A blossoming future for recyclable plant trays

24.09.2025 SUSTAINABILITY

In Europe alone, around 500 million disposable plant packaging items end up in the rubbish every year, with a recycling rate of only around 50 per cent. The Euro Plant Tray initiative wants to change this with a reusable system. POLYTEC is not only a supporter, but also an active development and production partner.

GOODBYE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC

A EUROPE-WIDE INITIATIVE

In 2022, renowned DIY chains and plant wholesalers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, France and Norway joined forces to form the Euro Plant Tray initiative. They all want to switch to a reusable system for the transport and storage of plants.

The potential is enormous – up to 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste can be saved annually.

CO₂-NEUTRAL HIGH-TECH PRODUCTION

IN EBENSEE (AT)

POLYTEC won the Europe-wide tender with a particularly innovative concept and developed tailor-made solutions for the 200 series plant trays in close cooperation with the customer.

Series production has been underway at the Ebensee site since summer 2025 – CO₂-neutral, with highly automated lines and in-mould labelling. Each tray is equipped with RFID, 2D and barcode labels ex works, enabling seamless integration into digital logistics processes.

WELL-THOUGHT-OUT DESIGN

FOR PLANTS AND PEOPLE

Well-thought-out details such as integrated channels and irrigation openings ensure an even water supply, even during transport. The stackable, user-friendly design with ergonomically shaped handles and rounded edges makes handling and transport easy, even with just one hand.

SUSTAINABLE

IN THE MATERIAL CYCLE

The robust plant trays are designed for over 100 usage cycles and a service life of at least 10 years. At the end of their service life, the trays can be collected and recycled at the company's own facility in Ebensee – in line with the cradle-to-cradle principle. This makes it possible to keep resources in circulation and avoid material losses.

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