PPWR update: Clarification on stretch film and strapping bands

Important relief for the industry

The new EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) places far-reaching requirements on companies along the entire supply chain. In this context, a recent clarification from the EU provides important guidance: Disposable strapping and pallet stretch film are exempt from certain reusable obligations.

Background

The PPWR aims to significantly reduce packaging waste and strengthen the circular economy in Europe. Binding reuse quotas and reusable targets for transport packaging are a central component.

Important clarification from the EU

In the course of drafting the regulation, it was determined that:

• Pallet stretch films
• Strapping bands

do not fall under the strict requirements for mandatory reuse (in particular the 100% reuse targets for certain transport packaging).

This decision is based on technical and ecological assessments that show that reusable solutions in these areas are currently often impractical or even disadvantageous.

What still applies

Despite this exception, these packaging solutions remain fully within the scope of the PPWR. This means that

• Compliance with Substance restrictions (e.g. heavy metals, PFAS)
• Requirements for Recyclability
• Documentation and verification obligations
• Future requirements for Labeling and transparency

In addition, overarching reusable quotas may continue to be relevant, the specific design of which is currently still being clarified.

Classification

The exception represents an important, practical adjustment to the regulation. It shows that, in addition to ambitious environmental targets, the EU also takes technical and economic feasibility into account.

For companies, this means

• More planning security in the area of transport packaging
• At the same time, however, there is still a need for action in terms of material selection, recyclability and documentation

Conclusion

The PPWR brings far-reaching changes for the packaging industry. The current clarification on stretch film and strapping is an important signal for practice, but is no substitute for a comprehensive examination of the upcoming requirements.

More information on the PPWR

You can find more information on the PPWR here: https://www.prodinger.ch/ppwr-was-die-neue-eu-verpackungsverordnung-fuer-schweizer-unternehmen-bedeutet/