Circular by design. Proven in 2025.
How reusable packaging is already reducing carbon, improving traceability and shaping the future of European retail supply chains.
"2025 was the target year of our carbon reduction ambition we set in 2017. We have been working hard to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency and using sustainable materials in our products. This approach has paid off: we reduced the carbon footprint per tray movement in 2025 by 41% compared to 2017, easily surpassing our target."
Gerjo Scheringa
CEO Euro Pool Group
We set a 20% target. We hit 41%.
ESG at a glance
Our 2025 achievements confirm our ESG commitment and our ability to innovate in response to environmental challenges.
renewable electricity
in our service centres
less freshwater consumption
with our water reutilisation solution
recycled content
in green trays
100% renewable energy by 2030
Within our own facilities, we continue to increase the use of renewable energy. In 2025, more than 90% of the electricity used in our operations originated from renewable sources.
We are also diversifying our modes of transport, including greater use of multimodal shipping, which is reducing emissions.
To reduce the climate impact of tray production, we have established requirements regarding renewable energy use by our manufacturing partners. As a result, partners are progressing towards our shared ambition of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
We achieved a total water-reuse performance of 18% over 2025
Water reuse remains a central lever in EPS. In 2025, we introduced a formal Water Management Policy to reduce pressure on water resources, limit harmful discharges and ensure operational resilience. In 2025, we expanded our water treatment systems across the network, reducing freshwater dependency. These installations can recover up to 70-80% of washing water and contribute to lower energy use through warm-water retention.
We continuously increase the amount of recycled content in our trays
In 2025, Euro Pool System made clear progress in increasing recycled content in its tray production. Regrind material in green tray production rose from 8% in 2024 to 14%, while green trays represented 83% of the total pool.
At end-of-life, recovered tray material is recycled and reintegrated where possible into new tray production, supporting a more circular system. EPS aims to reach 30% regrind material across all production by 2030, while meeting strict food-grade requirements.
Making our progress measurable
Validation of EPS’s science-based climate targets
In 2025, we took a significant step forward by securing validation of our near-term science-based target from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for the entire Group. This validation confirms that our decarbonisation pathway aligns with a 1.5°C trajectory.
EcoVadis performance and carbon management
In 2025, EPS completed its first EcoVadis assessment and was awarded a Bronze medal. Companies are scored on a scale of 0 to 100, and only those ranking within the top 35% of all companies assessed globally are awarded an EcoVadis medal, making the recognition strictly erformance based.
Limited Assurance
We believe that achieving measurable goals - and reporting on them consistently and transparently - is essential to building trust throughout the value chain.
In 2024 and 2025, on our way to full CSRD-reporting across all material ESRS topics, we extended the scope of our limited assurance to include ESRS E2 General Disclosures, E1 Climate change, E3 Water and G1 Business Conduct.
SMETA
Both divisions use external SMETA 4-Pillar audits to evaluate suppliers’ risks relating to labour rights, health and safety, environmental performance and business ethics.
In 2025, 14 SMETA 4-pillar audits were completed within the EPS supplier base, focusing on higher-risk and strategic suppliers.
Circularity operating at a European scale
We are Europe’s leading service provider of reusable packaging, enabling circularity across the continent’s retail supply chains. With more than 30 years of experience and operating in 38 countries, we manage a circular pooling system that connects growers, food producers, wholesalers, and retailers across Europe.
operational countries
service centres
rental trips
EPS: A circular business model by design
Trays move in a closed loop: delivered to food producers, transported to distribution centres and stores, then returned to EPS service centres for inspection and washing before re-entering circulation. This process supports consistent product protection and hygiene standards while reducing single-use packaging and avoidable waste. At the end-of-life, trays are grinded to granulate which is reused in the production of new trays, making the system as circular as possible.
Each trip represents more than movement. It reflects a shared effort to boost efficiency, minimise waste and lower carbon emissions across the value chain.
ll
Customers no longer view us only as a service provider, but as an authority and advisor helping them advance their sustainability ambitions.
One of the most meaningful achievements of 2025 for me was the further integration of sustainability into our culture. It has become an integral part of day-to-day operations, with shared ownership across teams. At the same time, customers are increasingly recognising EPS as a trusted partner and source of expertise, seeking guidance not only on operational matters but on broader ESG strategy and regulatory developments.
We will continue to build on this momentum in 2026. Priorities include a SMETA audit at our central office and implementing EcoVadis corrective action plans, both aimed at improving our own ESG performance.
Koen Morshuis Managing Director EPS
Euro Pool System is a key partner in supporting the continuity and efficiency of our supply chain. Their ability to align capacity with our operational rhythm helps ensure smooth and reliable store deliveries
Johan Ideler
SVP Logistics & Supply Chain, Member of the Executive Committee, Delhaize
Delhaize & EPS
For over 20 years, Euro Pool System (EPS) has been partnered with Delhaize to improve the performance and sustainability of retail supply chains. What began as a collaboration focused on reusable packaging has developed into a broader partnership centred on optimising logistics flows.
A key step in the collaboration is the Reverse Logistics Distribution Center (RLDC) in Zellik, near Brussels. Following a comprehensive selection process by Delhaize, Euro Pool System established and operates this facility in close proximity to Delhaize’s distribution activities. The RLDC enables the centralised handling of all return flows. Reusable assets such as trays, dollies and pallets are collected, sorted and prepared for rapid re-entry into circulation. In parallel, single-use materials, including cardboard and one-way pallets, are consolidated and processed responsibly.
