Adnkronos Reggio Emilia, March 13 (Adnkronos/Labitalia) – The States General of companies active in the repair, reuse and management of pallets took place today in Reggio Emilia, a fundamental event to take stock of regulatory developments, technical innovations and development opportunities in the sector. The event, promoted by Conlegno, a consortium that has been protecting biodiversity and forestry heritage for 25 years, in collaboration with Rilegno, the national consortium for the recovery and recycling of wooden packaging, represented a moment of discussion of great importance.
The focus was on the growth of the sector, driven by sustainability, the introduction of new certifications and the adoption of circular economy processes.
Today, wooden pallets are confirmed as competitive in many respects, thanks to a virtuous ecosystem based on phytosanitary traceability (Fitok), the Epal system and the discount of the Conai environmental contribution (about 90%) through the Perepal system. The data confirm the solidity of the sector: in 2024, the sector generated a turnover of over 1,7 billion euros. 2.306.064 tons were released for consumption in 2024, with a variation of 2,89% compared to 2023, and 183.915.107 pallets, with a variation of 2,33% compared to the previous year.
The sector is already equipped for the entry into force of the New EU Packaging Regulation, scheduled for August 2026. This regulation will represent a turning point for waste management and will accelerate the transition to a circular economy model throughout the European Union. The meeting saw the participation of experts and professionals in the sector, including the President of Conlegno, Massimiliano Bedogna, the President of Rilegno, Nicola Semeraro and the President of Epal Italia, Riccardo Casadei. The agenda included numerous multidisciplinary technical interventions, addressing key issues for the future of the sector.
In particular, among the topics covered: pallet reuse in Italy and the new guidelines on the End of waste discipline for the recovery and recycling of wooden packaging; fire regulations applied to the sector; guidelines for the purchase of used pallets; the new law on pallet exchange; the Pefc recycled certification for environmental sustainability. "In Italy we have two green mines: the underutilized Italian forest and the wood recovery and reuse supply chain", said Massimiliano Bedogna, president of Conlegno. "We must work together to reduce waste, promote technological innovation and develop an ecodesign that improves the efficiency of packaging. Furthermore, with Rilegno we can maximize recovery and recycling, reducing the use of virgin wood through alternative technologies".
Rilegno President Nicola Semeraro highlighted the importance of regenerating wooden pallets, a process that is increasingly widespread among member companies: "In 2023, we regenerated over 70 million pallets, equal to 909.210 tons of wood. A recent study by the Milan Polytechnic estimated that the regeneration supply chain generated an economic impact of 1,31 billion euros, supporting approximately 4.500 jobs. Added to this is a significant environmental benefit: regeneration avoided the emission of 842.767 tons of CO2, compared to the use of wood for energy production".
Epal Italia President Riccardo Casadei underlined the importance of the Epal system for the Italian brand industry and logistics, which with its network of 207 companies dedicated to the repair and reuse of Epal pallets under the control of an independent third party is already ready to face the challenges of the New EU Regulation on packaging one year in advance: "With its approximately 400 million movements in Italy (source Liuc) the Epal system is the most reused pallet in Italy". The event underlined the importance of a healthy and resilient sector, ready to take on the challenges of the ecological transition and the circular economy, consolidating its strategic role in the Italian and European industrial landscape.