Bong Retail Solutions

Our 2024-2025 CSR report is now available!

Mathilde Coutard — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 11:10:28 +0000

Our 2024-2025 CSR report is now available!

February 21, 2026

Explore our latest CSR report!

As we step into 2026, we are excited to unveil our 2024–2025 CSR report. Far more than a simple document, this publication captures a shared journey:

At Bong Retail, we firmly believe that a company’s responsibility extends well beyond its core business. Manufacturing sustainable packaging means caring for our people, protecting the environment, and nurturing meaningful relationships with all our stakeholders. It means questioning our processes, empowering our teams, strengthening partnerships, and developing solutions that tackle both climate and social challenges head-on.

CSR embedded within our management framework

Since 2020, our CSR policy has shaped every action we take and informed our strategic direction. In 2024 and 2025, we reached a new milestone by fully embedding CSR into our management framework, ensuring our day-to-day practices genuinely reflect our commitments.

This structured approach revolves around four core pillars that embody our vision for responsible packaging and our drive to generate a lasting positive impact.

We are also proud to announce the renewal of our EcoVadis Gold Medal, a recognition that positions us among the top-performing companies in our industry on CSR criteria.

Four pillars driving our CSR commitment

Social

Fostering a fulfilling workplace where every team member can thrive, through inclusion, continuous learning, and attention to everyday well-being.

Environment

Actively measuring and reducing our carbon footprint via permaculture initiatives, energy efficiency improvements, and responsible resource management.

Innovation

Co-developing high-performance, sustainable packaging solutions alongside our customers and partners, designed to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Responsible sourcing

Engaging our entire value chain by partnering with suppliers who uphold the same social and environmental standards we do.

Our outlook for 2026 and 2027

This report marks a milestone, not a final destination. We have already identified the priorities that will shape our efforts in the months ahead:

Cutting our water consumption
Improving e-commerce palletisation efficiency
Introducing reusable product lines
Carrying out Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for our products
Developing cross-functional training programmes for our teams

Every result highlighted in this report reflects the hard work and commitment of our teams and partners. We extend our sincere thanks to each of them for their enthusiasm and dedication.

Understanding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): 5 requirements for sustainable packaging

Mathilde Coutard — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:07:14 +0000

Understanding the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): 5 requirements for sustainable packaging

December 20, 2024

To address climate change, large-scale deforestation, and their harmful impacts on biodiversity, the European Union has introduced a new regulation aimed at protecting forests by fighting deforestation. The Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) was enacted in June 2023 and was set to take effect on December 30, 2024 (though a postponement is under consideration – refer to the EUDR timeline). The regulation bans the import and sale within the EU of products linked to supply chains that contribute to deforestation or the degradation of global forest ecosystems. We dig into this regulation for you.

Table of contents

The EUDR as a response to the climate and societal crisis
The goals of the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR)
Why does the Deforestation Regulation impact packaging manufacturers?
Top 5 requirements from the Deforestation Regulation
Key milestones of the EU regulation on deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR)
For further reading
Glossary

The EUDR as a response to the climate and societal crisis

Deforestation is progressing at a troubling pace, with 420 million hectares of forests lost between 1990 and 2020. This process accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, further intensifying climate change. By eliminating crucial carbon sinks, deforestation not only raises GHG emissions but also erodes biodiversity. In addition to its environmental impact, forest destruction affects local communities, especially Indigenous peoples who depend on forests for their livelihoods.

The goals of the regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR)

The EUDR sets out to accomplish three primary objectives to address deforestation and the deterioration of forest ecosystems:

Get rid of deforestation caused by imported goods

As of December 30, 2025, commodities like soy, cocoa, coffee, wood, rubber, palm oil, and livestock will be barred from being sold in the European Union if their production has contributed to deforestation.

Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The EUDR combats deforestation, helping to preserve carbon-capturing forests (carbon sinks) and aiding in the fight against climate change.

Safeguard biodiversity and indigenous populations

The EUDR seeks to protect forests, preserving natural habitats for numerous animal species and securing the livelihoods of local communities.

Member States have repeatedly expressed their concern about persistent deforestation and forest degradation. They have emphasised that since current policies and action at global level on conservation, restoration and sustainable management of forests do not suffice to halt deforestation, forest degradation and biodiversity loss, enhanced Union action is needed in order to contribute more effectively to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

European Parliament Excerpt from the EUDR project

Why does the Deforestation Regulation impact packaging manufacturers?

The European Deforestation Regulation targets 7 main products that have the biggest impact on forests: soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, wood, rubber and livestock.
For the packaging industry, including companies like Bong, this means new requirements for tracking raw materials and transparency in the supply chain. Packaging manufacturers need to work closely with their paper suppliers to trace the origin of paper and cardboard (which comes from wood) to ensure their supply chains are not linked to deforestation. They also need to meet the EUDR’s strict documentation requirements.
For those in the packaging sector, this means putting in more effort to:

Bong has been committed to an ambitious CSR strategy for years, with a key focus on adopting a responsible purchasing policy. Over 99% of the paper used in our products—such as paper bags, gift bags, e-commerce bags—comes from sustainably managed forests and holds PEFC^TM or FSC® certification. The European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aligns seamlessly with this commitment, reinforcing Bong’s dedication to sustainable practices and ensuring greater transparency in our supply chain.

Top 5 requirements from the Deforestation Regulation

The European Union’s Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation (EUDR) introduces several key measures to ensure that products linked to deforestation are not imported or placed on the European market.

Measure #1: Mandatory implementation of a due diligence system

Article 8 of the EUDR mandates that operators implement a due diligence system to minimize the risks of deforestation associated with their products.
This due diligence declaration must include:

Maintaining records

Operators are required to review their due diligence system annually and keep all related documentation, including records, measures, and procedures, for a minimum of five years. These documents must be available to the relevant authorities upon request.

1. Collection of information, data, and documents (mandatory)

As per Article 9 of the EUDR, operators must collect and share the following details:

A description of the product, including its type, commercial name, and the common and scientific names of the tree species used
The quantity of the product placed on the market
The country and/or production areas
GPS coordinates of all production sites and the production period
Contact details (name, postal address, and email) of suppliers involved in the product’s production, as well as the companies to which the product was supplied
Evidence proving that the product is “deforestation-free” and complies with the laws of the producing country

The European Commission intends to establish a database to evaluate countries based on the likelihood that they contribute to deforestation during the production of goods. If a product originates from a country classified as low-risk by the Commission (see Measure #4), operators can follow a simplified due diligence process. This process requires only the collection of the information listed above. If the product is from a higher-risk country, operators will also need to conduct risk assessments and mitigation actions, as detailed below.

2. Risk evaluation (applicable only to products from non-low-risk countries)

Article 10 outlines that if a product is not sourced from a country deemed low-risk by the European Commission, companies are required to evaluate the potential deforestation risks associated with their products. This evaluation considers several factors:

The risk level of the country of origin
The presence of forests and indigenous communities in the production area
Consultations with local communities
The extent of deforestation or forest degradation in the region
The credibility of the information used
The transparency and history of the operators
The complexity of the supply chains
The risk of contamination with products from deforested areas

3. Risk mitigation: steps to address remaining risks

If a risk assessment determines there is no threat, no further action is necessary. However, when risks are identified, businesses are required to take steps to reduce or eliminate them.

Under Article 11, companies must act to ensure their products are not associated with deforestation unless the risk has been deemed insignificant or nonexistent. Any identified risks must be addressed before the products can be sold or exported. Examples of such measures include:

Measure #2: Submitting the online due diligence declaration

Before introducing products to the EU market, and after completing the necessary information-gathering steps, operators and traders must file a due diligence declaration through an online platform managed by the European Commission. This centralised system will streamline the submission process for all declarations.The platform will enable:

Article 3 - Relevant commodities and relevant products shall not be placed or made available on the market or exported unless all the following conditions are fulfilled : a) they are deforestation-free; b) they have been produced in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country of production; and c) they are covered by a due diligence statement.

European Parliament Excerpt from the EUDR project

Measure #3: Inspections and penalties

The regulation establishes a robust system of inspections to ensure that products entering the European market comply with the rules, as detailed in Article 16 of the EUDR. Responsibility for conducting inspections and enforcing compliance lies with the competent authorities in each Member State. Businesses found to be non-compliant may face significant penalties.

Article 24 mandates that these penalties be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive, ensuring operators fulfill their due diligence obligations. Companies failing to take corrective action may be subject to:

Measure #4: Risk categorisation by country

Under Article 29 of the EUDR, the European Commission will classify countries into risk levels—low, standard, or high—based on the likelihood that their exports to the EU contribute to deforestation. This assessment considers factors such as deforestation and forest degradation rates, as well as the expansion of agricultural land for the seven key products linked to deforestation: soy, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, wood, rubber, and livestock.

The risk categorisation impacts due diligence obligations. For products sourced from low-risk countries, businesses can follow a simplified process that primarily involves gathering basic information.

Measure #5: Establishment of the European Deforestation Observatory

The EUDR calls for the creation of the EU Observatory to monitor deforestation, forest degradation, global forest cover changes, and the underlying causes. This Observatory will track and analyse global deforestation trends, serving as a central hub for data.

Leveraging advanced remote sensing tools, including those from the Copernicus program, the Observatory will provide accessible information to authorities, businesses, and consumers across Europe.

Key milestones of the EU Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation (EUDR)

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was originally scheduled to apply from 30 December 2024. Smaller businesses, including micro-enterprises, were granted an additional six-month transition period, extending their compliance deadline to June 2025.

However, in December 2024, following concerns expressed by both Member States and economic operators, the European Parliament approved a first one-year postponement of the regulation’s implementation timeline. The revised dates were set as follows:

A further delay was later introduced to provide companies and supply chains with more time to strengthen their compliance frameworks and operational readiness. The application dates are now:

For further reading

The European Deforestation and Forest Degradation Regulation (EUDR) represents a bold move by the European Union to safeguard global forests. At Bong, we view this as an opportunity to enhance our supply chains by incorporating more stringent environmental standards, aligning with the responsible purchasing goals outlined in our CSR report.
By prioritizing raw material traceability, we’re not only reinforcing our CSR commitments but also responding to the rising demand from customers for sustainable and transparent practices. Building on the earlier implementation of the PPWR regulation—discussed in this article—the EUDR reaffirms the EU’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and supporting a greener future.

Glossary:

Deforestation: The process of clearing or converting forests into land used for purposes other than forestry, particularly agricultural activities.
Key commodities: Products recognized by the EUDR as major contributors to global deforestation, such as soy, palm oil, livestock, cocoa, rubber, and wood.
Carbon sinks: Natural or man-made systems that capture and store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Forests, oceans, and soils are primary natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ through processes like photosynthesis and other biological mechanisms.
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals): A set of 17 global objectives aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting the environment, and promoting shared prosperity by 2030. These goals address a wide range of social, environmental, and economic challenges.

Sustainability

Top 10 Key Measures of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

We decode the European PPWR regulation, outlining the essential requirements for packaging and waste management applicable to countries and businesses within the European Union in the future years.

February 4, 2024

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Bong collaborates with the ESAT of Eure to promote access to work for all

Judith Lothon — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 10:00:24 +0000

Bong collaborates with the ESAT of Eure to promote access to work for all

For almost two years now, Bong and the ESAT of Eure have been collaborating to promote inclusion and access to work for all. This long-term partnership takes two forms:

welcoming people with disabilities to the Bong lightweight packaging manufacturing plant in Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, France
installing Bong finishing machines within the ESAT

This collaboration mutually benefits both the company and workers with disabilities. While this partnership enables disabled people to develop their skills and integrate into the workforce, it also encourages Bong employees to view disabilities from a new perspective.

About the ESAT of Eure

The ESAT (assistance and service centers helping disabled people into work), member of the Association for Adults and Young People with Disabilities (APAJH), welcomes 138 workers with various disabilities (motor, sensory, mental, cognitive etc.). The ESAT is dedicated to the development of worker’s skills, their socio-professional support, and their inclusion in companies through various production activities such as green space maintenance, catering, laundry services or industrial subcontracting.

A lasting partnership with mutual benefits

Development of skills for disabled workers

The partnership enables people with disabilities to develop their professional skills, integrate into the workforce and gain autonomy.

Support for inclusion

The initiative promotes social and professional inclusion of disabled workers, offering them opportunities to work in an adapted environment with mentors.

Awareness of disabilities

Bong employees are made aware of the realities of disabilities. It contributes to a more inclusive and empathetic corporate culture.

Adaptation and innovation

Bong had to adapt its processes and tools to meet the specific needs of disabled workers, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

CSR commitment

This partnership strengthens Bong’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), showcasing concrete actions for inclusion and access to work for all.

Click the button below to find out more about Bong’s CSR commitments and to download our latest CSR report listing all the actions carried out over the last two years:

Our commitments & CSR report

Bong welcomes workers with disabilities to its factory near Evreux, in Normandy

As of today, and since September 2022, several people with disabilities have been working in Bong’s workshop in Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, Normandy. They perform tasks such as manual product finishing, inserting and packaging. The integration of ESAT workers into Bong is done gradually. Each new employee from the ESAT is assigned a Bong mentor to ensure successful adaptation to the professional environment. This approach is tailored to the nature of each disability and sometimes requires the implementation of new tools to ensure optimal working conditions. Bong is proud of this long-term relationship that not only helps disabled workers integrate into the workplace but also raises awareness among Bong employees about the realities of disabilities.

Mickael, first ESAT member to join the Bong production workshop

Bong installs finishing machines at the ESAT

For people whose autonomy does not allow them to join our production workshop, Bong has installed finishing machines directly at the ESAT. As the 2 facilities are located opposite each other, this proximity has made it possible to develop a second form of partnership. On average, five people work full-time on tasks such as product folding, inserting, and perforating to finalize products manufactured by Bong.

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Permaculture at the factory: a CSR initiative by Bong

Judith Lothon — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:56:31 +0000

Permaculture at the factory: a CSR initiative by Bong

July 10, 2024

Zoom on our permaculture project at Bong Retail Solutions

In 2020, after defining its ambitious CSR policy, Bong launched its permaculture project to develop the green spaces around its French factory, located in Évreux, Normandy. After planting numerous fruit trees to create a garden forest, our employees teamed up to create a corporate vegetable garden.

What is permaculture?

Permaculture is often mistakenly associated with just another gardening practice. But it’s much more than that!

Permaculture is an approach, a philosophy, a science and an art of designing harmonious, sustainable and resilient ecosystems using nature as a model. Permaculture practices aim to create systems that are both labour- and energy-efficient and highly productive.

In short, permaculture proposes working with, rather than against, nature. We take our inspiration from the way nature works, to produce more thoughtfully while preserving biodiversity.

It brings together an ethic, a set of principles and methodological tools that can be applied to gardens, towns, businesses and so on.

The aim is to take care of nature and people, and to share resources fairly.

Our partnership with the 'Ferme des Gobettes'

Our team works hand in hand with Elsa and Thibault who are at the origin of this organic market garden farm located in Eure, in Normandy. They grow more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables, sold locally.

With their partner Charlotte, these 3 young market gardeners promote the values that we wanted to develop with our project: nontillage through the Market gardening on Living Soil (MSV) technique, the preservation of biodiversity, the will for everyone to have access to healthy food.

With the help of young market gardeners from the ‘Ferme des Gobettes’ who share the same values of protecting biodiversity, Bong has created a vegetable garden to provide its employees with fresh vegetables and fruits.

Specialized in market gardening using living soil, our partners teach Bong volunteers the techniques they have tested and approved on their own farm to grow vegetables while preserving and even improving the richness and biodiversity of the soil.

A corporate vegetable garden to learn, share as a team and raise awareness

This permaculture project alone brings together several goals:

Offering employees fun and meaningful activities
Experience new things with colleagues, meet new people and exchange ideas between departments that don't often get together
Raise awareness of the need to protect the environment and biodiversity
Provide a more pleasant working environment
Learn how to grow healthy vegetables
Develop the site so that it embodies the ecological transition that the plant is implementing

In 2023, we created a genuine company vegetable garden capable of supplying employees with vegetables. It proves that gardening with colleagues produces much more than a good crop. It is also an opportunity to interact with employees whom we rarely meet at work, raise awareness about the preservation of biodiversity and healthy food, having an outdoors leisure activity, developing a stronger sense of belonging to the company, creating connections, training about permaculture and agroecology…

– Judith Lothon, CSR Manager

The enthusiasm of the employees for this project demonstrates the importance of such initiatives in strengthening team cohesion, promoting health and well-being at work, and raising awareness of environmental protection. Bong is thus continuing its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, while creating a positive impact for its employees and the local community.

Promoting healthy eating among our employees: our harvests in pictures

In 2023, the first year with a substantial vegetable garden, the project was a real success among the Bong teams. We harvested tomatoes of all colours and sizes, multicoloured squash, green and yellow courgettes, beetroot, beans, potatoes, lettuce… Growing our own vegetables and fruits are a great source of pride! Our employees can even enjoy a cherry tomato upon arriving at the workplace or distribute the strawberry harvest to colleagues.

The permaculture adventure continues in 2024!

After a very successful harvest in 2023 and with the help of our enthusiastic collaborators, we continue to develop our corporate garden in 2024. Always accompanied by our partner, our team of volunteers has once again cleaned the garden for new plantings, planted vegetables and fruits, and sown seeds and flowers.

This year, the Bong garden has also taken on another dimension with the construction of a greenhouse. Some employees from different departments took up DIY for several hours, giving us the opportunity to grow new vegetables that are less resistant to bad weather. This greenhouse will allow us to extend the tomato harvesting period until autumn and to plant vegetables like peppers and eggplants. The greenhouse will also provide us shelter when the Normandy rain joins our sessions.

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Top 10 Key Measures of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

Judith Lothon — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 19:49:20 +0000

Top 10 Key Measures of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

February 4, 2024

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was subject to a vote by the European Parliament on November 22, 2023. Its objective is to establish a unified legislative framework across all European Union member states, aiming to collectively meet waste reduction targets. We delves into the main measures and obligations established by the PPWR for European nations and economic organizations.

Glossary: how is the term ‘packaging’ defined within the PPWR regulation?

‘Packaging’ means items of any materials that are intended to be used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery or presentation of products and that can be differentiated into packaging formats based on their function, material and design.

Table of contents

1. “Packaging is a key environmental concern”

2.PPWR’s mission: Minimize the environmental harm caused by packaging and packaging waste

3. Zoom on 10 main measures from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Requirement #1: All packaging shall be recyclable by 2030
Requirement #2: Compulsory Integration of Recycled Materials in Plastic Packaging
Requirement#3: Minimize Packaging Weight and Volume
Requirement #4 : Plan and Facilitate Packaging Reuse
Requirement #5: Communicate Packaging Material Information
Requirement #6: Communicate Packaging Reuse Information
Requirement #7: Ensure the Reuse of Transport Packaging
Requirement #8: EU Conformity Declaration for Packaging
Requirement #9: Member states must decrease the quantity of packaging waste.
Requirement #10: States are mandated to attain distinct recycling objectives

4. PPWR: Negotiations and a complex implementation journey

5. Bong Retail Solutions: A Planet-Conscious Packaging Specialist

“Packaging is a key environmental concern”

In the initial sections of the project, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation acknowledges a critical diagnosis: the increase of packaging coupled with low-reuse and recycling rates have resulted in a notable surge in CO2 and other emissions, along with the overexploitation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and pollution.

The project raises three main phenomena:

There is a concerning rise in waste generation among Europeans, with an average of nearly 180 kg of packaging waste per individual annually. Total packaging waste generation in the EU has risen from 66 million tonnes in 2009 to 78.5 million tonnes in 2019. Without intervention, this figure is projected to surge by 19% by 2030, reaching an even more alarming 46% for plastic waste.
A significant number of packaging materials cannot be recycled or reused easily. From 2012 till 2020, the share of unrecyclable packaging has grown significantly. Additionally, the labeling intended to assist consumers in correctly sorting their packaging waste is currently unclear.
The production of packaging, particularly plastic packaging, doesn’t use enough recycled materials (secondary raw materials).

PPWR's mission: Minimize the environmental harm caused by packaging and packaging waste

“The Conference on the Future of Europe demonstrated that people and civil society organisations across the EU are calling for strong action on waste prevention, packaging waste management and packaging circularity through the increased use of recycled materials.”

European Parliament

Excerpt from the PPWR project

On November 22, 2023, in response to these predictions and a growing environmental consciousness, the Parliament voted on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) project presented by the Environment Commission.

The legislative proposal approved by the European Parliament is designed to “minimize the adverse effects of packaging and packaging waste on the environment.” It achieves this goal by setting forth requirements that cover the entire life cycle of packaging, from the selection of raw materials to the ultimate disposal, applicable to all EU member states.

The PPWR specifically targets the following objectives:

Decrease waste generation, particularly excessive packaging, with a specific focus on reducing plastic waste by 5% by 2030 compared to the levels in 2018.
Guarantee the recyclability of all plastic packaging.
Encourage the adoption of circular economy practices and the reuse of packaging.
Enhance the utilization of recycled materials and secondary raw materials in the manufacturing of packaging.
Improve consumer information by implementing better labeling and marking on packaging.

Zoom on 10 main measures from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Requirement #1: All packaging shall be recyclable by 2030

Chapter II on “Sustainability Requirements” – Article 6

The first crucial measure of the PPWR mandates that, starting from January 1, 2030, all packaging, regardless of the materials employed (cardboard, paper, plastic, etc.), must be specifically designed for recyclability.

According to the PPWR, for packaging to be considered recyclable, it must adhere to the following criteria:

The packaging must be designed to be recycled
The packaging can be separately collected in an effective and efficient manner
The packaging must be routed to a well-defined waste stream without jeopardizing the recyclability of other waste streams
The packaging should be recyclable to a degree where the resulting secondary raw materials are of sufficiently high quality to substitute primary raw materials
Capable of large-scale recycling (from 2035)

Additionally, beginning January 1, 2030, packaging falling into performance class E will no longer be categorized as recyclable.

Requirement #2: Compulsory integration of recycled materials in plastic packaging

Chapter II on “Sustainability Requirements” – Article 7

Effective January 1, 2030, plastic packaging or the plastic component of packaging must incorporate a minimum percentage of recycled materials retrieved from plastic waste.

The percentages are specified in the PPWR as follows:

30%

for contact sensitive packaging made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as the major component

10%

for contact sensitive packaging made from plastic materials other than PET, except single use plastic beverage bottles

30%

for single use plastic beverage bottles

35%

for plastic packaging other than those referred just before

Starting in 2040, there minimum percentage of recycled content derived from the recovery of plastic waste raises to 50%, with the exception of single-use plastic bottles, for which the requirement is set at 65%.

Requirement #3: Minimize Packaging Weight and Volume

Chapter II on “Sustainability Requirements” – Article 9

This PPWR measure focuses on the reduction of both weight and volume in packaging to avoid excessive packaging and eliminate unnecessary empty spaces. Packaging weight and volume should be minimized, ensuring consideration for the safety and functionality of the packaging. Packaging designed solely to enhance the perceived volume of the product, such as double walls, double bottoms, or unnecessary layers, will be prohibited. Compliance with this requirement must be validated with technical documentation.

Moreover, the presence of empty space, especially during goods transport, must be minimized. Spaces filled with materials like paper shavings, air cushions, bubble wrap, or other padding materials are categorized as empty space.

Our e-Green ecommerce bags were specially designed to reduce the weight and volume. Made of FSC® certified paper, this flexible paper packaging is lightweight, resistant and adapt to your product to reduce shipping costs and waste.

Requirement #4: Plan and Facilitate Packaging Reuse

Chapter II on “Sustainability Requirements” – Article 10

This measure is geared toward encouraging reuse and fostering a circular economy. For packaging to qualify as reusable, it must be deliberately designed, crafted, and marketed with the explicit purpose of being used multiple times (or refilled) for a purpose similar to its original design.

The responsibility for planning and organizing the reuse lies with the producer, who is also obligated to inform the end consumer of the specific packaging’s reuse possibilities.

Our e-Double and e-Green paper e-commerce bags are designed with a double strip, an excellent way to facilitate customer returns while helping to limit the impact on the environment

Requirement #5: Communicate Packaging Material Information

Chapter III on “Labeling, Marking and Information Requirements” – Article 11

Within 42 months of the regulation taking effect, packaging must display a label explicitly stating the materials used to produce the packaging. While this directive excludes transport packaging, it is applicable to electronic commerce packaging.

Requirement #6: Communicate Packaging Reuse Information

Chapter III on “Labeling, Marking and Information Requirements” – Article 11

Packaging intended for reuse must, within 48 months of the regulation’s initiation, feature a label specifying reuse possibilities. Additionally, it must incorporate a visible and permanent QR code (or alternative digital support) to give more details on the potential for reuse.

Requirement #7: Ensure the Reuse of Transport Packaging

Chapter IV on “Obligations of economic operators” – Article 26

Companies employing transport packaging such as pallet packaging and straps for product transportation must guarantee that 10% of this transport packaging is reusable starting from January 1, 2030. This percentage requirement will elevate to 30% on January 1, 2040.

Similarly, for companies utilizing transport packaging in the form of pallets, plastic crates, foldable plastic boxes, buckets, and drums, it is incumbent upon them to ensure that 30% of this transport packaging is reusable from January 1, 2030. This proportion will further increase to 90% as of January 1, 2040.

Requirement #8: EU Conformity Declaration for Packaging

Chapter IV on “Obligations of Economic Operators” – Article 14

Suppliers of packaging or packaging materials are obligated to furnish the manufacturer with comprehensive information and documentation (in either paper or electronic format). This provision is essential for enabling the manufacturer to substantiate compliance with the requirements outlined in the PPWR.

Requirement #9: Member states must decrease the quantity of packaging waste

Chapter VII on “Management of Packaging and Packaging Waste” – Article 38

States are required to diminish the amount of packaging waste generated per capita in a phased manner, with each member state of the European Union aiming for gradual reductions compared to the levels observed in 2018:

waste reduction per capita by 2030

10%

waste reduction per capita by 2035

15%

waste reduction per capita by 2040

Requirement #10: States are mandated to attain recycling objectives

Chapter VII on “Management of packaging and of packaging waste” – Article 46

65%

A minimum of 65%, by weight, of all packaging waste produced must be recycled by December 31, 2025.

70%

A minimum of 70%, by weight, of all packaging waste produced must be recycled by December 31, 2030.

PPWR Regulation: negotiations and a complex implementation journey

Following its endorsement by the European Parliament on November 22, 2023, the Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) was presented to the environmental ministers of member states on December 18, 2023, during the Council of the European Union. Extensive negotiations ensued among the Twenty-Seven to accommodate diverse national interests. The outcome reflects the Council’s commitment to curbing packaging waste production while affording member states ample flexibility in implementing the regulation. Additionally, the enforcement of the text experiences a one-year delay, taking effect 18 months post-adoption.

Meanwhile, other EU countries like France and its 2020 Anti-Waste Law for a Circular Economy took proactive measures to encourage waste reduction and combat single-use plastic, predating the intervention of the European Parliament and the publication of the PPWR.

Bong Retail Solutions: a planet-conscious packaging specialist

At Bong Retail Solutions, we take pride in being a dedicated partner committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. We have crafted product ranges with a focus on decreasing their impact on the planet. Our responsibility is to take immediate action towards circular economy by enhancing every phase of a product’s life cycle, ultimately transforming it into a reusable raw material for new products.

In our commitment to sustainability, we pledge to provide a paper alternative for every plastic-based products. For example, we address the need for plastic shipping bags by developing durable, recyclable, and reusable FSC® paper e-commerce solutions. These alternatives are well-suited for a wide range of e-commerce products, facilitating eco-friendly choices, including convenient customer returns with a double adhesive strip.

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Our 2022-2023 CSR report is now available!

Judith Lothon — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:39:56 +0000

Our 2022-2023 CSR report is now available!

January 26, 2024

Download the latest Bong CSR report!

In early 2024, we are introducing our new CSR report, an overview of the initiatives undertaken throughout 2022 and 2023 in collaboration with our clients, staff and stakeholders.

As we are a company committed to reduce our impact on the planet, our role is to create innovative packaging solutions that convey our clients’ identity, while incorporating CSR concerns into our business practices. We are dedicated to addressing future challenges through innovation while implementing measures to reduce our environmental footprint, and valuing our most valuable asset – our collaborators.

Reflecting on CSR Initiatives in 2022 & 2023

What a journey it was since 2020 when we published a challenging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy! Our teams worked hard to achieve progress through various means such as:

developing new products
carrying out a carbon footprint analysis to define an action plan to reduce it
raising awareness among our employees about sustainable development and the preservation of biodiversity
integrating individuals with disabilities into our factory
adopting a more responsible purchasing policy
reevaluating production processes to minimize paper consumption, energy use, and waste generation.

These few examples of CSR initiatives undertaken in 2022 and 2023 were made possible through the active involvement of all Bong teams. Our CSR report also showcases our certifications, serving as a reflection of our daily efforts and evidence of our commitment over the years.

We keep our focus in 2024 and 2025!

As we step into 2024, our commitment to enhancing our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance remains steadfast. Our teams are actively engaged in initiatives aimed at reducing water consumption, enhancing waste treatment methods, developing the packaging of tomorrow, and ensuring energy from renewable sources.