EU lowers reuse requirements for pallet straps and wrapping under PPWR
Key takeaways
- The EC has lowered the reuse requirement for pallet straps and wrapping from 100% to 40% under PPWR.
- A study found that a full reuse mandate would cause disproportionate adaptation costs for operators.
- The delegated act marks the first legal adjustment of the PPWR.
The European Commission (EC) has exempted pallet straps and wrapping from the EU’s 100% reuse requirement in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The packaging items are now subject to a 40% reuse requirement, after a study found that “exclusive use” of reusable pallet wrappings and straps for transport could lead to disproportionate adaptation costs for companies.
“The exemption ensures operators can meet the overall 40% reusability target without facing undue burdens associated with specific packaging components, aligning sustainability goals with current technological and financial realities,” states the EC.
To exempt pallet straps and wrapping from the PPWR, the EC adopted a delegated act — the first time the legal instrument has been used for the new regulation.
The PPWR states that, from January 1, 2030, 40% of transport and sales packaging must be reusable. The regulation applies to formats such as pallets, foldable-plastic boxes, boxes, trays, plastic crates, intermediate bulk containers, pails, drums, and canisters, including pallet wrapping and straps.
Addressing excessive packaging
The EU’s PPWR entered into force in February 2025, aiming to address “pressing environmental challenges caused by excessive packaging” and to drive innovation in the sustainable solutions space.
The EC continues: “Harmonized European packaging rules will also benefit businesses, as they create a level playing field for industry. Companies will need to comply with a single set of rules rather than navigate the current patchwork of national rules. This will reduce complexity and compliance costs.”
As well as reuse targets, the PPWR also introduces mandatory recyclability by 2030 and a minimum recycled content requirement for plastic packaging.
“These measures will significantly cut GHG emissions, water use, and environmental costs in the packaging sector,” concludes the EC.
Last month, the EC’s Joint Research Centre published its proposed harmonized waste-sorting label system for packaging, which adopts a material-based approach rather than a collection destination-based approach.
Meanwhile, the European Aluminium Foil Association and Flexible Packaging Europe established a European alliance to enhance the recycling of small aluminum packaging at the start of the year.
