Recycle is good. Reuse is better - and how PRS makes it happen

From regulation to real impact: how reusable pallets support circular supply chains across Europe.

In 2022, the EU generated an estimated 186.5 kg of packaging waste per person. To address this, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is setting a bold new course for how packaging should be designed, used, and recovered. 

While recycling has long been promoted as a sustainable step, the PPWR prioritises reuse;  because reuse delivers far greater environmental benefits. 

At PRS, we’ve embraced this principle for years. Our closed-loop pooling system delivers durable, high-quality pallets that circulate across the supply chains within the petrochemical industry. Our reusable pallets are built to last and align with the PPWR’s circular vision. 

The problem with single-use pallets vs. one-way alternatives 

Single-use (CP) pallets, often made from lightweight or low-durability wood, are discarded after a single trip, often ending up in landfills or incinerators. Even when recycled, they require collection, transport, and processing, which consumes energy and generates emissions. These systems also drive the ongoing demand for virgin timber and contribute to high environmental costs. 

Why reuse beats recycling 

Recycling breaks materials down for reprocessing. Reuse avoids that altogether, keeping pallets in use, maintaining their original shape and purpose with minimal additional input. 

Under the PPWR, packaging must be not only reusable by design, but actively reused through a system like pooling. 

The environmental benefits of reusable pallets 

• Less wood: One PRS pallet can replace 20 to 50 single-use pallets over its lifespan, saving up to 200 kg of timber. 

• Lower emissions: PRS pallets can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 40%. 

• Less waste: Our pallets are refurbished and reused, not discarded. 

• Less energy use: Refurbishment requires far less energy than recycling. 

• Circularity in practice: Pallets stay in use as long as possible and are responsibly recycled at end-of-life. 

PRS’s pooling model aligns directly with the PPWR’s waste hierarchy: prevent, reuse, and only recycle when necessary. 

Watch our CEO Ingrid Faber explain how we’re supporting customers in the shift to reuse, and why it matters now more than ever. 

If you want to dive deeper into what the PPWR means for your operations, we’ve created a dedicated PPWR section on our website. There you’ll find practical insights, useful guidance, and a direct way to get in touch with our experts.