Smart reusable plant trays

THE PLANT wholesale sector has been dominated by disposable solutions since records began. Today, more than 95% of plant trays on the market are single-use, creating a significant environmental burden. In Germany alone, this equates to around 150 million trays – or 21 million kilograms of plastic waste – every year. The UK faces a similar challenge, with horticulture and retail supply chains still heavily reliant on disposable plastics.

Although the UK is no longer bound by EU legislation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) coming into force across Europe in 2030 signals the direction of travel. From January 2030, single-use plastic trays will be banned for domestic transport and internal company shipments across the EU. It’s highly likely that the UK will continue tightening restrictions on single-use plastics too, driven by government targets, corporate ESG commitments, and consumer demand for sustainable solutions.

For growers, wholesalers, and retailers in both the UK and Europe, reusable systems are becoming essential to remain competitive, cut waste, and align with international partners.

EPT, a leading provider of reusable trays, sought a smart labelling solution to ensure complete traceability and real-time inventory control. The system needed to track the return flow of trays across the supply chain, and at the same withstand tough horticultural conditions.

Inotec developed a bespoke RFID inmould label that can withstand high temperatures during production. Using the inmould process in injection moulding, the label becomes an integral part of the reusable tray. This inseparable bond makes it perfectly suited for sustainable circular systems in plant wholesale.

The labels are: flush with the surface for protection; waterproof and chemical-resistant; UV-stable and scratch-resistant; and durable against mechanical impact.

Despite the limited space available on the tray, the compact label provides an excellent read range and ensures maximum functionality. With RFID scanning, trays can be quickly identified by serial number, enabling faster and more reliable distribution tracking than conventional barcodes.

For the UK horticulture sector, this level of traceability and durability is particularly valuable. It supports compliance with future sustainability legislation, provides transparency for retailers and regulators, and ensures reusable trays can be efficiently managed across national and international supply chains.

To meet EPT’s requirements, Inotec integrated an NXP RAIN RFID chip from the UCODE family, designed for robust performance even under changing environmental conditions. Its broadband capabilities also ensure compatibility across different countries – a crucial factor for UK businesses trading with European partners.

Key advantages

● Efficient traceability – Clear text, barcode, QR code, and RFID for full supply chain transparency.

● Process optimisation – Real-time tracking improves planning and makes empty trays traceable at all times.

● Bulk scanning – Up to 1,000 trays can be read simultaneously.

● Durability – Resistant to scratches, smears, UV exposure, water pressure, and cleaning agents.

With its RFID inmould labelling solution, Inotec has helped EPT set a new industry benchmark for reusable packaging. For the UK market, the case demonstrates how technology-driven reuse systems can replace millions of disposable trays, cut plastic waste, and deliver both cost savings and regulatory compliance.

For more information, visit www.inotec.com

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