Euro Plant Tray eG (EPT) has recently finalized agreements with two key service providers to enhance its operations
Pool Operator partnership with HB RTS
Logistical Support: HB RTS will handle the logistical setup of EPT‘s new
reusable plant tray pool. This includes managing hire volumes with EPT
clients and offering optional services such as one-to-one exchanges of
broken items, cleaning, and transport
Delivery and Expansion Plans: The first EPT trays will be delivered from
production facilities starting in August 2024. Gradually, depots will be established
across Europe, beginning with the main hubs of the green industry
and expanding over the coming years.
Dirk Bansemer, Managing Director of Euro Plant Tray GmbH, commented, “We
are delighted to partner with HB RTS. Their extensive European network and
experience managing various reusable transport items (RTIs) in the retail sector
will ensure efficient handling of our contract stock. They will also support EPT
users in improving or outsourcing parts of their RTI management, offering new
opportunities for efficiency and streamlined processes.”
Eric Schrover, CEO of HB RTS adds: “We are proud to become EPT‘s new pool
operator. It‘s a next step in increasing the use of reusable transport packaging
within industry and retail across Europe, which aligns perfectly with our mission.
As RTI experts, we play a crucial role in promoting the circular economy.
By combining our expertise with advanced systems, we are the ideal partner to
manage a European pool effectively and sustainably.”
Technology partnership with inotec Label Excellence
Advanced RFID Solutions: EPT clients‘ handouts will be registered via
RFID scanning based on serial numbers, an even more efficient process
compared to scanning 2D Datamatrix Codes. RFID solutions offer enhanced
item management over traditional barcodes or simple quantity
registration.
Durable RFID Tags: inotec has developed an RFID label specifically for
EPT that withstands high temperatures during the inmould production
process and performs reliably under the harsh conditions of the green industry.
This development considered existing RFID solutions like those on
CC Containers and within retail environments, ensuring compatibility with
users‘ existing RFID scanning equipment.
Stefan Meyer from inotec stated: “RFID solutions for RTI identification are at the
heart of an efficient reusable system. Thanks to the unique identification with barcode
and RFID labels, you can always keep track of the location, contents, and
condition of your EPT trays. This not only facilitates inventory but also optimizes
replenishment and planning of your logistics processes in the EPT reusable
cosmos.”
Collaborative Efforts
inotec and Winckel, in collaboration with the European EPC Competence Centre
(EECC), will assist users aiming to enhance their RTI management through RFID
scanning. Currently, two pilot projects are underway with EPT members to gain
further insights within the green supply chain, serving as references for future
users.
“Tracking RTIs based on GS1 standards give insights and benefits for all partners
in the circular handling. All partners will profit from an open data exchange
with own business cases from production, logistics to order fullfillment and
sales” claims Conrad v. Bonin, CEO of the EECC.
The independent EECC Innovationlabs offers advise for own business cases and solutions for Supply Chain tracking since 20years and is pioneer in Auto ID since 2004.
For more information about EPT depots, services, and RFID solutions, visit
www.europlanttray.com