The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) members consist of thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants around the world who are together united by one essential goal – promoting the place of plants in people’s lives.
AIPH is responsible for approving the world’s most exceptional horticultural expos creating long lasting green legacies in cities across the globe.
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Learn moreAIPH hosts several conferences, webinars and events such as the International Grower of the Year award throughout the year. Read about these along with the latest news about the association’s activities.
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The report contains insights on production and consumption of the floriculture industry in Thailand, imports and exports, and business opportunities
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While many in the horticulture sector are just beginning to think about circular packaging, Euro Plant Tray (EPT) has been quietly designing the future. Founded in Germany in 2022 by more than 30 members of the green supply chain, EPT represents a bold, collective step toward eliminating single-use plastic in plant transport—without compromising on efficiency, appearance, or practicality.
With several models already in circulation and more on the way, EPT has built a scalable system that delivers on both environmental responsibility and commercial value. For growers, traders, and retailers, it’s a clear example of how industry-led collaboration can shape a smarter, cleaner supply chain.
“Production started in late summer 2024,” explains Flora Späth, Head of Sales and Marketing at EPT. “Our multitray EPT 775, for 10.5–13cm pots (Normpack 400 equivalent), was the first to enter the market. It’s part of our multitray system, as are EPT 769 and EPT 768—designed for pots from 9–10.5cm and 10.5–13cm Normpack 200 equivalent, respectively.”
Not every tray follows the same model. “EPT 777, for instance, was created specifically for orchids and other top-heavy plants in 12cm pots. These can mainly be found in the indoor assortment. It’s all about stability in transport and display.”
EPT’s innovation pipeline is still in full swing. Späth adds: “Just last month in March, we launched a new tender to develop additional tray models to be ready ahead of the spring season in 2026.”
These new models, which are designed to complement the 400 series for pots 9 – 10.5cm, will further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the horticulture and packaging industries. More models will follow.
To help businesses transition from one-way packaging without draining liquidity, EPT offers flexible rental options with annual instalments. This means growers and suppliers can align with legislation without front-loading significant costs, providing a financially accessible and future-proof solution.
To make this possible, EPT itself must pre-finance tray production—and they’ve done so creatively. One standout method is crowd investing.
EPT trays are now widely used in DIY stores in Germany—and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Retail staff appreciate the uniform appearance at the point of sale, which replaces the former patchwork of black, grey, and brown trays with a clean, cohesive look.
From growers to wholesalers, the benefits are clear: EPT trays are easier to handle, reduce damage, and speed up logistics. Every tray is equipped with a barcode, 2D Datamatrix, and RFID labels, making them automation-ready and easy to track.
Though 2030 may seem far off, Späth urges businesses not to delay: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come—but worried about how few companies are ready. It takes time to align IT systems, get logistics partners on board, and set up turnaround agreements with clients and partners. And yes, we’re a reuse-oriented industry—think of trolleys and flower buckets—but reuse packaging for plant transport requires its own planning.”
Through partnerships with two platforms, EPT opened investment opportunities to the public. Over 1,500 individuals have already invested, with one platform reaching its target within just a few months in 2024.
This signals growing public confidence in sustainable solutions. Crowd investing not only provides the necessary funds for tray production but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility in the journey towards sustainability.
Learn more at the crowdfunding website WiWin (www.wiwin.de) or directly via the EPT website (www.europlanttray.com)
This article was first published in the April 2025 issue of FloraCulture International.
