Returnable crates

Check that the supplier has an affiliation agreement with Svenska Retursystem AB or another reuse system in accordance with Packaging – Reuse SS-EN 13429:2004 or an equivalent standard.

It is suitable to apply this requirement for whole fresh fruit and vegetables that are not sensitive to repackaging. On agreement with the supplier, other relevant product groups can also be included in the requirement, such as cheese. There is a corresponding advanced level requirement that covers a larger section of the value chain within the food sector; see the Returnable crates for increased circularity requirement (Requirement ID 11462).

It is important to conduct dialogue and a market analysis before setting the requirement so as to assess what kinds of tenderer are able to join a return system and what other products are suitable for delivery in a returnable crate. A connection to a return system must also be implemented in the organisation's own operations, such as through the application of deposits and a coordinated distribution of goods. 

Read more about market analyses under Innovation in  procurement. Svenska Retursystem is developing a common return system for the distribution of goods in the food sector. All interested parties in the industry are collaborating in developing a system that is as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible. Distribution is done with the help of returnable crates.  

Further information about Svenska Retursystem.

The size of the climate impact of packaging can vary in relation to the foodstuffs that are packaged. For fruit and vegetables, the climate impact of packaging in relation to the product is assessed to be medium (5-25 percent) to large (>25 percent).¹ It is desirable to reduce the amount of single-use packaging also for other types of foodstuffs and thereby contribute to a more efficient use of resources.

Returnable crates used for handling foodstuffs can result in a reduced environmental burden because the returnable crates and returnable pallets are used hundreds of times and then recycled. Returnable crates and returnable pallets are also adapted for use in automated processes. A coordinated washing of returnable items also ensures that water consumption is minimised and that energy used for washing is fully utilised. Returnable crates have a long service life and can also be recycled when they reach end-of-life.

¹The climate impact of primary packaging for different food groups. Basis for climate certification. Report 2009:1 (In Swedish).

The version date indicates when the sustainability criterion was created or last updated. Last reviewed dated tells when we last checked that the sustainability criterion still is relevant.

2016-12-16: Changed type from award criteria to technical specification, changed level from core to spearhead