{"id":11852,"date":"2026-04-01T10:56:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T07:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets-2\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:13:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T13:13:17","slug":"ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"PPWR Article 29: Why 40% Reuse Targets are Unachievable for Transport Packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a rare display of total industry alignment, over 60 European trade associations have issued a joint statement regarding the European Commission\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/environment.ec.europa.eu\/publications\/commission-delegated-decision-exempting-certain-economic-operators-use-pallet-wrappings-and-straps_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">latest Delegated Act<\/a> under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets\/#The_Technical_Impossibility_of_Reusable_Stretch_Film\" >The Technical Impossibility of Reusable Stretch Film<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets\/#The_Economic_and_Environmental_Paradox\" >The Economic and Environmental Paradox<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets\/#A_Fragmented_Approach_to_the_Circular_Economy\" >A Fragmented Approach to the Circular Economy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets\/#The_Call_for_Science-Based_Consistency\" >The Call for Science-Based Consistency<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/ppwr-article-29-transport-packaging-reuse-targets\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">While the Commission\u2019s move on <strong>February 25, 2026<\/strong>, to exempt pallet wraps and straps from 100% reuse targets (PPWR Article 29(2) and 29(3)) is a critical step, a significant obstacle remains. The industry warns that maintaining a 40% mandate for the same materials under Article 29(1) creates a dangerous regulatory inconsistency that threatens both supply chain safety and economic competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Technical_Impossibility_of_Reusable_Stretch_Film\"><\/span><strong>The Technical Impossibility of Reusable Stretch Film<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The core of the industry&#8217;s concern lies in material performance. Pallet wrapping films and strapping tapes are the primary load-securing tools of global logistics. They are engineered to provide maximum tension and structural integrity.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Once a pallet wrap is cut at its destination, it immediately loses its functional capacity. Unlike a plastic crate or a wooden pallet, which can be washed and reused, a cut film is technically waste. The joint statement highlights that, as of early 2026, no proven reusable alternatives exist at scale that can guarantee the same level of <strong>load stability, product integrity as well as worker safety.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Economic_and_Environmental_Paradox\"><\/span><strong>The Economic and Environmental Paradox<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Beyond the technical difficulties, the financial implications are also staggering. Independent studies commissioned by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plasticsconverters.eu\/post\/understanding-the-impacts-of-switching-to-reusable-pallet-packaging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><strong>European Plastics Converters (EuPC)<\/strong><\/a> estimate that enforcing mandatory reuse for pallet packaging could impose an additional <strong>\u20ac4.9 billion in annual costs<\/strong> across key sectors, including retail and beverages. These costs stem from the need for dual packaging lines, expensive return logistics and specialized cleaning infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Moreover, there is a significant environmental paradox. While &#8220;reuse&#8221; sounds sustainable, the specialized logistics required to return, wash and redistribute heavy-duty reusable pallet covers can actually increase CO2 emissions. The same studies mention that the carbon footprint of a mandatory reuse system for stretch film was found to be up to <strong>1700 % higher<\/strong> than high-efficiency, recyclable single-use alternatives.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11832\" src=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/52-1024x768.png\" alt=\"Warehouse pallets with stretch film wrap showcasing the logistical challenges of PPWR Article 29 reuse mandates.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/52-1024x768.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/52-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/52-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/52.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Fragmented_Approach_to_the_Circular_Economy\"><\/span><strong>A Fragmented Approach to the Circular Economy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">By acknowledging that these formats are unsuitable for 100 % reuse, the Commission has effectively admitted the technical limitations of the material. Yet, leaving the 40 % reuse target untouched creates a fragmented regulatory framework. For a manufacturer, a 40 % target for a non-reusable material is just as unachievable as a 100 % target; it simply introduces legal uncertainty.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Call_for_Science-Based_Consistency\"><\/span><strong>The Call for Science-Based Consistency<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The associations, representing a broad alliance of the plastics, paper, glass, chemical and consumer goods industries, are calling for a swift adoption of a <strong>Delegated Act<\/strong> that exempts pallet wraps, straps and comparable transport solutions from the 40 % target as well.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The industry is not asking for a pass on sustainability. The regulation should prioritize:<\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><strong>High-Level Recyclability:<\/strong> Ensuring 100 % of film is captured via closed-loop collection.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Increased Recycled Content:<\/strong> Mandating the use of post-consumer recyclate (PCR) in new films.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Material Reduction:<\/strong> Using advanced pre-stretch technologies to minimize the weight of film needed per pallet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Concl<\/strong><strong>usion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">For the PPWR to remain a successful pillar of the <a href=\"https:\/\/commission.europa.eu\/strategy-and-policy\/priorities-2019-2024\/european-green-deal_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">European Green Deal<\/a>, it must reflect the operational realities of the European supply chain. Turning packaging design into a matter of unmanageable financial and safety risk serves neither the environment nor the economy.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Therefore, the industry awaits a response that prioritizes scientific evidence and logistical safety over arbitrary percentage thresholds. Ensuring a workable, proportionate framework is the only way to safeguard European competitiveness while achieving true circularity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over 60 European trade associations have issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to exempt pallet wraps and straps from PPWR Article 29 reuse targets. The industry warns that the current mandate is technically and economically unfeasible.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11833,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11852","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advocacy-enforcement-en","category-543","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11852"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11852\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11860,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11852\/revisions\/11860"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.packlab.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}