Sustainability and the circular economy: The often underestimated role of commercial and transport packaging

Contents:

• What are commercial and transport packaging?
• Commercial packaging in the cycle: How it works
• Legal framework for transport packaging
• How to take action – tips for more sustainable transport
• Conclusion: Commercial packaging – an underestimated lever for sustainability

 

Packaging as the key to sustainable business? Commercial packaging such as pallets, plastic film and cardboard boxes accompany almost every delivery of goods, whether in e-commerce, brick-and-mortar retail or industry. And they have a large ecological footprint.

However, by rethinking the design, use and return of this packaging, you can make a measurable contribution to resource conservation while also preparing for upcoming legal requirements.

How is packaging used to transport goods from retailer to retailer classified under the Packaging Act (VerpackG)? And what do companies need to consider when taking back packaging? We provide an overview and answer the most important questions.

 

What are commercial and transport packaging?

Commercial and transport packaging refers to all packaging that is not used by private consumers, but rather in retail, industry or by logistics service providers. It accompanies products on their journey from the manufacturer to the point of sale – and sometimes even beyond.

They are therefore used to transport goods between individual stages of trade, commerce and craftsmanship, and are generally used in the B2B (business-to-business) sector. They protect products from damage and weather influences and help to ensure that goods can be transported safely.  

Typical examples of commercial packaging are:

• Sturdy cardboard boxes for B2B shipping
• Transport packaging made of wood or plastic
• Reusable transport packaging, e.g. stackable plastic boxes or folding crates
• Wooden pallets such as Euro pallets (flat pallets)
• Barrels and canisters made of wood, metal or plastic
• Bags and foam trays
• Anti-condensation bags to protect against condensation
• Packaging to protect against electrostatic discharge (ESD packaging)
• Wrapping films, protective films and foam inserts
• Stretch film or strapping bands for securing goods during transport
• Filling materials such as bubble wrap, foam film or packaging chips

These types of packaging often have a longer service life than traditional sales packaging used by private consumers, but they are not always recycled in a meaningful way.

 

Commercial packaging in the cycle: How it works

Commercial packaging rarely takes center stage, yet it is a key component of the B2B supply chain and can be a lever for greater sustainability. However, whether it contributes to this depends largely on how it is designed, used and recycled.

It is particularly worthwhile for companies that put large quantities of transport packaging into circulation to pay closer attention to its design. One way to promote the circular economy is to use reusable transport packaging. This can be used repeatedly, thereby saving not only waste but also CO₂. The use of recyclable materials such as corrugated cardboard or mono-plastics is also suitable if no reusable solution is available. Companies that actively invest in their return logistics reduce their disposal costs in the long term.

In short, those who view commercial packaging as part of a closed cycle turn a legal obligation into a real competitive advantage. And, at the same time, they are preparing themselves for upcoming regulations such as the PPWR, which will require significantly greater recyclability.

 

Legal framework for transport packaging

Anyone who puts packaging on the market bears responsibility, even in the commercial sector. Transport packaging is subject to different obligations depending on the country and intended use. In Germany, it is regulated by the Packaging Act (VerpackG) – in other EU countries, some regulations are comparable, while others are significantly stricter.

Commercial and transport packaging in Germany

Transport packaging is subject to take-back obligations (Section 15 of the Packaging Act), which means that companies that place such packaging on the market must ensure that it is collected and recycled. Anyone who ships transport packaging therefore has what is known as producer responsibility, which is linked to a take-back obligation and a registration obligation with the Central Agency Packaging Register.

In Germany, we don't talk about licensing transport packaging, but rather about ‘exempting’ it. This means that manufacturers have to make sure that the packaging they send out – pallets, crates, cartons, wooden boxes, plastic boxes, stretch film – is collected from the recipients after use and then sent for recycling.

Furthermore, the final distributors of transport packaging are subject to an information obligation. Here, end consumers must be provided with comprehensive information about the return options for transport packaging and its purpose.

In addition, there is a duty to provide evidence. This means that companies must keep records proving that they have complied with their take-back and recycling requirements. The evidence must be presented to the competent state authorities upon request.

Commercial packaging in other EU countries

More and more countries are extending their EPR (extended producer responsibility) regulations to commercial packaging.

Examples:

• France: Since 2025, transport and outer packaging in the B2B sector has also been subject to system participation.
• Spain: New registration and labelling requirements have also applied to commercial packaging since 2025.

Transport packaging in the context of the PPWR

The planned EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will introduce significantly stricter requirements for all packaging, including transport packaging. Plans include:

• Reducing empty space in packaging
• Minimum standards for design for recycling
• Reusable quotas for certain transport packaging (e.g. in mail order)

 

How to take action – tips for more sustainable transport

Commercial packaging doesn't just have to be functional; it can also be a real driver of sustainability in your supply chain. A strategic approach to packaging management not only saves resources and CO₂, but also future-proofs your business.

Here are five practical approaches you can start with right away:
Review and reduce packaging materials: Not all packaging is necessary – and not all materials are useful. Ask yourself:

• Can we make packaging smaller or lighter?
• Are there materials with better recyclability (e.g. monomaterial instead of mixed materials)?
• Can the use of plastic be reduced by using wooden transport packaging or paper alternatives?

Switch to reusable transport packaging: Single-use packaging generates a lot of waste – especially with recurring B2B deliveries. The solution: reusable transport packaging, e.g.:

• Foldable plastic boxes
• Stackable crates with QR code tracking
• Robust pallet frames made of wood or metal

Tip: Reusable systems are particularly worthwhile for fixed delivery relationships, such as between central warehouses and branches.

Establish return logistics: Reusable packaging only fulfils its ecological potential if it is returned. Therefore:

• Consider return processes (e.g. via reverse logistics or partner companies)
• Introduce tracking systems
• Establish clear responsibilities within the company
  
  

Actively improve recyclability: Recycling starts with design. Take the opportunity to design packaging for recycling right from the start:

• Separable materials
• No unnecessary coatings or labels
• Standardised formats and materials that can be recognised in the sorting process

Think internationally when it comes to compliance: Does your commercial packaging leave the United Kingdom? Then check early on:

• Is there an EPR registration requirement in the destination country?
• Does the packaging need to be labelled?
• What are the requirements in France or Spain, for example, for take-back and reusable quotas?

With a good overview of your packaging flows and country-specific requirements, you can ensure that you are operating sustainably and in compliance with the law across borders.

 

Conclusion: Commercial packaging – an underestimated lever for sustainability

Packaging intended for transport from retailer to retailer is often bulky, heavy and elaborately designed to provide the best possible protection for the goods being transported. Distributors and retailers must ensure that the materials are disposed of properly (and, since 1 July 2022, register with the LUCID reporting register). Those who do not wish to take action themselves to ensure that their packaging is recycled correctly can commission a specialist environmental service provider such as Interzero to take on this task. As a rule, the packaging used is then collected directly from customers and recycled where possible or, if recycling is not possible, disposed of in accordance with the law.

Sustainability does not begin with the product, but with the packaging. Those who rely on clever systems, reusable materials and clear processes for commercial packaging save costs, fulfil their obligations – and noticeably improve their own environmental balance.

Working together with Interzero for a sustainable future

With over 30 years of experience, Interzero is the go-to company in the market for the return and recycling of transport packaging. Would you like to know how your commercial packaging can be made more sustainable and compliant with the law? We can help you analyse packaging flows, identify potential for optimisation and prepare for upcoming regulations such as the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR).