive our efforts as we strive to leave a lighter footprint on our planet.
For Euro Pool System, this means reducing environmental impact by saying goodbye to cardboard and using reusable trays in the fresh supply chain, while implementing digital solutions to optimise transport flows even further. And LPR – La Palette Rouge pledges to deliver unparalleled pallet rental services, integrating into diverse logistical scenarios, ensuring optimised operations, minimised waste, and enhanced sustainability.
Join Euro Pool Group on our circular journey – get in touch now.