From warehouses to doorsteps: Understanding tertiary packaging and how to meet legal obligations

If you own an online store, you are probably already familiar with the primary packaging that surrounds your product and the secondary packaging that groups several individual items together. But have you ever wondered what happens when those packages leave your warehouse and make their way to the end customer? This is where tertiary packaging plays a key role.

What is tertiary or transport packaging?

Tertiary or transport packaging is not intended to present the product on the store shelf. Its main purpose is to protect goods during transport, storage, and handling, thereby facilitating logistics processes and preventing damage. Think of transport boxes, cartons, protective pads, and films used to secure packages and pallets for transportation. All of this packaging is part of a comprehensive process that ensures the product reaches the customer undamaged.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR): Why is it important for e-commerce?

The concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmental approach that requires companies to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, including packaging. This means that it is your responsibility as a company to ensure that the packaging you put on the market is collected and recycled properly.
In Slovenia anyone who places any type and amount of packaging on the market is obliged to report and pay packaging fees. For online stores that send packages by courier services, this also includes transport, i.e., tertiary packaging.

How can Interzero support you in fulfilling your obligations?

If you are sending your packages to customers in Slovenia and you don´t have an office in Slovenia, you will need to choose an authorised representative, who will manage your environmental obligations in this market. With Interzero you can transfer your packaging EPR obligations to us and we will also act as your authorised representative, ensuring your obligations are met. This greatly reduces the administrative burden on your company and ensures compliance with the law.
The process is simple and can be completed in just few steps:
1. Registration: register your company and fill in your contact information in order to calculate the offer without any obligations.
2. Data entry: Fill out the online form on the Interzero website and enter information about the type and quantity of packaging you place on the market. It is important to accurately record all materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic, wood, and other materials you use for packaging.
3. Conclusion of the contract: Based on the information you provide, we will prepare an offer and a contract for you. A flat-rate offer is available for companies that place less than one ton of paper or less than 0.5 tons of plastic packaging on the market annually.
4. Transfer of obligations: Once you have signed and returned the contract, your obligations are successfully transferred to Interzero. We take over your responsibility for packaging management and relieve you of complex reporting and compliance with legal requirements. You only need to submit your quarterly reports through our online app.

Tips for sustainable packaging

Now that you have opted for a sustainable solution, you can do even more for the environment:

• Optimize your packaging: Use packaging that is as light and small as possible to reduce the amount of waste. According to the new upcoming PPWR the void space in packaging should be as small as possible. For example, for traders of electronic goods the void space in their packages ratio must not exceed 50%. Void space refers to the space in packaging filled with filler materials such as paper, air cushions, bubble wrap, foam, or similar.
• Choose recyclable materials: Give preference to materials that can be easily recycled (e.g., paper, cardboard).
• Reuse materials: Where possible, use materials you have already received for secondary or tertiary packaging. There are already reusable packaging solutions, like for example RePack, for e-commerce packages available on the market.
• Educate your customers: Include instructions on how to recycle the packaging correctly. This will encourage your customers to act in an environmentally responsible manner and strengthen your reputation.

By properly addressing packaging issues, you not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute to a more sustainable future, which is important for your business and the planet.

WEEE

Be sure to also consider taking care of your EPR obligations in Slovenia if you are selling electronic and electric equiptment (WEEE) to Slovenian end consumers. You are also required to appoint an authorised representative, like Interzero who will support you with your obligations in the Slovenian market. If you need more information about WEEE please visit our EPR portal on this link.