What is a wood packaging?
What counts as packaging is governed by the ordinance on producer responsibility for packaging. A packaging is defined as a single-use article or other product that has been produced to:
- contain,
- protect,
- present,
- deliver or in other way handle a product.
Examples of usual wood packaging are boxes for cheese or wine, pallets and cable drums.
How do I know which article number I should use?
Just like with any other packaging, you first need to determine whether your packaging should be reported as private use or other than private use. Wood boxes for cheese or wine and such, is reported as 7110 – Wood packaging single-use, private use.
Wood pallets that are part of a market-driven system for reuse is only reported the first time they are put on the market, as 7215 – Wood packaging in systems for reuse, other than private use. It is only wood packaging that are intended for reuse that should be reported as wood packaging in systems for reuse. This regards most often wood pallets, cable drums and such, and they are only reported the first time they are put on the market.
What is a market-driven system for reuse?
For handling of wood pallets and similar, there are established systems for packaging intended for multiple use, so called market-driven systems for reuse. This is where you as a producer need to be extra observant.
The concept of market-driven systems for reuse was introduced in the new ordinance that was decided on by the Swedish government in 2022. It refers to systems that can ensure that a packaging makes several rotations during its life cycle and that it can be recycled when it becomes waste. These systems must also be registered with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
These kinds of rotation systems are common for pallets, where the packaging is reused until its fully consumed. There are also pallets that are made for single-use, for this reason it’s important that you know which type of pallet you’re using in order for the report to be correct.
How do I know if a wood packaging is part of a market-driven system for reuse?
The easiest way to find out if your wood packaging is part of a market-driven system for reuse is to check the intended use with your supplier. Ensure whether you have bought a brand new pallet or if it has been in use before, since it affects if you should report it or not. Note that it’s you who buys and uses the pallet who is responsible for reporting it, not the supplier.
See the Swedish EPA:S definition of market-driven systems for reuse (in Swedish only)
Do you need further support, or want help with your report?
Don’t hesitate to contact us!