Transition arrangements for returnable deposit on Fc519 flower box

The multi-use Fc519 flower box, which is mainly used for Chrysanthemums and Lillies, is a household name in floriculture and has become one of the most widely used flower boxes over the past 20 years. Every year, we maintain the size of this packaging unit pool by purchasing new boxes and then introducing them. In spite of the sharp rise in raw material and production costs for multi-use boxes in recent years, the deposit value for the Fc519 has remained the same for over 20 years now. However, this will have to change for our packaging unit pool to continue to meet the required standard, which is why we are increasing the returnable deposit from €3 to €5 per box from Monday 15 January 2024. In addition to this increase of the returnable deposit, the transition will also see the introduction of a new design next spring. How will this transition affect you, and how will Royal FloraHolland go about organising it?

We have explored a variety of options to ensure this transition goes smoothly, both financially and in practical terms and have decided on a 're-stickering' campaign. This will take place at all Royal FloraHolland’s physical hubs, as well as at Veiling Rhein-Maas and Plantion. We certainly need the help of our growers and buyers with this.

Re-stickering campaign
Below is an outline of how the 're-stickering' campaign will work according to our current schedule:

• We are introducing a new Fc520 packaging code with a €5 returnable deposit.
• Fc519 stock at our packaging depots will have a recognisable and visible anti-counterfeit Fc520 sticker on both ends of the bottom.
• Box with stickers on bottom signifies Fc520 with €5 deposit.
• Box without stickers on bottom simply remains as Fc519 with €3 deposit.
• From Monday 15 January 2024, the switch to Fc520 will take place for supply. We are phasing out the use of Fc519.
• To ensure a smooth transition for growers, we will introduce the distribution of Fc520 from Monday 8 January 2024. Please note that supply in Fc520 will only be possible from 15 January 2024.
• Distribution of Fc519 ceases on Friday 12 January 2024.
• For the time being, we are asking our customers to return Fc519 and Fc520 to our packaging depots separately.
• Under our Packaging Terms and Conditions, you can return Fc519 up to six months after the introduction of Fc520.

New design
We are making use of this changeover to completely revamp the printing of the Fc519 (soon to be Fc520). We are developing this new design in collaboration with Stichting Chryson and the Chrysanthemum FPC, amongst others. We will be introducing this new print, which will of course immediately feature the new Fc520 packaging code, in spring 2024. The existing print (including Fc520 sticker on the bottom) will remain in use and we will gradually phase it out. As such, this will entail a transition period, during which both the old and new print can be used interchangeably.


More information
We will be providing you with more detailed information about the transition and how it will affect you in November 2023 If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please see Read more about the Transition arrangements for returnable deposit on Fc519 flower box, or contact our Customer Contact Centre.