On February 25, 2026, the European Commission officially adopted the first authorizing act of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), explicitly exempting the 100% reuse obligation for stretch film and strapping used to secure palletized goods during transport, balancing circular economy goals with the practical feasibility of business operations.
The PPWR, which officially came into effect on February 11, 2025, aims to address the environmental problems caused by excessive packaging and promote the packaging industry's transition to a circular economy. Article 29 of the original regulation stipulated that pallet stretch film and strapping used within companies and between companies in the same member state must meet the 100% reuse target. This exemption decision was previously communicated to the European Plastics Film Association (EuPF) in October 2025, and official confirmation and implementation were completed around February 25.
The European Commission's exemption is based on a specific feasibility study, which showed that mandating 100% reuse of pallet stretch film and strapping would impose disproportionately high retrofit costs on businesses, especially those with automated packaging processes. These companies would need to invest heavily in equipment upgrades, system restructuring, and personnel training, increasing their compliance burden.
It's important to note that the exemption does not mean a relaxation of environmental requirements. The PPWR explicitly stipulates that from January 1, 2030, businesses operating within the EU must ensure that at least 40% of their transport and sales packaging is reusable, covering pallets, plastic crates, and medium-sized bulk containers. Pallet stretch film and strapping remain included in this overall target.
The European Commission stated that this exemption reflects a "balanced approach," upholding the core direction of promoting a circular economy while aligning with current technological levels and economic realities, helping businesses achieve compliance goals within a reasonable cost range. It is understood that the authorization bill was open for public comment until the end of 2025, with the final decision based on industry feedback and practical assessments.
These new regulations will directly impact all companies involved in palletized transport within the EU, effectively reducing compliance costs for businesses while creating space for the development of a sustainable packaging industry and promoting the continuous improvement of the packaging lifecycle management system.
