October 21, 2025 – The European Commission is planning exemptions from the 100 % reuse obligation under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) for pallet wraps and strapping bands, applicable from January 1, 2030. These packaging formats are to be unconditionally and indefinitely exempted from the reuse requirement set out in Article 29 (2) and (3). Industry associations such as European Plastic Films (EuPF) and the German IK – Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen welcome this as a pragmatic and science-based recognition of economic realities.
According to EuPF, the draft reflects the findings of a Deloitte study commissioned by the European Commission, which identified significant cost and emission increases in the event of a full transition to reusables. A life cycle assessment by the IFEU Institute even found that reusable alternatives could lead to up to 1,700 % higher greenhouse gas emissions.
The reuse target of 40 % from 2030 and the non-binding aspirational clause of 70 % from 2040, as set out in Article 29 (1) of the PPWR and relating specifically to cross-border transport packaging, are also being criticized by the associations. They argue that the proposed exemptions should logically extend to this area as well, since reusable pallet wraps and strapping bands are neither ecologically nor economically feasible in cross-border logistics.
While the European Commission still hesitates, it has indicated plans for a “pragmatic and realistic” approach when developing the implementing act that will define the methodology for calculating reuse targets.
IK Managing Director Martin Engelmann emphasized: “The proposed exemption is an important step toward restoring market confidence and reducing bureaucracy in packaging requirements.” He called on the Commission to take the next step and abolish the 40 % requirement, stating: “If reuse makes no ecological sense for these packaging formats, there must be a complete exemption.”
Conclusion:
The planned PPWR exemption is a key signal for greater realism in European packaging policy. It demonstrates that environmental goals and economic feasibility must go hand in hand – including in cross-border transport.
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EKO-PUNKT GmbH & Co. KG
Vanessa Herzog
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