UFEMAT, the European association representing builders’ merchants and building materials manufacturers, has honored Hibin and URSA Benelux with the UFEMAT Sustainable Packaging Awards 2024 at the 64th UFEMAT Conference 2024. Marnix Van Hoe, UFEMAT’s Secretary General revealed both Award.

Winners during the congress galadiner at the Kronborg Castle. This prestigious accolade highlights their outstanding contributions to advancing circular packaging solutions, aligning with the industry’s commitment to reducing waste and enhancing sustainability in line with the EU’s Product Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Innovation in Circular Packaging for a Greener Future

The focus on circular packaging is a growing priority in the construction industry, as new EU regulations and rising pallet prices put pressure on the entire supply chain to innovate.

These awards, sponsored by Valipac, shine a spotlight on companies that are setting new benchmarks in sustainability.

URSA’s Game-Changing Approach to Packaging and Pallet Optimization

URSA Benelux, a leading insulation provider, was recognized for its comprehensive efforts to reduce plastic consumption and optimize pallet use.

By increasing the recycled content in packaging materials and switching to MDO foil, URSA significantly decreased the thickness and stretch of its foils while improving product compression.

This innovation allows URSA to fit 25 % more products per pallet, reducing the number of pallets and transport emissions.

Furthermore, URSA introduced reusable pallets, which have cut down on wood use and CO2 emissions, while implementing an optimized return strategy for higher pallet reuse rates.

Koen Slos, General Manager of URSA Benelux, UK & Ireland, expressed his pride in the achievement

We’re deeply honored to receive the UFEMAT Award. This recognition underscores URSA’s commitment to sustainability. Every step we take is a step towards a better future for generations to come.

Hibin’s Closed-Loop Circular Pallet Return System: A Model for Sustainability

The Koninklijke Hibin, the Dutch network of construction supply, is transforming the construction industry in the Netherlands with its Closed-Loop Circular Pallet Return System, designed to drastically reduce pallet waste and CO2 emissions on construction sites.

Thanks to the closed-loop system, managed via the 2Return data platform, producers and traders can easily track the location of their pallets.

Moreover, this makes disposable pallets up to three times more sustainable. Through this system, we’ve launched new initiatives to replace wooden pallets with higher quality, 100% recycled plastic alternatives, which are 10 to 100 times more sustainable.

Ad Blokker (Program Manager) & Hedy van Opzeeland (Director, Hibin).

Hibin expressed their gratitude for the collaboration of all participating organizations.

We thank Trebbe, ING, Meuwissen Gerritsen, Bouwcenter RAB, and 2Return for their dedication and support.

Furthermore, we would like to thank Ufemat for this wonderful recognition.