STRAP - Sustainable solutions for transport packaging.

Transport packaging such as pallets, big bags and foils play a crucial role in the logistics chain. They protect goods and ensure efficient transport processes, but also generate significant waste streams. With the new project STRAP, VIL supports companies to reduce packaging waste, in line with the European packaging directive, the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This directive imposes stricter requirements for reducing and reusing packaging.

STRAP helps companies in the logistics sector develop and implement sustainable alternatives to single-use packaging without sacrificing functionality or affordability. "This project offers a unique opportunity for companies not only to comply with regulations, but also to play a pioneering role in sustainability initiatives within the logistics chain," said Geert Verbelen, project leader at VIL.

Getting concrete with STRAP

Various activities are organized within STRAP to support companies:

• Inventory the legal framework and impact of regulations.
• Analyze existing packaging methods and root causes of unnecessary use.
• Develop and test alternative packaging solutions in laboratories and field environments.
• Organize workshops and demonstration sessions to encourage knowledge sharing.
• Conduct impact assessments and develop tools to convince clients to make sustainable choices.
• Formulate concrete recommendations for further steps.

STRAP in practice

Giardino, producer of high-quality garden wires, is one of the participants in STRAP. Edwin Lips, business manager, says: "Our threads connect gardens, not the planet. Less packaging waste means more responsibility, and that's what we're striving for together. Through STRAP, we hope to discover concrete and applicable alternatives that will help us reduce our carbon footprint while complying with new regulations."

Colruyt Group, one of the main retail players in Belgium, is also participating in STRAP. Bram Rimaux, Department Head of Supply Chain, explains: "Collaboration and standardization within logistics projects help us tackle complex challenges more efficiently and achieve better results. The use of reusable packaging, such as the Smartbox, also contributes to a significant reduction in packaging waste, which aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals."

Project participants

Biscuiterie Thijs, Chep, Coca, Colruyt Group, Giardino, Katoen Natie, POM Limburg, Rotom, Scania, Topa Packaging, EVAL Europe, Twintag, Federal Mogul and Engels Logistics.

VIL's partners in this project are UHasselt and Valipac

This project is co-funded by VLAIO.