In figures:

• The Flower Eco Sheet is expected to last at least five years.

• This results in significant material and cost savings.

• The payback period is approximately 14 weeks with an average reuse of 28 times.

Reusable plastic transport boxes

In 2024, Paardekooper started a collaboration with Newwen to make the transport sector more sustainable. Newwen is a leading player in reusable and traceable logistics materials. Together we introduced plastic (PP) transport boxes that can be reused up to 25 times. The boxes are easy to clean and available in both new and recycled materials. They can also be equipped with smart technologies, such as RFID and QR codes, for a more efficient and sustainable supply chain. In addition, the boxes can be folded flat, which means they take up minimal space when returned.

• The pilot was successful, with return rates of between 95% and 97% per cycles.

• An LCA study into the environmental impact of the Floraloop shows that, after just 5 rounds, the buckets have lower carbon emissions than comparable single-use buckets.

• Our own calculations, which are currently being externally verified, show that after 50 rounds, compared to comparable single-use buckets, material savings can be up to 85%, carbon emissions can be reduced by 75% and water consumption can be reduced by 60%. Even washing the buckets after each run uses less water than producing a new bucket for each use.

Floraloop: the circulation of reusable flower buckets

Floraloop is an innovative concept. Each reusable bucket has a unique RFID sticker, which allows us to optimise cycle time, lifespan and efficiency, thus minimising the environmental impact. The total costs are sometimes even lower than disposable buckets because the buckets are used about 50 times and, in the case of the Netherlands, results in lower costs associated with the waste management contribution that must be paid. In addition, paying a deposit is not required.

In 2024, we ran a large-scale pilot with reusable flower buckets in collaboration with a retailer, a flower packer, a transporter and a washing company

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Flower Eco Sheet: the reusable tulip sleeve

The Flower Eco Sheet is an alternative for paper tulip sheets. The idea came from Robin Barnhoorn, export manager at ColorPack, one of our customers. The large amount of paper that was thrown away had been bothering him for years. ‘The reusable tulip sleeve puts an end to this waste. We save 15 m³of paper waste per week and the processing time has been halved.’

The sleeve is more sustainable, efficient, cheaper, and offers optimal protection. The covers are strong and do not absorb moisture. Thanks to the fibrous structure, the flowers stay perfectly in place and there is less chance of crooked stems. In addition, the Flower Eco Sheet provides additional time savings: it clamps itself closed, and only one sleeve is needed per crate instead of two. The reusable tulip covers can be washed after every season. And when the Flower Eco Sheet reaches the end of its life, it is fully recyclable after removing the tie strap.