French wood federation challenges EPR tariffs for pallets and crates

The Fédération Nationale du Bois (FNB) has disputed the contribution tariffs set by France's three eco-organismes for the new extended producer responsibility scheme covering professional wood packaging, due to start on 1 January 2027. The federation says the French rates of EUR 7.91-9.00 per tonne are 32-50% higher than the EUR 6 per tonne tariff announced in Spain, despite France's established pallet repair and recycling networks, and is demanding publication of the calculation methods.

Why this mattersHigher EPR costs than in Spain could weigh on the cost base and competitiveness of French wood pallet, crate and case makers from 2027.

• EPR scheme for professional wood packaging takes effect in France on 1 January 2027
• Citeo Pro set a tariff of EUR 9.00 per tonne, Leko Pro EUR 8.07 per tonne and TWIICE EUR 7.91 per tonne
• Spain's announced tariff for wood packaging is EUR 6.00 per tonne, a gap of about 32-50%
• FNB says it has repeatedly asked the three eco-organismes, coordinator OCAEPRO and the Ministry of Ecological Transition for the economic assumptions behind the tariffs without success
• The scheme mainly covers wooden pallets but also crates and cases used for transport and packaging

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