The Bundeskartellamt has approved a reuse system proposed by Euro Plant Tray eG to reduce plastic waste in the plant trade sector. The system aims to replace single-use plastic trays with a shared reuse system for B2B transport of pot plants.

The Bundeskartellamt emphasized that sustainability initiatives must comply with competition law rules. The project was deemed consistent with competition requirements as it reduces plastic waste and promotes effective competition, innovation, and prevents price increases and quality reductions.

The key factors that led to the approval were the reduction of coordination and information exchange among market participants to the necessary extent, collection of company-specific data through a neutral third party, voluntary participation in the reuse system open to all market participants, and the option for members to use trays from other providers.

The Bundeskartellamt will soon publish a detailed case summary. The authority provides guidance to companies on competition law criteria related to sustainability initiatives to ensure alignment with competition requirements.