First cross-border project for reusable packaging launched

Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and northern France are to cooperate in a cross-border project to promote reusable glass containers and transport packaging. This is a first. Although reusable packaging systems already exist in each country, they usually stop at the border - while consumers and the value chains themselves do not. Examining the levers for and barriers to reusable packaging reveals opportunities to scale up. The Interpool project, part of the European Interreg grant scheme, is to start in February 2026 and will run until the end of 2029.

Interpool is mapping existing reuse systems in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and northern France to identify any bottlenecks in terms of technology, logistics and legislation. The aim is to determine what is needed so that systems can operate across national borders as well. This theoretical approach will be tested in practice, starting in 2028, in a series of pilot projects.

The timing of the Interpool project is no coincidence. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requires a 5% reduction in the total weight of packaging waste per inhabitant by 2030. At the same time, 40% of transport packaging and 10% of drinks packaging must be reusable by the same deadline. Fragmented legislation and inconsistencies between countries currently hamper the development of an efficient system that also works across borders.

Fost Plus, as expert and facilitator in the consortium of partners, is, together with Valipac, mainly responsible for the joint action plan concerning the pilot projects. For members, this primarily means an opportunity to gain early insight into what truly works across borders and which steps are meaningful towards 2030.

👉 Would you like to be the first to receive the most relevant insights and later participation opportunities? Contact us via the contact form.

PARTNERS:

- Belgium: UAntwerpen, Zero Waste Europe, New Era, MIZA, Fevia, Valipac, Comeos, GS1, OVAM, ConsomAction, Valorlux
- Germany: Mehrwegverband, GDB, Pro Mehrweg, DUH
- Netherlands: Fair Resource Foundation (LEAD), Enviu, Provincie South Holland, Verpact, Hergebruik Nu
- France: CITEO, Reseau Vrac