The Hidden PPWR Challenge: Cleaning and Supply Chain Safety in Reusable Transport Packaging

This workshop addresses the growing sustainability requirements of using reusable packaging in food and logistics supply chains - but brings attention to the often-overlooked challenge: cleaning and ensuring hygiene. Participants will be introduced to real-world cleaning failures, contamination risks, and transport-related challenges, then work together to assess, solve, and improve these scenarios using a structured, risk-based approach. The workshop will introduce tools and methods developed by ENFIT and invite participants to co-create possible solutions for safe and efficient reusable packaging cycles.

Why you should attend

Reusable packaging is only truly sustainable if it is also safe. Improper cleaning, handling, or storage can lead to food safety risks, damage reputations, and increase recalls. This hands-on workshop will give you insight into the critical control points in reusable packaging systems, introduce you to practical cleaning validation concepts, and allow you to collaborate on real-life problems faced across the supply chain. Whether you're from operations, quality, or design - your input will matter.

Who should attend?

• Sustainability managers and packaging engineers
• Food safety and quality assurance professionals
• Reusable packaging manufacturers and service providers
• Logistics and supply chain managers
• Retailers and brand owners using closed-loop packaging systems
• Auditors and consultants in hygiene and transport compliance

Key takeaways and learning outcomes

• Understand hygiene risks and regulatory expectations for reusable packaging
• Learn how to design a cleaning process based on risk assessment
• Explore failure scenarios and root causes related to transport and storage
• Gain tools to assess cleaning stations and validate cleaning effectiveness
• Network with peers and discuss challenges across the value chain
• Receive an ENFIT-developed case study and checklist to use in your operations

13:30 Opening presentation on current industry challenges deriving from the PPWR for transport packaging

13:45 Presentation of real cases

13:55 Interactive poll/discussion on participant experiences and expectations

14:10 Group work - participants receive fictional but realistic problem cases (i.e. cross contamination in crate reuse, unvalidated washing process, failed visual checks), and work in small teams to analyse and propose solutions

14:50 Roundtable sharing - each group briefly presents their findings

15:05 Q&A and ENFIT wrap-up - tools available, guideline preview and next steps

More speakers coming soon!

Join us after the workshop between 18:30 - 20:00 for a pre-conference networking drinks reception.

Tickets are just €349 + VAT, and must be purchased in conjunction with a 2-day conference ticket but places are limited so we advise registering as soon as possible to avoid missing out!