Industry Coalition Seeks Exemption for Transport Straps and Pallet Wraps Under New EU Packaging Regulation

A coalition of European packaging industry associations is advocating for a delegated act to exempt transport straps and pallet wraps from the reuse requirements outlined in the European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Background on the PPWR

The PPWR, part of the EU's Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, aims to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainable packaging solutions. Key provisions include:

• Recyclability: All packaging must be designed for recyclability by 2030.​industrylink.eu+8TÜV SÜD+8PR-Web+8

• Recycled Content: Binding quotas for recycled content in plastic packaging will apply from 2030.​fynax+5TÜV SÜD+5PR-Web+5

• Reuse Targets: The regulation sets binding reuse targets for various packaging types, including a 40% reuse quota for transport and sales packaging by 2030.​Ramboll Group+10PubAffairs Bruxelles+10Packaging Europe+10

• Material Restrictions: The use of certain substances, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is restricted in food contact packaging.​PR-Web+3greensofttech.com+3PubAffairs Bruxelles+3

Industry Concerns

The industry coalition, comprising organizations like European Plastics Converters (EuPC), IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK), and Elipso, argues that applying reuse targets to transport straps and pallet wraps is impractical. They contend that these materials are already recyclable and often contain post-consumer recyclate. Moreover, the coalition emphasizes the lack of effective alternative materials and the potential negative impacts on transport efficiency and safety.​Packaging Europe

In November 2024, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič acknowledged that the full reuse obligation for pallet wrapping and straps poses challenges related to transport efficiency, safety, economic consequences, and environmental impacts. He indicated that addressing this issue through a delegated act is a priority.​Packaging Europe

Next Steps

The European Commission is expected to conduct a study to assess the exemption requirements for these packaging formats. The results are anticipated in the first half of 2025, with legally binding exemptions potentially being established in the second half of the year.​Packaging Europe

The outcome of this initiative will have significant implications for the packaging industry, particularly for companies involved in the production and use of transport straps and pallet wraps.​

For more information on the PPWR and its implications, please refer to the official EU documentation and industry publications.