Page 56 - Plastics News March 2026
P. 56
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
PALLET WRAPPING AND STRAPS EXEMPT FROM 100%
REUSE REQUIREMENT UNDER PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE REGULATION
T he exclusion marks the first application of is reusable. This requirement applies to formats
a Delegated Act under the law.
such as pallets, foldable-plastic boxes, boxes,
The European Commission adopted a Del- trays, plastic crates, intermediate bulk contain-
egated Act today (25 Feb) exempting wrapping ers, pails, drums, and canisters, including pallet
and straps used to secure goods on pallets dur- wrapping and straps.
ing transport from the EU’s new 100% reuse re- The exemption ensures operators can meet the
quirement. overall 40% reusability target without facing un-
due burdens associated with specific packaging
components, aligning sustainability goals with
current technological and financial realities.
This balanced approach reinforces the EU’s
commitment to advancing a circular economy
while acknowledging operational feasibility.
Background
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
entered into force on 11 February 2025. It aims
to address the pressing environmental challeng-
es caused by excessive packaging and to create
opportunities for businesses involved in recy-
cling and sustainable packaging solutions.
The Regulation introduces measures such as
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandatory recyclability by 2030, minimum re-
(PPWR) had previously set a 100% reuse target cycled content in plastic packaging, and reuse
for the two items when used within companies targets. These measures will significantly cut
and between companies in the same Member greenhouse gas emissions, water use and envi-
State, but both items will now be exempt from ronmental costs in the packaging sector.
this rule.
Harmonised European packaging rules will also
In response to stakeholder feedback, the Com- benefit businesses, as they create a level playing
mission carried out a study to assess the feasibil- field for industry. Companies will need to comply
ity of an exemption. It concluded that the exclu- with a single set of rules, rather than navigating
sive use of reusable pallet wrappings and straps the current patchwork of national rules. This will
for transport operations when used within the reduce complexity and compliance costs.
same company or among linked or partner com- The Delegated Act on the exemption of pallet
panies, or for deliveries within the same Member wrapping and straps from the 100% reuse target
State, could lead to disproportionate adaptation was open for public feedback between 10 De-
costs.
cember 2025 and 9 January 2026.
The PPWR stipulates that, from 1 January 2030, Source - https://environment.ec.europa.eu
economic operators in the EU must ensure that
at least 40% of transport and sales packaging
56 PLASTICS NEWS March 2026
